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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 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.

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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!