Meet our 2009-2010 Service Immersion Interns
 Service Immersion Intern: Maria Carolina Sánchez, 19. (FYI, I go by my middle name!)
Birthplace: Born in Chicago, raised in México, back in Chicago now! Long story… We’ll save it for another time! :P
Chicago Neighborhood: Back of the Yards
Home: Anywhere I want it to be! Especially my house and when I am surrounded by the people I love
Places of Work/Play: UMIN, Holy Cross/IHM Parish (I’m a receptionist there), LPC (especially the Student Center!), the Ray (I really enjoy their group fitness classes and wonderful machines and track!) and since I am a commuter, it would only be fair to include the CTA! :D
Studies: UNDECIDED. But eagerly waiting to find my vocation!
Favorite Color: Too many! Green, pink, brown, blue, orange, it all depends!
Farmer’s Market Necessity: NA… But one thing I could never have enough of are paletas de nieve! :D (Popsicles?) This summer a new paleteria (ice cream shop) opened up a few blocks away from my house, and I must admit I was there many, many times! It’s awesome!!
Meal of Choice: My mom’s pozole, it is delicious!!! I hope to be able to share it with you all sometime… (For those of you who don’t know, pozole is a typical Mexican dish made with corn hominy, chicken, a mild green or red sauce and topped with lettuce, avocado, radish, and a bit of lemon and minced onion and tostadas on the side! Hard to explain, you have got to try it!
Favorite DePaul Affiliations: Service Immersions, Women Empowered, and exploring more!
Loves: Again, too many! Food, People, Music, Athleticism, Texting, Exploring and appreciating everything around me, Meditation, Sharing feelings, thoughts, ideas, etc., Bilingualism, my Mexican Heritage, Family, Friends, Cultura, Learning, Traveling, and being immersed in Service!
Inspiration/Passion for Service Immersions: Having lived half of my life in México and the other half here in the United States, I have learned and experienced many things, good and bad. However, despite huge differences in some of the things I have experienced throughout my life, there is one that is always the same, never missing in any of the places I have visited in México, the U.S. and Colombia, and it is poverty. I thank my parents for raising me a conscious person, aware of the many needs of people and who have encouraged me to serve others without asking for anything in return, a teaching that was enforced by the wonderful Jesuits at my high school. All of this and the teachings of many more people have made it clear to me that I have a mission of helping others, which I willingly and joyfully do. With every new experience of service, I become more convinced that no matter where life takes me, I will always like to help others. I am therefore glad to know that by participating with the Service Immersions here at DePaul, everything I have learned so far is flourishing and being reinforced, and I look forward to growing and becoming a better human being with you all, my dear compañeros!
 Service Immersion Intern: Kelli Nelson, 21
Birthplace: I am a proud transplant from Isanti, MN
Chicago Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Home: Everywhere-I want to be like the turtle and carry it with me all of the time J
Places of Work/Play: UMIN, Siena Coffee-on Clark between Fullerton and Belden-Come visit-we have the best coffee in the city!, The Love Haven-my cozy apartment, the lake, Geri’s Grille
Studies: English-Creative Writing, Community Service Studies, Ethics and Social Justice, Life!
Favorite Color: Red-It’s so saucy and passionate!
Farmer’s Market Necessity: Sunflowers-simply my favorite…
Meal of Choice: Burger, Fries, and Shake-especially from a mom and pop diner! Yum!
Favorite DePaul Affiliations: Service Immersions, The Vincent and Louise House (free dinner Sunday through Wednesday at 6pm), The Vagina Monologues, DePaul Women’s A Cappella
Loves: Family, Community, Everyday People, Making music with my eclectic trio, Nature, Baking, Coffee, Quiet Contemplation, Travel, Learning, Writing, Thrifting, and Service Immersions-of course!
Inspiration/Passion for Service Immersions: There is something so true and beautiful about a global community and our interconnectedness as human beings. I believe in the importance of sharing our lives and our stories with each other no matter what they sound, taste, look, smell, and feel like. Our sharing makes us all a little more authentic and gives us a glimpse of a new way of being and living together! This program is more than a single experience. It teaches you to dance rather than stomp on this earth and to embrace. Simply embrace it all. I’m so excited to have this experience with you! |
