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The ELI Facilitator Spotlight series highlights volunteers who go above and beyond in fostering cross-cultural connection and community at U-M by leading multiple Conversation Circles.
Meet Donovan Hodges, Computer Science major (B.S. ‘25). Since Fall 2022, Donovan has led a whopping six Conversation Circles on central camps. He’s also been a mainstay at the annual fall and spring “All Circle” gatherings, even taking home a few door prizes. Donovan graduated in May, so we thank him for his awesome service to this amazing program and wish him all the best for the future!
Name: Donovan Hodges
Hometown: Portland Oregon
Role in the University of Michigan: Undergraduate Student
Degree Program: BS in Computer Science
What inspired you to become a facilitator at the English Language Institute?
Before coming to the University of Michigan I had the opportunity to travel and live abroad. What made each new country more welcoming was meeting local people who showed me around and introduced me to their culture. My goal was to do the same as a facilitator. I wanted to make participants feel welcome in America and introduce them to American culture.
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience as a facilitator? Why?
Meeting people from all over the world and learning about different fields of study. I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world because I learn about different upbringings and social norms such as moving away to college, going to school six days a week, or what sports are the most popular in their country. I just enjoy learning about people and hearing about their experiences.
Was there one discussion or activity that you had with a Circle that particularly stands out as memorable/enjoyable/significant? What made it so special?
I really enjoy simple things like talking about idioms. Things that come naturally to me like "the cat is out of the bag" or "break a leg" are new to some participants. What makes it more special is that I also learn some of their idioms, and that many languages have similar idioms, just in their language.