Catching up with the EWB-USA USC Chapter External Chairs
Last week we sat down with our external chairs, Harrison Getter and Jon Swan, to learn what they’ve been up to this semester and what they’re planning for the spring. Harrison is a senior studying Electrical Engineering. He previously served as Guatemala Project Manager and club President. Jon is also a senior, who studies Mechanical Engineering. Last year Jon served as the Kenya Project Manager. In their joint position as External Chair, they are currently working to develop stronger relationships with EWB-USA and its other chapters.
EWB-USC External Chairs Jon Swan (left) and Harrison Getter (right).
What are you guys looking forward to planning in the next couple of months?
Harrison: “Wow. A lot, actually. We’re looking forward to planning a mentorship program with other chapters, such as EWB Los Angeles. They’re a professional chapter—obviously local to us. They have trips just like us as well.”
Jon: “Later, we’re planning on having a closing event for our chapter.”
What are some of the external projects you have been working on?
Jon: “We went on a hike with the EWB-USA Los Angeles Chapter, which was very exciting. We also had a tailgate with them. Hopefully, we can have the tailgate on campus next year.”
Harrison: “Yes, a tailgate on campus could create a great turnout. We are also looking for partners. Specifically, we are looking at a partnership with UCLA in the upcoming months. We were thinking some kind of a beach clean-up.”
How do these projects reflect the future trajectory of the club?
Jon: “These are brand new projects for the external position. The external chair team has been revived because of the new responsibilities we’ve taken on. We’re trying to expand into the greater LA area. [Expanding] fits into our mission in a few ways; for example, our partnership with the EWB-USA Los Angeles Chapter. We received our first mentor with them. Keeping this relationship helps maintain a steady pool of professional connections.”
Harrison: “I agree. I think there are other EWB-USA chapters that deserve to be celebrated and we hope to help with that.”
What are some important events coming up?
Jon: “We do not have any immediate events since it’s nearing the end of the semester, but stayed tuned.”
What have you enjoyed the most about being part of EWB-USA?
Jon: “I’ve loved meeting and working with other people. I’ve also loved working on new projects that I may not have had the opportunity to in another club.”
Harrison: “Two years ago, I was project manager, and it was difficult—to say the least. I don’t like public speaking and am very disorganized. However, it was a learning experience because I was forced to rely on a committee. They would hand me tasks and I would figure out where they went. That kind of experience is the most rewarding. Going from that and then joining e-board is both enjoyable and rewarding. You just don’t get these kinds of friends anywhere else.”