2019 Year-End Retreat to the Smokey Mountains and Dollywood
It’s that time of the year again – Vanderbilt’s tenth cohort of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows traveled recently to the Great Smoky Mountains for year-end reflections. The weekend retreat offered opportunities to explore the history and culture of East Tennessee, as well as explore the meaning of the many experience and memories gained during the Fellowship year.
The weekend retreat was a time for the Fellows to share and collectively reflect on the various experiences while away from home in the U.S. Gerard (Burundi) said, “Participating in the end of fellowship year retreat was very helpful to me in so many ways. Spending time with other fellows and Humphrey staff and share our views in a relaxed environment was one of the memorable moments of my Humphrey Fellowship Year.” Asif (Pakistan) also felt that “Retreat was the time to relax and reflect as we were going to see off the year and start a new chapter in life. it taught us reflection, team work and adopting to different situations in life.”
The Fellows also took this time to embrace the meaningful relationships they have made with each other over the course of the year. As stated by Julius (Slovakia), “Playing games together builds a good team, solving problems together and sharing make great friends.” Jenny (Chile) commented on the camaraderie she felt at the retreat: “I highlight the connection that we lived like Humphrey Fellows and the team. We had the opportunities to share from our essence the best of ourselves.” For many Fellows, this retreat was treasured as a time to connect before departing back home. Neda (Iran) stated that “The most important take-away is my exchange with other fellows. I had many bilateral encounters with almost everyone, and got to know them more.”
The Fellows enjoyed the beautiful scenery of east Tennessee on a day-hike through the Smoky Mountains. Jon (South Africa) said, “I’m grateful to have glimpsed the rare significance of Smoky Mountain National Park and its biodiversity!” The Fellows were also fascinated by all the history of this land. They enjoyed a stop at the Sugarland Visitor Center before embarking on their trek in the woods.
On Sunday, the Fellows visited Dollywood while the Festival of Nations is in its full bloom. There, they enjoyed learning the extraordinary stories of Dolly Parton and her 
commitment in improving the life of her home community as well as children around the world. They tasted traditional Southern cuisine, visited museums, and some even rode a roller-coaster for the first time! We had some brave Wild Eagles in the group! Ivana (Argentina) stated after the ride was over that “Roller-coasters look scarier from the ground than from the top.” Thank you, Dollywood for having us again!
In reflecting on the weekend retreat, Marcela (Mexico) said, “I’m happy with the openness to share and connect with fellows.” Islam (Palestine) also noted that, “No spectacle can widen your horizon unless you broaden your mind and celebrate the different ways people perceive this world.” We are all grateful for a weekend devoted to sharing, connecting with each other and continuing to widen our horizons.
