McVay Interns and Associates: 2011-2012

Hi, my name is Fatima . I am a sophomore majoring in Sociology and double minoring in Women and Conflict studies. This is my first year working with McVay. I love working with kids and its something that I want to do in the future as a career. I'm the oldest of 9 children so I feel right at home when I work with the kids. This program has helped me gain more experience working with kids and has made me a stronger leader.

Hey all! My name is Kiefer Anderson and I am a Junior at Hamline University, majoring in Psychology. This is my first year working for McVay and it has been a blessing getting to know these students, whether it be helping them with homework or playing football with them. I'm excited to continue to build solid relationships with the students and be a positive role model for them. Working with children and teenagers has always been a passion of mine. I have worked at Hancock Elementary and I recently volunteered for Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, helping to coach an adaptive learning soccer team. I love to sing and play sports, like tennis and football.

Hey everybody, my name is Will and I am a senior at Hamline this year but this is my first year working with McVay, I've always heard a lot of good things about the program and am excited to be an addition and contribute as a mentor and role model for the kids, who are highly energized and great to be around . I am currently a Criminal Justice major graduating with a paralegal certificate. Outside of my schooI work I enjoy playing sports and being outside, and love listening to music, mostly hip hop and R&B.

Jazmin Chase is a senior majoring in psychology with minors in education and business administration. During her time at Hamline she has been a part of the social justice theater troupe, Making Waves, volunteering student organization, STOVE, Hamline’s multiracial and trans-racial adoptee student organization, FUSION, and served as a New Student Mentor for the 2011-2012 school year. She loves acting, being silly, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Her enthusiasm and passion for working with youth are what brought her to McVay. She has enjoyed connecting with the students at each of the sites and is sad to be leaving later this Spring.

Hi there! My name is Lynne Chung and I will be a third year this coming fall. I'm an English major and a double minor in secondary education and psychology. I'm super pumped to be able to work with such a great staff and diverse group of students! Working with kids is my passion and I'm so lucky to be able to share that with all of you =) I also love being outdoors, reading/writing, staying active, and chit chatting away with anyone who's willing to listen!

Hi, my name is Quynh.

I started at Hamline in 2008 and I like it here, especially because of these great programs that Hamline has. I'm majoring in Accounting and International Business because I love traveling. I hate staying at one place for too long. I love outdoor activities like hiking, camping, tubing, etc. I enjoy doing services and giving back to the community. I love kids and enjoy playing with them. For me, McVay is not only about working but also about having a great time hanging out with the kids. They are totally awesome and I love them!

Hello! 

My name is Kennan Daoudi, and I’ll be a junior at Hamline this year.  I’m an environmental studies major, with a minor in French. I love making and listening to music, playing sports (and pretty much anything that involves being outdoors), and eating! I’m very excited about all the fun that we’re going to have this year with the McVay program. I can’t wait to start getting to know the kids, and to help set them up for success!

Hi! My name is Saswat Gorkhali and I am an international student from Nepal. This is my second year at Hamline University and I'm planning to major in Computer Science and Economics. My interests are playing sports- especially basketball and soccer, watching movies and everything that involves being outdoors. I've been working for the McVay Youth program since Spring 2011 and I’m glad that I’ll be working for McVay this year too. I feel more confident and experienced from working last year and I am sure I will be able to learn a lot more from the youth this year.

Hi! My name is Rachel and I am a senior graduating this May with majors in Spanish, Public Service and Sociology. Working with McVay has impacted me in many ways; foremost working with all of the kids really brightens my day and it has been amazing to see them grow in change over the last three years. Secondly, it has also made me aware of the complex issues refugees face and instilled in me a passion to work alongside refugee communities in the future. Working for McVay truly is a pleasure and I know it will always be in my heart!

Hello! My name is Sharmika Johnson and I am a Sophomore here at Hamline with a concentration on Child Psychology and Criminal Justice. This is my first year working with Mcvay but I have worked with children for the past four years. It has been a very fulfilling and enjoyable experience. 

I plan to eventually get my teaching license so that I can continue such a fulfilling experience.

Hi everyone! My name is Jahvaughn Mcleod and I am a junior at Hamline University where I’m majoring in Economics and minoring in business.  After I graduate I plan to pursue a career as a Fashion Buyer.

I was born in Worcester, Massachusetts but I’ve lived in Kingston, Jamaica all my life. I have several younger siblings who I’m very close to. This is my first year working at McVay and based on what I’ve heard about it I am very excited to be a part of the McVay family. I look forward to meeting all the kids and becoming a mentor for someone else. I also work at Hancock Elementary as a tutor and as a Hand-in-Hand Buddy (mentor) for a student.

In my spare time I enjoy playing soccer, tubing, track and field, volleyball and talking with my family back home in Jamaica.

I'm Alex Monetti, originally from Kansas City, MO. I graduated from Rockhurst High School and attended Saint Louis University for two years before transferring to Hamline. I'm now a Junior at Hamline, studying communications and I plan to attend law school after I graduate. I started working with McVay this year, and it has been an amazing experience. I'm looking forward to continue to be involved with the kids and the program.

