About Our Experience
Focusing on community development and the education systems in the Dominican Republic, we will gain an understanding of the current educational structures within the country and some of the major struggles faced by the locals; we will also have an opportunity to learn more about what individuals and our community partners, the DREAM Project and Project Las Americas, are doing to create a better future for youth in the Dominican Republic. With the DREAM Project, we will explore the Montessori-based education system and work alongside members of the Barrio Blanco community in Cabarete to develop and beautify their neighborhood. With Project Las Americas, we will explore the public education system in the Dominican Republic and also work to empower young girls and college-aged women in the Puerto Plata area.
In addition to exploring the Dominican education systems, becoming more aware of the root causes of the disenfranchised education, and engaging in community development, we will also experience first-hand the wonderful local customs and culture of the Dominican Republic. This will be a truly cross-cultural experience that will allow all of us to appreciate a culture that is vastly different from our own and also understand and be a part of helping to combat global issues in a more meaningful way alongside Dominicans. Our work in understanding these social issues will rely on participants’ commitment to attend pre- and post-trip service events, trip meetings, and other activities to raise awareness on education and social justice across not only the Dominican Republic, but also all other nations. By participating in this experience, students will not just be going on a trip, but they will be joining a team - the {DR}eam Team - that works hard to make the dreams of others come true.
About Our Trip Leaders
Nika Nepali (Experience Leader)
¡Hola! My name is Nika, and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Spanish. I was born in Poland, but I’m actually half Polish and half Nepali. I moved to good ol’ Ellicott City, Maryland from Poland in 2002 and have been living there ever since. I love to have fun, be adventurous and spontaneous, and dance, but I definitely also enjoy my Netflix time and just kicking it back with friends! I’m very passionate about working with others, both in terms of serving them and in terms of just getting to know and learning from them. This is why a lot of what I do in my free time revolves around volunteering, tutoring, and travelling. I absolutely love the Spanish language and Latino culture, and after participating in the 2014 Alternative Breaks trip to Ecuador, in two MEDLIFE trips to Peru and visiting Mexico last March, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic as an AB leader and experience yet another side of the Latino culture (and maybe also dance some bachata? anyone with me?). Anyways, I am so pumped to be a leader for this amazing program and cannot wait to see what this trip has in store for everyone! My 2014 Alternative Breaks trip was a truly life-changing experience, and I hope everyone's will be too. ¡GO {DR}EAM TEAM!
Niké Alade (Experience Leader)
Hello! My name is Niké Alade, and I'm from PG County, MD. I'm a senior psychology and communication double major. On campus, I serve as the Co-Sponsorship Director for Student Entertainment Events and am a brother (yes brother) of Alpha Phi Omega National Co-ed Service Fraternity. After I graduate, I would like to spend some time volunteering abroad (maybe join the Peace Corps), and then come back to the U.S. and go into event planning. From the previous sentence, you can gather that I like volunteering, traveling, and event planning, though some of my other interests include dancing, the beach, Chipotle (duh), going on adventures, and trying new things. A fun fact about me is that one thing on my bucket list is to try all the different types of cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Factory. In addition, I was fortunate enough to have been a participant on two AB experiences in the past to the Dominican Republic (2014) and Guatemala (2015). Both were eye-opening and life-changing experiences (as are all AB experiences). I'm so excited to be an experience leader this year for the trip to the Dominican Republic because I have the opportunity to go back and see how the community I worked with two years ago is doing, as well as continue to my journey of being an active citizen. After witnessing what a group of 15 students can do, I truly believe that AB helps to make differences in the world, and I'm excited to see what the 2016 DReam Team will do!! :D
Nathan Bunch (Staff Advisor)
My name is Nathan Barrera-Bunch and I am excited to serve in my second year as an Alternative Break advisor. I am originally from El Paso, Texas and in 2011 earned my Bachelor's degrees in Mexican American Studies, and in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin. In 2013 I graduated from The Florida State University with a Master's of Science in Higher Education. My background is in the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. I have been with the University of Maryland for just over a year advising the Multicultural Greek Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. I am excited for our upcoming experience in the DR, both to work with an amazing group of students but also, a beautiful, vibrant community.
