Meet the Staff: VILA 2009
Follow the links to read biographies of current staff members. Biographies of last year's staff members have been archived (2006-2007, 2007-2008). You can also read biographies of VILA alumni to see what past volunteers have done since they graduated.
Trip Leaders
Volunteers
Staff Biographies
Jessica Cornwell
year: 2009/2010
major: English
coterm: Modern Thought and Literature
Hi my name is Jessica, and I'm a senior here at Stanford majoring in English and preparing for a Masters degree in Modern Thought and Literature. A first generation American, I was born in Los Angeles in 1986 to British parents and I've always led a transatlantic lifestyle--moving between the English southwest and Southern California. My parents are both screenwriters, and in the 22 years since I was born have had seven more children. My youngest sister is 18 months old and when we come together we are a veritable tribe. I've grown up the oldest of eight children, and love being around their energy and vivacity. My concentration in both English and MTL is interdisciplinary, allowing me to study the convergence of theater, social justice movements and literature in the twentieth century--and I'll be looking for opportunities to work with activism and the arts while I am in Quito. I have worked frequently with my local school district in Ojai California, teaching English as a second language in Elementary School summer programs. I've also spent the last three years as a peer-writing tutor at Stanford's Hume Writing Center. VILA seems to present a wonderful opportunity to combine service with passion and education, and I cannot wait to begin to teach.
Michael Terrel
year: 2011
major: Management Science and Engineering
I am a Stanford Sophomore majoring in Management Science & Engineering, and I am extremely excited for the VILA experience. I have never traveled to South America, but I know that this will be a summer to remember. My biggest passions revolve around people. I love throwing the frisbee with people. I thrive on late night conversations with people. I enjoy having spontaneous jam-sessions with people. I love helping people. During my time in Quito, I look forward to nurturing these passions and immersing myself in a brand new culture. I want to go to Ecuador to help and to teach others while simultaneously understanding that the people I encounter will have plenty to teach me.
Zev Karlin-Neuman
year: 2009
major: American History and Political Science
My name is Zev Karlin-Neumann and I'm a sophomore majoring in American History and Political Science. I love Latin America and travel in general, and I'm deeply interested in public service. In exploring Quito and working with children I hope to come to a better understanding of what problems face the world and what can be done to alleviate them. With the exception of a week in Costa Rica last August, I haven't spent a significant amount of time in Latin America since 2006, and I want to remind myself of what I love about the culture.
year: 2012
major: Undeclared
My name is Ariana Hoyt. I am an incredibly undecided freshman without a plan for my studies or the rest of my life. I am tentatively considering a major in international relations or political science. However, I do know that no matter what I end up doing, I really want to try to make a difference in the lives of those around me and also travel as much as possible. These goals are what led me to VILA. Because I have always loved working with kids, I am excited to spend my summer with the children of Quito, Ecuador. I was also drawn to VILA because this service trip is an amazing opportunity to make friends, practice my Spanish, explore another culture, and get out of my hometown of Palo Alto. Beyond service and travel, I enjoy playing the violin, love lounging in the sun, adore my cats, aspire to learn multiple languages, and am generally a happy person.
Lauren Carter
year: 2011
major:International Relations
My name is Lauren Carter, and I am currently a sophomore majoring in economics and possibly minoring in International Relations. I am a California native, born and raised in Southern California. In my free time, you will most likely catch me playing my music loudly and singing even louder, playing the piano, playing tennis, or catching up on some reading that is not school related. I love working with children and traveling, so I know that I am going to really enjoy Ecuador this summer. I am excited to make a difference in a child’s life and also improve my rusty Spanish! I know this summer is going to be truly amazing so I am really glad to be a part of VILA.
Kelsei Wharton
year: 2012
major: Interested in International Relations
My name is Kelsei Wharton, a proud member of the great class of Oh-Twelve! I'm from Brooklyn, NY and I lived in Atlanta, GA as well. My entire family is from Trinidad and Tobago so I'm open to new cultures and lifestyles thanks to my upbringing. Currently in my freshman year, I'm excited to learn more about myself, figure out what I would like to do, and discover who I'd like to become in the future. Essentially, VILA is a great chance to learn outside of the box. More importantly, VILA is affording me the chance to create change on an international level. I want to use my energy to help people and make someone's life better. I'm happy to be a part of VILA because I believe in what we are setting out to do and I can't wait to put it into action.