Bios - Summer 2006 Manzi Fellows
Sarah Caban ’07 worked for Facing History and Ourselves. Sarah is a double major in Geography and Psychology. Her work and community service experience includes volunteering with the Food Project in Lincoln, MA, providing specialized service as a waitress to disabled and non-verbal elderly residents of Carleton Willard Village in Bedford, MA, construction for Habitat for Humanity, and working as a store attendant for ExxonMobil Corporation for which Sarah received their Excellence Award for superior service and store presentation. Her university activities and community service include participation as a member and Co-president of Colgate’s Students for Environmental Action, the Colgate Green Summit, Oxfam International – Australia Chapter (University of Wollongong), Colgate Cheerleading and Latin American Dance. Sarah participated in s study abroad program in Australia in Fall 2005, and is proficient in the Spanish language. I’m particularly focused on human geography and – ultimately – people and societal contexts……Participating in the Manzi Fellowship Program would allow me to investigate certain academic and career interests while being afforded the opportunity to serve the community which has fostered my development. Through this process I believe I would gain a better understanding of the dynamics of Boston’s socioeconomic realities, a well as its legacies of research and education.
Valerie Curren ’08 worked for Pathways Academy and Camp New Connections at McLean Hospital. Valerie is a Neuroscience major. Valerie has a special interest in Autism and its related spectrum disorders, and has conducted a research project on the subject and spend time working with autistic children. Her community service contributions have included initiating and organizing Colgate’s first Relay for Life which raised close to $15,000 for the American Cancer Society, a therapeutic horseback program for benefiting autistic and physically disabled children, and various Outreach endeavors through the COVE (Center of Volunteerism Education). Valerie is also co-leader of Colgate’s Pre-Health Association, member of the Breast Cancer Awareness Coalition, of the Colgate Activities Board Music Committee, the Colgate Women’s Rugby Football Club, and the Cooking Club. Her work experience includes serving as a lifeguard, and, as a hospital Emergency Room Technician: Through my experiences with helping others I have found my life to be more meaningful. Perhaps this is why I someday hope to be a physician. Participating in the Manzi Program would allow me to put forth a full time commitment to helping others.
Julia Gooding ’08 worked for the International Institute of Boston. Julia is a double major in Asian Studies and Spanish. Her combined internship and travel experience is extensive, and includes the Humanistic Buddhist Monastic Life program in Taiwan, Willing Workers on Organic Farms in Japan, YHA Wellington City Youth Hostel in New Zealand, and, through La Puerta de Esperanza in Nicaragua, teaching English to prisoners. Julia also studied in Northern India through the Pacific Village Institute of Seattle, and in Costa Rica through the Institute for Central American Development Studies. Julia’s community activities include hurricane relief through Colgate’s Center of Volunteerism Education, serving as President of Colgate’s Buddhist Student Association, and a member of Student for Social Justice. Julia holds a position with the Colgate Center for Career Services as a Peer Advisor, undertaking a range of advising and administrative responsibilities, and has held summer jobs as an interior painter, a retail sales person and a server. Julia has a strong interest in the non-profit field and the Manzi Fellowship would provide her with the opportunity to gain insight into whether it is a field to pursue for her career. With so many non-profit organizations that have meaningful goals to give back to their community, I hope to match my interests, skills and previous experiences with an appropriate organization that best helps me to help others……In working at the International Institute of Boston, I would hope to bring my cultural sensitivity, self motivation and energy to assist recent refugees, and aid in the difficult transitional process of entering a foreign situation.
Kaitlin Jennison ’07 worked for Pathways Academy at McLean Hospital. Kaitlin is a Neuroscience major. Her work experience includes internships in a hospital Emergency Room, in a pediatrician’s office, and at Hamilton Orthopedics where she shadowed a physician and was present at patient appointments as well as medical procedures. Kaitlin has also worked as an Import Specialist, and as a General Manager for a frozen custard company. As President of Colgate’s Student Leadership Team, member of Link Staff and Gate 101 instructor, Kaitlin organizes leadership workshops and mentors, and trains and advises students. Kaitlin also tutors students in Chemistry. Her community service contributions have included assisting children with special needs at a handicapped horseback riding program, volunteering as an elementary teacher’s assistant, fundraising for a summer camp for underprivileged children, and, working with cancer patients in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Manzi Fellowship will provide Kaitlin with the opportunity to work in community service while engaging and learning in the field of neurological medicine. While working with the young cancer patients Kaitlin observed: I realized that if those children could wake up each day grasping for the little juice left in their lives, the least I could do was the same……A desire to make true accomplishments has driven my daily actions ever since – accomplishments to make up for those that some of the cancer patients would not ever have a chance to tackle. One day, I hope to fulfill one of these accomplishments by entering the medical field.
