Comments (0)

By scott, May 15, 2012

Ian is a 20-year-old college student, currently studying Political Science and Russian at the University of Vermont. His concentration is on International Policy and Ethics.

What does this trip to Zimbabwe mean to you?
This trip means for me, the first opportunity to work with a non-profit organization to help others. This type of work is possibly what I want to do with the rest of my life, and this is my first chance to experience it first hand.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
The craziest thing I have ever done was publicly streak on campus. The freedom of nudity, and the unity of nakedness is a big part of UVM tradition and I could not miss out on that.

Quote from your favorite movie?
“Well, keep your nose in the wind, and your eyes along the skyline.” (from the film “Jeremiah Johnson”)

Who/What do you think about when you hear the phrase, “I am strong if You are strong?”
I think of a saying I once heard that roughly goes, “if you have come to help, then leave now. But if your redemption is somehow connected with mine, then we can work together”. I think that what I truly take from the phrase, “I am strong if You are strong”, is that our lives are all interconnected. No matter the distance we are all part of a greater experience. If we know it or not.

You can support Ian on his trip to Zimbabwe at his StayClassy page or even shop for Ian at ELIAS.

Comments (0)

By scott, May 3, 2012

Kyle was born and raised in Boyertown, PA. After graduating from Ursinus College in 2005, Kyle moved to Bethlehem, PA to be closer to her college sweetheart, TJ, and began working in college admissions. Kyle currently works in the Office of Admission at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. In addition to working at the university, she is also a graduate student pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership. Kyle and TJ currently reside in Allentown, PA and keep themselves extremely busy. As you might have learned from TJ’s bio, they both love the Philadelphia Phillies, traveling, going to concerts, music festivals and of course participating in service whenever possible.

What does this trip to Zimbabwe mean to you?
This experience will provide me the opportunity to not only give back to another community but to also learn from other people; both the volunteers and the members of the Chiredzi community. As mentioned above, I am working towards my masters and currently I am focusing on organizational leadership, this trip will allow me to utilize my education and participate in a cross-cultural experience.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Well, when I asked my husband this question, he said, “skydiving”. Which I guess can be considered amazing, exhilarating, and yes maybe a little crazy. But I think I would have to say jumping on stage with Robert Randolph and the Family Band at Bonnaroo is the craziest thing I have ever done. Now before you all start thinking I am crazier than I really am, Robert Randolph actually pointed to me several times and invited me on stage. When I finally worked up the nerve to jump the barrier keeping such stage jumpers off of the stage, I then had to hoist myself up on top of the six foot high stage, and just when I thought I was golden, that I’ve done it, I’ve made it on stage at Bonnaroo, a bouncer immediately shoved me off the stage propelling me to the ground (don’t be alarmed, I have cat like reflexes and I landed safely on my feet). The bouncer was not aware that Robert was about to turn his show into a party of sorts by inviting fans to join him on stage. After being denied, I returned to the pit and again Robert motioned for me to come on stage, after several convincing shoves by my husband and friends I repeated my attempt to jump on stage and this time I was successful! Here is the picture to prove it…me on stage at Bonnaroo with Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

Quote from your favorite movie?
“Carpe diem. Sieze the day boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – Dead Poets Society

Who/What do you think about when you hear the phrase, “I am strong if You are strong”?
“I am strong if You are strong” makes me think of my husband, my family and my friends. It makes me think of every person I have been blessed to know. It symbolizes the support that exists between family and friends, a bond that says I will only move forward with you and together we are stronger as one.

To support Kyle on her trip, check out her fundraising page here.

Comments (0)

By scott, April 5, 2012

Noemi was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and is currently a junior at Colorado Christian University pursuing her degree in International Studies. At CCU, Noemi is the vice-president of the International Action Club, which puts students’ passions and interests for international issues into action and organizes advocacy events for the work of Non-Profits and NGOs around the world. In her spare time, she loves to spend as much time as possible with family and friends, read anything she can get her hands on, play the piano, and visit the many beautiful towns of Colorado.

What does this trip to Zimbabwe mean to you?
This trip to Zimbabwe means being able to further expand my knowledge and abilities in helping people empower themselves and their communities. Zimbabwe is of particular interest to me because of the intersection of NGO operations in the context of an unstable political climate. This experience will give me a set of skills I can apply in the future. I really look forward to being mentored by the leaders of Elias Fund during the trip and seeing the work they are doing in the communities of Zimbabwe.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Riding the amusement rides located on top of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas has been the craziest and scariest thing I’ve ever done. As someone who has always been afraid of heights, riding on the mechanical arm that extends 64 feet over the edge of the 900 foot tower and spins while forcing riders to face down, the giant teeter-totter that also takes riders over the edge of the tower, and the drop tower that shoots up high enough that riders are looking down at the city from a total of 1,081 feet above was quite the experience for me.

Quote from your favorite movie?
“The brave may not live forever but the cautious don’t live at all.” –The Princess Diaries

Who/What do you think about when you hear the phrase, “I am strong if you are strong”?
I think about my family, first and foremost. As the daughter of immigrants and a first generation college student, I recognize that it is with the help and strong support of my family that I have been able to accomplish everything I have so far. In adopting the same strength and dedication that my parents and the rest of my family have shown, I believe it is important that I show that strength when helping others. In my efforts to help people and communities be empowered, I hope my strength will encourage and strengthen others and I hope to be encouraged and strengthened by others’ strength.

Interested in supporting Noemi? Check out her StayClassy fundraising page!