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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.

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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.

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By eric, April 12, 2012

This week’s team introduction comes to us from the great state of Ohio. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jamie Hamann.

Jamie is from Cleveland, Ohio. He is currently a student at Ohio State, a huge Buckeye fan, and getting ready to enter his final year.He is a Political Science Major and has been a member of Ohio State’s STAND for the past 2 years.Jamie loves playing guitar, volunteering, going to concerts and taking road trips. He is a huge Cleveland Browns fan, which is extremely difficult. After school, Jamie will likely apply for the Peace Corp with grad school also a strong possibility.

What does this trip to Zimbabwe mean to you?

The second I read that Elias Fund was bringing a group over to Zimbabwe I immediately knew I couldn’t pass this up. Having never been out of the country really, and wanting to go to Africa for some time now, this was the perfect opportunity. It means everything. And to experience it with a familiar face who has experience traveling there, seems too good to be true.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Last year my buddy bought a sail boat on a whim for something to have for the summer and after. We spent two weeks re-finishing it and had to bring it to the dock he had ready. With basically no knowledge of sailing, we went out for the first time on the new boat. 3 hours later, just the two of us somehow managed to make it the dock and it was nothing short of absolutely incredible.

Quote from your favorite movie?

“Instead of asking our young people: What are your plans? What do you plan to do with your life? Maybe we should tell them this: Plan to be surprised.” – Dan in Real Life.

Who/What do you think about when you hear the phrase, “I am strong if You are strong”?

Standing with one another, sticking it out and making it work when you do not have much more than each other. I am strong if You are Strong makes me think of perseverance and belief in the power of love, family, and maybe most importantly – friends. We’re all in this together, all brothers and sisters, living hand in hand.

To support Jamie on his trip, check out his fundraising page here.