Andrea Kozak ’07 worked for Julie’s Family Learning Program. Andrea is a Psychology major and a Women’s Studies minor. Her community service has included mentoring a young child in the Hamilton community through the Sidekick program of Colgate’s Center of Volunteerism Education, and, writing a column on wellness issues for Colgate’s Maroon-News which led to serving on the Colgate Wellness Initiative Committee. As PACE (Personal and Chapter Enrichment) chairwoman for Gamma Phi Beta, Andrea took on the responsibility for presentations on issues relevant to young people in today’s American Society, as well as participating in many philanthropic and fundraising events. Andrea’s work experience includes serving as a Desk Assistant for Colgate’s Center for Leadership and Student Involvement, as a Circulation Desk Assistant at the Colgate University library, and as a lifeguard and swim instructor for young children. Her activities also include performing in Colgate’s Dancefest and Dance Theater. Andrea worked with an elementary special education program at a local school in Fall 2005, and in Spring 2006 participated in a study abroad program in London. The Manzi Fellowship will provide Andrea with the opportunity for doing something meaningful with my time which will give me satisfaction through helping others and also a perspective on relevant careers that I have been seriously considering as I plan for my future……I realized that each child’s case deserves regular attention from many specialists within the school and home environment, and I really began to feel that I would gain great satisfaction in life by being one of the people who can help a child cope with his or her situation and progress socially and cognitively in school.
Ted Livermore ’08 worked for Julie’s Family Learning Program. Ted intends to major in Sociology with a minor in Creative Writing. His work and community service experience includes serving as a baseball coach and a counselor at a children’s and youth camp, and at a domestic violence/substance abuse shelter as a “big brother’ in mentoring, tutoring, supervising and entertaining the children. Ted has also worked as a crew member on a commercial fishing vessel. His activities include the Debate Club, and serving as a Palke House Community Council member. Ted views the Manzi Fellowship as the perfect next step in applying his experience and skills in interacting with children and setting a positive example for them to follow. I have seen and worked through many problems that come with working with children and in particular children who have experienced abuse. I have learned to do my best to withhold judgment because I have had countless great experiences with children who have come from troubled backgrounds. I have thus far enjoyed being a model of not only behavior but of hope and compassion and I look forward to continuing to being a role model.
Kara Luersen ’07 worked for the Acute Inpatient Unit at McLean-Franciscan Children's Hospital. Kara is a Cellular Neuroscience major. Kara was a student research scholar through a volunteer program with Straub Foundation where she shadowed a pediatric neurologist during several weeks, and, participated in the Colgate’s Health Sciences Internship Program shadowing a physician in various work environments. Kara’s Colgate employment experience includes Multiple Sclerosis research, and, research on the workforce crisis in Upstate New York through the Upstate Institute. Her community service includes serving as a Scholarship Assistant for the Hawaii Community Foundation, and as a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. Kara is a member of the Colgate Pre-Health Association, and serves on both the Philanthropy Committee and New Member Education Committee for her sorority. The Manzi Fellowship will provide Kara with valuable experience for her goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist: This program embodies what I want to do for the rest of my life; to help young patients live a normal life despite the neurological disorders that may challenge their abilities and attempt to prohibit them from participating in things they enjoy.
Zwena McLeod ’08 worked for Boston Medical Center within their Emerging Leaders Program. A Molecular Biology major and pre-medical student, her work experience includes serving as a Student Assistant at Colgate’s Cooley Science Library, and as a high school tutor instructing students of grades 8-10 in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Spanish. Her community service experience includes working on house construction with Habitat for Humanity, as well as group service projects through Colgate’s CANDOO (Community Action, Outreach and Opportunity) and the Colgate Christian Fellowship. As a member of the Caribbean Students Association (serving as co-Prime Minister in Spring 2006), she is responsible for programs which spread an awareness of Caribbean culture on campus. Zwena observes: Community service has always been a humbling and invigorating experience for me……I think that the Manzi Fellowship would help me along the path to realizing my career goals by allowing me to gain experience in a medical environment while teaching me more about service to others, which is at the heart of a career in medicine.
Tara Meister ’07 worked for Horizons for Homeless Children. Tara is an English major, also working towards a Teacher Certification Program for Secondary Education. Her experience includes working as a residential teaching assistant and advisor for an Upward Bound Program at the University of Colorado, serving American Indian Students, and at Columbia University, serving students in Manhattan from low income families. Tara currently works at Colgate as a Fitness Center Monitor and Office Assistant for Campus Safety, and her community involvement has included working as an intern with Colgate’s Upstate Institute and in a Los Angeles soup kitchen. Her various campus activities have included Caucus Groups on race, the Intergroup Dialogue, tutoring with Let's Get Ready, the Track Team and the Basketball Practice Squad, the Thurber Society, which is a club for students interested in education and education-related issues, and Sisters of the Round Table, a group that deals with issues for women, especially women of color, both on Colgate's campus and everywhere. In addition, she attended the White Privilege Conference with Colgate in April of 2006 to learn about privilege, prejudice, and power and enact change on Colgate's campus. After hopefully serving in the Peace Corps, Tara intends teach high school students in low-income area city schools, and believes that the experience at Horizons will provide her with invaluable experience in preparation for fulfilling her goal: I believe it is vitally important for a teacher to understand the community she serves, including economic, social, and political factors that influence the lives of her student……In order to understand a teenager, I must first understand where he or she comes from and what impacts his or her development physically, psychologically, and intellectually. The Manzi Fellowship would be a wonderful opportunity for me to continue to learn and develop the knowledge and skills to serve the underserved better.
