Hihi! It's Naina!

Hi friends and family! My name is Naina Soni, and I am one of the trip leaders for the AB trip to the Dominican Republic this spring! I am a senior, majoring in biology and political science, and I will be attending law school this fall. My dream/life goal is to be a U.S. Supreme Court Justice (but we'll see if that will ever happen).

When I am not in class, in meetings, or working, I can be found in my bed, watching TV and eating too much junk food. I especially enjoy Criminal Minds, Catfish, The Mentalist, Girls, and Millionaire Matchmaker. I love traveling, and I spent the spring semester of my junior year abroad in Australia. I love music and have a tendency to become obsessed with a song at any point in time. Currently, I've really been enjoying the song "Let Her Go" by Passenger.

This trip will be my fifth trip with the AB Program at Maryland. I have previously participated on the trips to Knoxville, Boston, and Guatemala and lead the trip to New Orleans last winter. I am eager to continue my AB journey and am sure that this trip will be just as amazing as the rest.

Oh hey, Nicole...

Oh hey there....

I'm a senior Government and Politics major with a minor in International Development and Conflict Management. I was born and raised in a town in Montgomery County that no one's heard of except for other MoCo kids...and even then it's a stretch. I led the Alternative Breaks Atlanta trip last year and also went on the Cuenca, Ecuador trip as a participant. I'm the most excited about leading the Dominican Republic trip because I lurv Latin America and molding young, impressionable minds to do my bidding as agents of social change (mwuhuhuh). If I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life and only that food, I would pick ramen noodles, although Dominican food will probably change that. If I could meet three people dead or alive, I would want to hang out with (former) Secretary Clinton, Julie Andrews, and the Dalai Lama (who's coming to Maryland this spring so maybe I'll be 1 for 3! Last but not least, my favorite food-for-thought quote is, "You have the power to change your day."

Ay, Kristina!

Kristina Hedges, a sophomore elementary education major and spanish minor, is a ginger and not afraid to admit it. She loves macaroni and cheese, taking too many pictures, the lake, and singing along to country music and/or show tunes in the car with her friends. Kristina would be nowhere without the support of her crazy and enthusiastic Venezuelan family, but she could never forget about the ginormous and loving Hedges clan, as well. She would never hurt a fly and she strives to keep smiles on the faces of everyone who helped her get to where she is today...because they totally deserve it.

 

It's Ben!

My name is Ben Ozenberger. I'm a sophomore, and I'm studying biology. My favorite color is green. I'm originally from Pennsylvania, then moved to Maryland 8 years ago. I love playing all sports especially racquetball, soccer, and volleyball. My favorite number is 2. I love the outdoors which includes hiking, snorkeling, and occasionally running into monkeys.

 

 

It's Karen!

Hey there! My name is Karen Guzman, I was born and raised in the heart of South America: Cochabamba, Bolivia. I'm a Senior at UMD studying Sociology and Psychology with minors in U.S. Latino/a Studies and International Development and Conflict Management. My post graduation plans include changing the world and traveling! 

When i'm not studying, reading, or completing grad school apps you can find me writing poetry, watching documentaries, listening to Hip-Hop or blogging (Warning: There may be an excessive use of hashtags involved in my blogs, but that's ok because i'm #TooHypedAboutASBDRTrip). 

This is going to be my second trip through ASB (last year I had the privilege to go to Philly and learn more about Urban Education) and I'm extremely excited to go to the DR and to learn more about community development and social issues that are particular to the communities in the DR. I'm incredibly excited for this new experience in my life and hope you enjoy the adventure with us!

Meet Malaika!

My name is Malaika and I’m pleased to serve as your Staff Advisor. I’m originally from Boulder, CO, studied Sociology at the University of Southern California (USC), and received my Master’s from the University of Maryland (UMD).

At UMD, I’m the Assistant Director for Global Communities, a living-learning program based in Dorchester Hall. Prior to joining the Global Communities team, I worked in recruitment and outreach for the Critical Language Scholarship Program; I was a project manager for NAFSA, a non-profit association for international educators; and I was a study abroad advisor at the University of Tennessee.

I love education and international travel! When I was an undergrad, I studied abroad for a semester in Australia, and have been “bitten” by the travel bug ever since. In grad school, I studied abroad in Brazil and fell in love with South America. After graduation, I spent a year teaching English in Venezuela.

My first introduction to Alternative Breaks occurred while I was at USC. Back then, they only had one trip and we all went to a Navajo Reservation in Southwestern Utah. The trip was incredible and sealed my interest in service. I’m really excited about our trip and we have two amazing Trip Leaders, Naina Soni, and Nicole Zion!

Meet Cyrus!

Long, complicated, and weird name: Cyrus Sadeghian (Suh-dayg-ee-an). I'm from a mixed heritage..half Iranian, half Afghan. Declaring Biochemistry major and Spanish minor.
Just four basic things you need to know about me:

1) I play trumpet and sing...like Louis Armstrong, just not as raspy
2) The Washington Redskins are the best. It's best to just not try and refute that with me.
3) I love Tae Kwon Do. I teach kiddies.
4) I'm really open-minded :)

Pce