Salut! My name is Rod Mpagazihe and I am currently a Junior at Hamline University. I am an International Business & Finance major and French minor. I was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I resided for approximately 10 years with my family before coming to the United States. I enjoy playing and watching sports, listening to classical music, meeting new people, being with my daughter and learning about the International Business environment. This is my first year with McVay where I am positioned as an Intern to assist McVay fellows with day-to-day activities, among many other great things. I have enjoyed the opportunity to not just serve as a mentor to all the kids I've interacted with, but also to learning so much about them in all aspects. I am also proud to be a part of such a great group of Interns and fellows who truly value the mission which upholds McVay "Creating a safe, fun and educational environment for the students." I look forward to continually expand my relationship with these great kids. Go McVay!

Hi all, my name is Hieu Nguyen. This is my fourth year at Hamline and third year working for McVay. I’m double-majoring on Business Management and Accounting. My goal is to be a public accountant!! I love cooking, outdoor activities, and hanging out with friends. Also, I love kids and enjoy playing and helping them. From my experience at McVay last year, I felt good and relaxing when I worked and played with the kids in our program, and I’m sure that it will be more fun working for McVay this year. For me, McVay is the place that I can both help the kids to release stress from school and find a peaceful place to rest myself because the kids are just awesome. I hope I will be able to meet and hang out with all of you!! Thanks McVay!

This is my first year of being a part of the McVay Youth Partnership. I hope to offer a helping hand and at the same time have meaningful, fun experience being a part of the McVay program. I came from Vietnam three years ago. I use to be one of the very few foreigners in my high school therefore I can relate and understand very well the hardship of those children who are going to school speaking their second or third language. I want to share my experiences to help them in studying and also in daily life.

I love all kinds of art, especially painting. On sunny spring or summer days, when I have free time, I would sit on the beautiful lawn and paint Hamline’s campus garden. It feels peaceful. I also like music. I love singing and I sing all the time, especially karaoke; even though I might not be the best singer. Another random fact about me is that when I am sad, you can cheer me up with ramen noodles! It should be listed as one of the biggest inventions of the world!

Hello, my name is Luis Rodriguez. I am a sophomore at Hamline University; my major is Criminal Justice with a Psychology minor. I have many hobbies; I love to collect cards and coins. I also love working with kids and it’s one of my major passions to help the youth and allow them to succeed in the world by providing as much support as I can.

Hey! My name is Noely Romano I am a second year at Hamline University. I’m still debating on which major to choose. I love listening to music, being outdoors, running, riding my bike, being with friends and doing random things. I love kids, hearing what they have to say, and hoping they receive a good experience at McVay. The kids seem amazing!! I’m looking forward to this year!

Hey! I am Esha and I am from India. This will be my second year at Hamline and as a McVay Intern. I will be majoring in Psychology and Marketing. I also work as a Math tutor at LEAP high school and love spending time with the children there. I have made some great friends and have had a lot of fun working with the kids. This program has taught me that working can be fun too! I hope to be able to be a good mentor to the kids.

I am a sculptor and ceramicist working on a teaching license. I teach these students by offering age-appropriate projects to open the world of possibilities art brings. I strive to present art as limitless: an end to which hard work, resourcefulness, and dedication is the only means. I have also tried to teach concepts and techniques in a modern sensibility. For example, to emphasis the importance of line and communication in a piece, graffiti was used. I hope to inspire the students to think of art as an attainable industry and possible career path.

Hello!

My Name is Dessalien Similhomme aka Dess, and this is my first year working at McVay and second year at Hamline University.  I’m a Psychology and Athletic training Minor. I play football for Hamline and like to be active and like food! I’m excited to join McVay program this year and ready to give positive advice and be a good role model and help the kids be successful.

Hello my name is Jessany. I will be an intern this fall for the McVay Youth Voice Program. I'm very excited to start! I found out about this program  about 6 years ago when I first joined myself. Going through the program I got to see first hand how amazing the staff and the program is. I knew when I graduated and got accepted into Hamline that this is something that I'd like to be a part of!

I have just recently come back from my year abroad in Japan. I've learned many new things about Japanese culture, the world, and myself. Someday I would like to go back Japan as an english teacher. 

In my spare time I like to bake, hang out with friends and family and try new things. I'm looking forward to this year!

Hey McVay! My name is Taylor Williamson, I live in Bloomington and I am a second year here at Hamline University. I am still undecided in terms of my major and minor, but I am leaning towards either sociology, or education, or maybe both! Who knows. I enjoy working with kids, listening to music, playing video games and sports. 

My name is Qiuchi Zhou( Angela Zhou).  I'm majoring in general business.  My hobbies include reading, watching movies, and traveling by myself.  I love HORROR movies, SPICY food and RAINY days!!

I interned in McVay during summer this year. I had an AMAZING time with those kids. It makes me look forward to working with them again! 

My name is Qiuchi Zhou( Angela Zhou).  I'm majoring in general business.  My hobbies include reading, watching movies, and traveling by myself.  I love HORROR movies, SPICY food and RAINY days!!

I interned in McVay during summer this year. I had an AMAZING time with those kids. It makes me look forward to working with them again!