We are pleased to introduce the 2016 India GSL Team. There are 18 members, our largest group since starting the program in 2011.
Sarah M. GH, Human Ecology '18
Hi! My name is Sarah M. and I’m a
sophomore in the College of Human Ecology majoring in Global and Public Health
Sciences. I’m looking forward to participating in the India GSL program and
getting the opportunity to work with SVYM and the other students in the
program.
This past May, I spent a week in
Honduras participating in a medical brigade. It sparked my desire to get
involved in more global learning experiences and solidified my interest in
health care inequalities across the world. Through this program, I’m
hoping to learn more about the Indian health care system, the problems it
faces, and how those problems are currently being dealt with. I believe
the program will provide an incredible opportunity to put what I’m learning
about in class into context.
On campus, I am involved in
Professor Loeckenhoff’s Healthy Aging Lab, the Alzheimer’s Help and Awareness
Club, and I serve as the Vice President of Philanthropy for Alpha Chi Omega.
Lena R. GH, Arts & Sciences '17
My name is Lena R. I grew up in
Shaker Heights, Ohio, and am now a third year undergraduate at Cornell
University. I currently study the impacts of science and technology on society
through the lens of public health. I enjoy learning about healthcare around the
world, and appreciate this opportunity to learn about how the healthcare
systems in India cater to the residents of different communities. In Ithaca,
I’ve enjoyed my time as a volunteer at a local acupuncture clinic and hope to
deepen my knowledge of alternative forms of medicine. A major goal of mine is
to explore how NGO intervention can strengthen the medical assets of indigenous
communities, and to one day find my place in the promotion of physical and
mental wellbeing.
Whitney C. ILR '18
Hi! My name is Whitney C. and I am a
sophomore in the ILR School with a minor in business. I am so excited to go to
India this summer and work with SVYM. I love to travel and meet new people so I
am very grateful for this opportunity. Outside of the classroom, I am involved
in ILR’s Student Government Association, serving on the public relations
committee, MedLife, Cornell College Democrats, and the Kappa Delta sorority. I
hope to pursue a career in consulting with a focus on health policy. I live
outside of Boston. I cannot wait to immerse myself in India's rich culture, to
experience its customs and cooking, and to meet everyone at SVYM!
Kristen G. ILR '17
My name is Kristen G. and I am a
junior at Cornell University from Atlanta, Georgia. I study in the School
of Industrial and Labor Relations, holding concentrations in
inequality studies, gender studies, and law and society. I am interested
in law and public policy, focusing on women's access to education,
contraception, and equal opportunities for economic advancement. On
Cornell's campus, I serve as the Secretary for The Black Women's
Support Network, working with women in the community to foster
healthy relationships and lifelong bonds. I also work to
combat sexual violence in the Ithaca area, serving as Co-President of the
Cornell Every1 Campaign and as a Cornell Social Consultant to integrate safe
and respectful social practices into more campus spaces. I am so excited
to be going to Mysore, India this summer, and I look forward to all new
opportunities and experiences!
Alex C. ILR '17
I am a junior majoring in Industrial
and Labor Relations with minors in law and society and economics. I am a
Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar and a former fellow at the Worker
Institute. On campus, I currently work with the Labor and Employment Law
Program at the ILR extension office in New York City where I analyze Title VII
and Americans with Disabilities Act cases and consent decrees. I am the
President of Cornell Model Congress, Vice President of Pre-Professional
Programming of the Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-law Fraternity, Treasurer of Debate in
the Sciences and Health as well as a member of the Cornell Speech and Debate
Union and the Roosevelt Institute. I am interested in pursuing a career in law
and public policy.
Stacy J. GH, Human Ecology '17
Hi everyone! My name is Stacy J. and
I am a junior majoring in Human Biology, Health and Society. I am incredibly
excited to spend this summer in India with the rest of the GSL team and am
looking forward to learning about Indian culture, healthcare/medicine, and
community development.
In addition to my interest in global
health, I am involved in Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity and
MEDLife, an organization that provides healthcare, education and community
development to rural areas of Lima. I am also an undergraduate research
assistant in the Lin Lab, a marketing team member for Thread Magazine, and an
Ambassador for the College of Human Ecology. My past experiences abroad include
volunteering at medical clinics in rural Lima with MEDLife, which has motivated
me to continue my experiences abroad and learn about the unique challenges and
solutions of these global communities. I am grateful for this opportunity to
work with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and learn from and become a part
of the community in Mysore.
Ijeoma E. GH, Human Ecology '17
Hi, my name is Ijeoma E. and I am
from Sacramento, California! I am a junior in the Human Ecology school,
studying Human Biology Health and Society, minoring in Global Health and Gerontology.
In the future, I plan to attend medical school, specializing in emergency
medicine or obstetrics and gynecology. On campus I help spread awareness about
diabetes through our Students of Diabetes Awareness club, but outside of school
I enjoy hiking, playing soccer, singing and hanging out with family and
friends. I am interested in diabetes and HIV/AIDS research, with other
interests in prenatal care and the spreading of infectious diseases. I hope to
learn more about India as a whole and understand how socioeconomic status,
social, political and cultural aspects tie into the healthcare system in India.
