Beckham Herman ‘27
Student, 2020-present
My Centennial Moment
When Beckham Herman ‘27 began searching for internships at the end of last school year, he ran into a challenge. The opportunities he found did not always feel impactful or aligned with his interests, and he quickly realized he was not alone. What started as a personal frustration turned into something bigger, a student-led effort to strengthen connection across the Gulliver community.
“I had a hard time finding internships that were impactful and interesting,” Beckham shares. “After hearing that other students were struggling with the same thing, I felt like there was a real gap.” When he approached his college counselor, he learned that Gulliver once had a similar system in place. Together, they saw an opportunity to reimagine it for today’s students.
The result is a formal mentorship and internship matching initiative designed to make it easier for students to connect with alumni and parents working in industries they care about. The program began with an email to alumni inviting them to serve as mentors or offer internships. Interested alumni completed a form detailing their field, company, and available opportunities. Students then completed a similar form outlining their interests and goals. Beckham took on the responsibility of matching students with alumni in corresponding industries, building the process from the ground up alongside the College Counseling team.
For Beckham, the most meaningful part has been witnessing the immediate impact. “I truly believe the most meaningful thing for me is that I am able to help students like me further indulge themselves in the field of work that they are interested in,” he says. “Students already have a lot on their plate during the most stressful and intense year of high school. When I saw the relief on their faces after learning about the program, it put a smile on mine.”
The experience has also shaped how he thinks about leadership. With a long-standing interest in business and finance, Beckham has always been drawn to helping others. Through this initiative, he has discovered how powerful person-to-person connection can be. “Something that is lost in today’s society is person-to-person interaction,” he reflects. “This program has further sparked my interest in helping others while also improving my leadership skills.”
At its core, the mentorship initiative embodies Gulliver’s belief in community. The relationships formed extend beyond a single summer or internship cycle. They create lasting bonds, open doors through networking, and connect students with mentors who have navigated similar paths. “These connections are going to be forever,” Beckham says. “Students will always have someone who understands what it’s like to be in their position.”
As Gulliver celebrates 100 years, Beckham sees this initiative as a powerful reflection of the school’s enduring spirit. Alumni have no obligation to give back, yet they choose to invest in the next generation. “The alumni’s willingness to help future generations alone shows how strong Gulliver’s community is,” he notes.
For Beckham, creating something that will continue to benefit students long after he graduates is deeply meaningful. “It means a lot to me that this program will impact future generations and strengthen the community even more,” he says, expressing gratitude to Ms. Pelaez and Mrs. White for helping bring the idea to life.
When he reflects on his own Centennial moment, Beckham sees more than just a program. He sees a school culture rooted in collaboration and openness. “This project represents my experience at Gulliver by showcasing the staff’s willingness to cooperate and take on new ideas that students bring to them,” he shares. “I am beyond excited for the students.”
In this milestone year defined by legacy and vision, Beckham’s initiative reminds us that Gulliver’s greatest strength has always been its people, students who seek the challenge, amplify the we, and grow into greatness together.
