Addaia Arizmendi Addaia Arizmendi graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Political Science and Human Rights. There she took a semester abroad to compliment her studies at the university of Cape Town in South Africa while interning at a local childrens rights NGO. There, she re-affirmed her desire to work with children internationally. After graduation she chose to spend her summer traveling through South East Asia and volunteering with children, where her interest in the region developed. Following she decided to pursue a Masters degree in International Relations and Economic Development in Barcelona, Spain . During her stay, she volunteered with UNICEF, taught English and enjoyed Mediterranean culture. She now looks forward to living in India and taking in everything it has to offer.

 

Kathryn Sheriff is joining Nanubhai as a full-time secondary English teacher at Kadod High School. She graduated in the spring of 2009 with a degree in Religious studies from Carleton College. While at Carleton, Kathryn was able to focus her studies on South Asian religion, culture, and art history through course work and a semester studying at the University of Peradeniya in Kandy, Sri Lanka. While in Sri Lanka, Kathryn was a volunteer English teacher and activity leader at Evelyn Nurseries Orphanage, where she really fell in love with the region and teaching. Kathryn is looking forward to teaching English, eating as much Indian food as she can bear, learning Hindi, and becoming a part of the Kadod community.

 

Kirsten Hill graduated from Houghton College in New York with a degree in International Relations with minors in Intercultural and Religious Studies. Her interest in cultures led her to study for a semester in Thailand at Chiang Mai University where she studied the language and Asian history and culture. While there, she taught English classes to Buddhist monks in University and volunteered working at a Montesory school with internally displaced children from Loas, Cambodia and Thailand's many hilltribes. This experienced drew her to decide to teach abroad after obtaining her degree. Kirsten is interested in women's issues, development and all things cultural. She is a self-professed bookworm and curry lover. She is looking forward to learning a new language, meeting her 8th, 9th and 11th year students and learning how to properly put on a sari!

 

Lyndi Milton joins Nanubhai this year as a full-time teacher and brings with her experience she gained while teaching in China. After earning her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 2004 Lyndi made a bold career change and moved to rural China to teach university-level English. Lyndi spent three years in China and during her time there she and her fellow teachers lead efforts to improve the confidence and self esteem of the female students on campus. This was accomplished by developing a lecture series geared towards the needs of the female population and by leading focus groups for the Annual Women's Symposium. Lyndi also spent one year in the International Cooperation and Exchange Department of the university where she focused her efforts on creating strategic new partnerships with other universities. During her free time, Lyndi ran in several major races in China, including the Great Wall Marathon, and spent time traveling around SE Asia. It was during her time in China that Lyndi's interest in non-profit groups began to grow, which ultimately lead her to the Nanubhai Education Foundation. Lyndi is dedicated to the efforts of Nanubhai and is eager to not only teach in India, but to learn from her experiences there. In the future, Lyndi hopes to start her own non-profit which will focus on increasing literacy in developing countries.

 

Meghan Cunningham graduated from Nazareth College in 2008 where she majored in English Literature with a concentration in Inclusive Education. In 2009, Meghan was an Americorps Teaching Fellow with Citizen Schools. She served her fellowship in Vance County, a rural area in North Carolina, that has high poverty and some of the worst performing schools in the state. Throughout college Meghan tutored in programs that served English Language Learners. These students were rewarding to work with and it became a strong desire for her to learn how to best teach these particular students. Teaching with NEF provides her with opportunities to learn more about effectively teaching English Language Learners, while also satisfying a dream to travel and to immerse herself in the rich culture of India. This experience will someday help Meghan better serve immigrants and refugees in the United States.

 

Drew Tilson graduated from Purdue University with a BS in International Management, and he earned his MBA from the University of Miami (FL). After finishing his MBA, he went to China and taught Business Management and Finance at Sias International University in China. He eventually took over responsibility of acting as a liaison for Fort Hays State University in China to coordinate their partnership efforts at Sias University in order to provide academic degrees to Chinese students. His experience in China allowed him to provide guidance to students wishing to continue their studies abroad, as well as conducting instructional seminars for Chinese teachers that teach English. His interest in developing countries brought him to India, and he is looking forward to helping develop educational programs in India.

Pamela Colon graduated in May 2009 from Colby College with a B.A. in Human Development. She has always been interested in social justice and education, which led her to spending some time in a rural school in Kalimpong, India. Here, she not only fell in love with Indian culture, but also these trips re-energized her dedication to ensuring all students receive a proper education, regardless of their locality or class status. Additionally, she is interested in how different communities enable their youth to become successful, and hopes to find out more about this during her year in Surat. Most importantly, Pam is ecstatic to join the NEF team, as it allows her to combine all of her passions: teaching, research, and Indian culture.

 

Dalena Frost is a Nanubhai fellow at Khatiwala High School. She graduated from Williams College in 2009 with a BA in Asian Studies and a Concentration in International Studies. She first had the chance to go to India during the spring of 2008 through Emory University's Tibetan Studies program, and can't wait to explore more of the amazing country. Dalena has previous experience with the Indian International School in Japan, Seattle Center Academy, and the Youth Tutoring Program in Seattle, along with other teaching and tutoring experience. In the future, Dalena plans to obtain an MA in Counseling Psychology: Expressive Arts Therapy, and continue her work in education while sharing her passion for performance with those around her. During her time in India, she hopes to learn more about the rich Indian culture, study some Hindi, and perhaps learn some traditional Indian dance.