Lauren O’Bray ’08 worked for Facing History and Ourselves. Lauren intends to major in Political Science. Her work and community service experience includes serving as a lifeguard and swim instructor for young children, as a Coordinator and Teacher’s Aid for the Head Start program through Colgate’s Center of Volunteerism Education, and as a member of Colgate’s Curtis and Drake Hall Community Council. Lauren’s activities also include racing as a member of the Colgate Ski Team. Lauren is considering a career in non-profits and the Manzi Fellowship will provide valuable insight and experience. The impact and difference I am most interested in this summer is to get at the root of problems for many people struggling in the Boston area……Not only will I have something to offer the people I help, but they will also help me to learn more about myself and see the world in a new light.
Courtney Richardson ’08 worked for Horizons for Homeless Children. Courtney intends to double major in Education and Theatre, and is a George Cobb Fellow 2004-2006. Her experience includes volunteering with a YMCA Head Start Program, and serving as a Sierra Club Representative, fundraising and working to raise awareness of ecological issues. At Colgate, Courtney's community activities include serving as an Admissions Multicultural Student Coordinator, ALANA Cultural Center Ambassador, Long Year Museum Co-Assistant, Vice-President of the African Student Union, Co-Founder of Beyond Check One, a group that addresses being mixed, biracial, or multicultural and the issues facing such individuals, Chairwoman of Sisters of the Roundtable (SORT), a support group for women and addresses issues facing women, Costume Designer for Colgate's Children's Theater, and, articles published in Campus newsletters and magazines. Courtney believes that the Manzi Program meets her desire to help and enlighten the growing minds of children: Every child deserves a life of greatness and an opportunity to live a life free of limitations regardless of any adversity they may face……Volunteering and being involved in such things as social justice make me who I am. From the soup kitchen to the voting ballots, I have been built with the act to do what I feel is right and strive for it.
Laura Simocko ’08 worked for the International Institute of Boston. Laura is a double major in Peace & Conflict Studies and Sociology & Anthropology, and is an Alumni Memorial Scholar. Her various community service activities have included volunteering with the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Relief efforts, the Colgate Hunger Outreach Program, the Colgate French Club foreign language outreach program for elementary level children, and working for a community health organization. Laura is also a Co-Director Academic Fellow of Let’s Get Ready, tutoring and mentoring local underprivileged high school students, and an activist with the Progressive Student Network, raising awareness of the genocide in Dafur. During Spring Break 2006, Laura participated in an NGO trip to Washington D.C., which was organized to provide students with an insight into ways they could apply their education to lives engaged in philanthropy and civil society. Her work experience includes serving as a retail worker and a shift supervisor. Laura’s career goal is to work in community service: I believe that there in an innate connection between each individual and the rest of humanity. Therefore, it is my responsibility to give whatever it is that I have to offer, however minimal, to the collective improvement of the local, national and global communities. In return, I will benefit from the knowledge and experience that those in the community share with me.
Michelle West ’07 worked for the Acute Inpatient Unit at McLean-Franciscan Children's Hospital. Michelle is a Psychology and Philosophy major and is an Alumni Memorial Scholar. Her work experience includes serving as a lab and research assistant to professors specializing in different areas of psychology and neuroscience. Michelle also works as a rock wall monitor and has served as a canvasser and field manager for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. At Colgate Michelle is President of Amnesty International, Co-President of the Philosophy Club, an Office of Admissions greeter, and a member of Psychology Journal Club, French Club, and Fencing Club. The Manzi Program will help Michelle in deciding which field within psychology to pursue for her career: In addition to allowing me to explore other applications of the field that I love, the Manzi Fellowship…would allow me to combine career exploration with community work and interacting with people. This is a perfect combination.
Liz Whitehurst ’08 worked for Shelter, Inc. Liz is an English major, with a minor in Peace Studies. Her community service experience includes volunteering at the Hamilton Food Cupboard, and, during Spring Break 2006, Liz participated in an NGO trip to Washington D.C., which was organized to provide students with an insight into ways they could apply their education to lives engaged in philanthropy and civil society. Her work experience includes serving as a Colgate Residential Advisor, an office assistant for Business News Publishing, a Veterinary Technician Assistant, and a Research Assistant through Colgate’s Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, funded by the National Science Foundation. Liz is co-President of Colgate’s Students for Social Justice, Vice-President of Amnesty International and a member of the Progressive Student Network. Liz considers that the Manzi Program will provide her with an opportunity to help people while exploring a career field that deeply interests her. I will be able to experience at first hand the coordination, the communication and the effort that goes into a functioning community service organization. Instead of just reading about philanthropy and movements for social change, I will be able to participate.