Elise B. ILR '18
My name is Elise B. and I was born
and raised in San Diego, CA. I am a current a sophomore at Cornell University
majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations, minoring in Business and Law and
Society. I work on campus as an Externship Coordinator/Peer Advisor in the ILR
Office of Career Services. In addition, I am the President of Kappa Kappa Gamma
which allows me to stay involved with multiple philanthropic foundations
including Reading is Fundamental (RIF). I am also a Cornell Tradition Fellow
which is a scholarship program recognizing 4% of Cornell's student body for
their work ethic, service background, and academic achievement. In my spare
time, I enjoy playing the piano, yoga, traveling and stand up paddle boarding.
Albaro T. ILR '17
Hello, my name is Albaro T. and I
am a junior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations with minors in
Inequality Studies and Latino Studies. I am very excited to be part of the 2016
ILR SVYM team!
Born and raised in Woodside, New
York meant that I would always be exposed to a wide range of cultures and
traditions. While I have never had the opportunity to travel past the Western
Hemisphere, traveling to India this summer means the opportunity to capitalize
on two of my greatest passions; service and learning.
My past experience working for the
ILR School as a Worker Institute Research Fellow, as well as my extracurricular
activities on campus, have given me the skills that I hope to exercise for the
advancement of SVYM's mission.
I look forward to learning a lot,
and bringing back a little piece of India with me.
Deepa S. ILR '18
Hi, I’m Deepa S., a sophomore in the
School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. My studies are
focused on promoting ethical labor practices and development in an
international world, with equity and sustainability at the basis of all
initiatives.
I grew up in New York City where I
found a strong passion for social justice and human rights. In my travels hope
to understand the power of effective development and community organization as
well as the systems of economic and social inequality that stand in the way. My
education in Industrial and Labor Relations has focused on human rights,
migration, labor rights, and international relations. I work with several
anti-trafficking and labor rights organization on campus, including Students
Against the Sexual Solicitation of Youth and the Cornell Organization for Labor
Action, as well as conducting research with the Sustainable Labor Practices in
a Global Supply Chain project.
I am excited to learn about the
impacts of SVYM in India and the benefits that community oriented development
can bring. My experience with this country starts with my heritage and I hope
to connect what I have learned from my family and what I have learned at
Cornell through this service-learning experience. I am looking forward to
learning more about India’s movement towards equity and social justice!
Ingrid W. GH, Arts & Sciences '18
Hi, my name is Ingrid W. and I am a sophomore in the College of
Arts and Sciences studying Biology and Society with a minor in Global Health. I
am extremely excited to travel to India and learn from the staff at Swami Vivekananda
Youth Movement (SVYM) in Mysore, India.
I am originally from Portland, Oregon. In 2014, I decided that
Cornell was the best option for me since it has an outstanding biology
department and also has many opportunities for international involvement.
In the past, I went to Mexico and worked with several physicians
at an elderly home doing check-ups as well as home visits. Witnessing many
individuals dying due to inaccessible healthcare, gave me a strong desire to
work with medicine in rural communities. After Cornell, I am going to pursue a
nursing degree and eventually become a Nurse Practitioner in order to work in
rural communities in India. I have a deep love for this country undoubtedly
because of my four adopted siblings from India.
I am so blessed to be a member of this trip to Mysore and will
definitely be applying the lessons and life experience I learn to the rest of
my time at Cornell.
Birsena A. ILR '18
Hi! My name is Birsena A. and I am a sophomore in the ILR School.
I transferred to Cornell University my sophomore year determined to make the
most out of every opportunity presented to me during my time at Cornell.
Serendipitously, I heard about the GSL program at SVYM on my first day and knew
it was an experience I had to participate in.
With my name being Birsena, everyone asks me where I am from. When
I respond to the question of where I am from with, “Staten Island, New York,”
the follow up question always tends to be, “But where are you really from?”
Answering the question of where I am from is difficult seeing I am a mutt, but
primarily I am from Macedonia and Albania. I speak Macedonian (and very poor
Russian, if we are keeping tabs on languages) and have realized not many people
know anything about the culture of Macedonia; from this revelation I have
developed a passion for learning more about different cultures. Ultimately, I
believe that in India, a country so rich with history and culture, I will be
able to learn much more and expand on my passion.
The topic of women’s rights is another subject I am passionate
about. On campus, I am involved with various women’s rights clubs and
leadership panels regarding women’s rights. I am beyond thrilled to participate
on this trip to India and cannot wait to experience the fusion of cultures and
skillsets to accomplish meaningful work together with SYVM during my time in
India.
Kyonne
R. ILR '18
Hello, my name is Kyonne R. and I am
a sophomore in the School of Industrial & Labor Relations, concentrating on
academic disciplines associated with Education, Policy Analysis, and Inequality
Studies.
Outside of the classroom, I serve as
a Resident Advisor for the Latino Living Center, as well as a Publicity Chair
for two organizations which provide academic, professional, and social support
to students of marginalized backgrounds here at Cornell.
