Considering Chocolate University? Q&A with Chocolate University’s Class of 2023
By Anna Mercer
Considering applying for Chocolate University’s Class of 2025? CU’s most recent alumni from the Class of 2023 have some words of advice for you. These alumni returned from Tanzania a little over a year ago, but their memories and takeaways are as relevant as the day they returned. These students were in your shoes two years ago as they decided to apply for the CU business immersion program. Their responses to these questions provide a personal look into the minds of our youngest CU alumni, and will help new applicants see the unique impact and uncomparable value of this experience.
Who should apply for Chocolate University?
“Anyone and everyone! If you’re a high school student and this sounds even a tad interesting to you, apply! Yes, the trip is to learn about business, chocolate, and other cultures, but I promise you will get so, so much more out of it.” –Lali Bentley
“Anyone who loves learning, experiencing, or immersing yourself in new and unique opportunities, ways of thinking, and experiences. Chocolate University creates a safe environment for students to get first-hand experiences and education surrounding culture, business, supply chain management, & ethical and sustainable thinking.” –Taylor Copeland
“Students who are passionate about social responsibility, curious about global issues, and ready to challenge themselves with hands-on experiences in business and sustainability. If you want to see the real-world impact of ethical practices and lead community-driven projects, CU is for you.” –John Otto
What is your favorite memory or key takeaway from your trip?
“My favorite memory was when we got off the shuttle for the first time at our welcoming ceremony. (Locally-based field representative) Fides grabbed my hand and walked me over to where we were sitting. She asked me how our travel went and expressed how happy she was that I was there. She had never met me before, but she was so incredibly happy to see me and welcome me to her home.” –Emmarie Logan
“While we were on the trip, I wrote this in my journal: This entire trip boils down to one word for me: love. You have shown us so much love and hospitality. I hope we can carry that love home and share it with others.” –John Otto
“We are able to communicate not through language, but through our actions and how we act around people. It is really valuable to understand that communication isn’t just words–everything about your experience and your existence contributes to how you communicate with someone.” –Avery Mercer
“This trip exceeded what I thought it was going to be. I didn’t think that it was going to be this deep and emotional, and at first I was scared to open up to all of these people, but I realized that by opening up and really immersing myself in these experiences and being vulnerable, it made me appreciate the trip a lot more. I realized how much I needed this.” –Emmy Smith
How did Chocolate University impact your life after you returned from your trip?
“I found the CU trip really inspiring, in that it was a great example of a program that manages to build up both parties while not Americanizing the beautiful Tanzanian culture. I hope to be able to use this example to be a better world citizen, and as a tool in building relationships with people from around the world.” –Leta Millsap
“CU completely transformed how I view the role of business in driving meaningful change. Seeing firsthand how business decisions can directly improve lives pushed me to reconsider my consumer choices and their role in larger systems.” –John Otto
“My whole life was changed. My whole world was different. Please don’t think I’m exaggerating, it truly did. The kindness shown by the farmers was just another level and showed me what I could be doing better. It helped me realize that I want to be a teacher in the future, and it helped me re-learn how to make friends.” –Lali Bentley