As I prepare for a career in
Education Policy, I am thankful for the opportunities to learn, lead, and serve
here at Cornell - all of which will be pivotal in preparing me to serve
marginalized student populations both abroad and in our nation's public
schools. '
I am excited to travel to India to
not only learn more about the challenges faced by educators in rural school
settings in Southern India, but to also leverage my skills in order to aid SVYM
in its mission to address those challenges. I am truly grateful for such a
transformative experience, as I seek to equip myself with the skills necessary
to leave this world a more equitable place.
Seth L. ILR '17
Welcome to the 2016 India Global Service Learning Blog! My name is
Seth L. and I am a junior in Cornell University's ILR School. First of all, I
want to thank all of those – both on- and off-campus – who have made this
program a reality. I am extremely excited to play an active role in novel community
development initiatives. I will approach this opportunity with an open-minded
attitude because I know it will enlarge or change my understanding of our
world.
On the hill, I interact with people from diverse backgrounds through several capacities: resident advisor, teaching assistant, research fellow, and lab consultant. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to a productive and rewarding summer experience.
Andrea
F. ILR '18
Hello, my name is Andrea F. and I am a
transfer sophomore student in the ILR school. I grew up in Long Beach, CA and
found myself always involved in community service. I am ecstatic for my
participation in the SVYM program in India. I hope that this opportunity
allows me to continue exploring my passion for lending a hand.
While in this program, I would like to
further understand the program’s initiatives in hospitals and education. I’d
like to contribute my work experience at St. Mary Medical Center. I also worked
as a tutor for at risk youth and realized from both jobs the need for
development in such institutions. My participation in this program will allow
me to not only contribute but also learn through my immersion into a new
environment.
On my free time, I participate in the Women’s Resource Center, ILR
Sport’s Business Society, and Amnesty International.
Azael P. GH, Arts & Sciences '17
Hi, my name is Azael P. and I am currently a junior at Cornell
University. I am majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in
Neurobiology and Behavior in the College of Arts and Sciences. Along with my
major, I am also working towards a minor in Business, Global Health, and East
Asian Studies. Going to India through this program has been one of my biggest
goals since I have been a freshman here at Cornell and I am very excited that I
finally have the opportunity.
Although I have lived most of my life in Los Angeles, I am
originally from Mexico and have experienced the very different lifestyles that
are present in both societies. Growing up in an immigrant family in a city such
as Los Angeles is what sparked in me the passion to learn about, understand,
and try and connect the various cultures and societies around the world.
I am currently trying to achieve these goals through the medical route
since a main goal that I am considering is attending medical school. However,
public and global health and health policy are another great interest of mine
in which I can see myself working around.
During my time here at Cornell I have greatly enjoyed becoming
involved with a wide range of activities and working in a fast paced
environment. I believe that the varieties in my academic pursuits are a
representation of this. However, I also enjoy becoming involved in many things
outside of academics. I am a part of organizations such as Friends of
Farmworkers where we go out into the farms in the surrounding areas and help
tutor the immigrant farmers in English, work as a student manager in the
Willard Straight Hall Resource Center, and a couple of other activities. I
believe, however, that I am attracted to these different environments because
it has helped further my love for the differences and similarities among groups
of people and further my passion to end up working in a field where I can help
facilitate communication and foster mutually beneficial relationships and
understanding.
Nayo M. GH, Human Ecology '17
Hello, my name is Nayo M. and I am a junior majoring in Human
Biology Health and Society in the college of Human Ecology and minoring in
Global Health. On campus I am on the executive board of the Women of Color
Coalition. I aspire to contribute to the advancement of women’s health as an
OB/GYN and desire to spend some time abroad with Doctors without Borders, the
World Health Organization, or the Red Cross.
I am so excited to be a part of the India GSL program this year! I
seek to be a global citizen not wanting to be confined or have limited
knowledge based on my immediate environs. International activities such as this
opportunity to India help to broaden my worldview and allow me to collaborate
with others in ways that is both beneficial to others as well as allowing me to
grow as an individual. I am looking forward to this new cross-cultural
experience as well as enjoying and learning about the amazing sites,
architecture, and civilization of Mysore and surrounding communities.
Heather B. GH, CALS '18
Hi, my name is Heather B. and I am a Communication major in the
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I am excited to have the opportunity
to study and work with SVYM in India through the GSL program.
In my major, I will be completing a concentration in Communication
for Environment, Science, and Health. I will also be minoring in Global Health
and Health Policy. I strive to communicate health-related and scientific
information in a way that is clear and accessible to the public. Furthermore, I
am interested in learning from and working with professionals in India who
communicate and work with each other and the community to resolve health
disparities.
At Cornell, I was part of Professor McLeod’s Group Communication
research team. I am a member of the Figure Skating Club, Alpha Phi Omega
Service Fraternity, and a Communication Mentor.
I know that this trip to India will be unlike anything I’ve done
before and I eagerly look forward to traveling, there, working with SVYM, and
growing individually.