About Our Participants
Charles Ray Christian
Hey guys, my name is Charles Ray (Charles Ray is my first name lol) Christian. I'm a sophomore kinesiology major. I grew up between Hillcrest Heights (inner P.G. County) and the Hillcrest area of South East D.C. I am a 13-year Martial Artist and I'm currently a part of the University of Maryland's Gymkana gymnastics and acrobatics team. I love photography, skateboarding, baking, writing poetry, anything athletic, observing people, deep conversation and serene spaces. As mentioned before, I'm from Washington, D.C.- a district that has the lowest educational rates throughout the entire country. I have first hand observation of education (or lack thereof) being a key element in communal development as well as personal life satisfaction; sometimes the simplest of communities have the wisest and happiest of people. I look forward to this trip being an eye opening experience.
Duyhoang Dinh
Hey guys! I'm currently a junior, double majoring in biochemistry and cell biology and genetics. Although my hometown is Rockville, Maryland, I hope to attend Georgetown University's School of Medicine as I pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician.
Regarding extracurricular activities, I serve as a Health Lead's advocate at the Children's National Medical Center, volunteer at a hospice, and am a CHEM132 TA. I currently serve as the VP of Administration for the Taiwanese American Student Association, but am involved in the Vietnamese Student Association and the American Medical Student Association as well. I also started up the UMCP chapter of the Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP) earlier this year as we try to reduce healthcare disparity in Asian American communities through community service. As for sports, I play intramural basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer. In my free time, I like to spend it with loved ones, including friends and family.
Kevin Gima
Risheilly Gutierrez
Hey guys! My name is Risheilly Gutierrez. I am a sophomore, Public Health Science major. I am originally from New York City, but moved to Maryland about a year and a half ago, and I'm still trying to adjust. After I graduate, my dream is to attend the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore, and become a pediatrician or a pediatric oncologist. Ever since I can remember, medicine has always fascinated me, and I've always loved helping people and working with children. So I decided to mix these interests and make a career out of them. I've always loved helping out and getting involved, and being in college I've wanted to take advantage of that. This is why I decided to get involved with Alternative Breaks, joined a sorority, and started looking for internships. I just want to be able to leave this school feeling like I made a difference. On the other hand, when I am not trying to change the world, I love to hangout with my friends/family, dance, eat (LOVE food), watch Netflix, relax, go on adventures (especially the spontaneous ones late at night with friends). I'm just really excited for this trip since it will be the first time that I'll be going to the Dominican Republic for something other than vacation. My parents are from the Dominican Republic, so I go every summer to visit family, and this will be the first time I go for none recreational reasons. I can't wait to see what I learn and take away from this trip!!!
Jovany Joya
Hello everyone, I am Jovany Joya. I'm a sophomore, intended Business major who is applying to the business school this semester. I was born in raised in Hyattsville, Maryland and have been attending all local schools not too far from the University of Maryland. I am part of two different scholars program on campus, College Park Scholars and College Success Scholars. I am a Team Leader/Mentor with the College Success Scholars and I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy watching TV, specifically ESPN and any sports Channel. I am a very competitive and athletic person and enjoy playing Football and Basketball the most. I enjoy traveling and wish to travel more in the years to come. I have not really been outside of the country much besides going to France and El Salvador, this is why I am super "Juiced" about going on this trip to the Dominican Republic. I look forward to working with the different people and just getting a new life changing experience. I enjoy working with kids, so I hope everything goes well and that we have a great time.
Piyush Karki
Hey y'all, I'm Piyush Karki. I'm a sophomore Computer Science and Economics double major from Rockville, MD. I have traveled a lot, especially in my childhood. I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal and went on to live in Norway, India, England and finally the U.S. when I was about 10, been here since. You'll mostly find me at my computer, whether it's television, movies or anything to pass the time. I'm a fan of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so naturally I watch the UFC. Mainly because I lived in England for a long time, I like to keep up with soccer. I have never traveled to a country like the DR and only have a little bit of volunteering under my belt, but I know it is going to be a great experience and am excited for it.
Sareana Kimia
Mara Lins
Sihrish Noureen
Thelma Sabi
Hi Guys, My name is Thelma Sabi. I am a Junior Communication Major, Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor. I'm was born in Cameroon and came to the United States when I was eight. I really enjoy dancing, I am a co-captain for a dance team on campus called Afrochique. I also coach a highschool dance team called Afro-sync at Roosevelt high school. I really love eating, sleeping, and watching reality television, it's a bad habit. If you live at courtyards, you've probably seen my name because I'm an RA. I try to travel to a different place that I've never been to yearly, so I am very excited to be going to the Dominican republic. This is my third alternative break so I'm really excited to be traveling again and meeting a new group of people!
Tyrell Saint-Vil
Patience Williams
Focusing on community development and the education systems in the Dominican Republic, we will gain an understanding of the current educational structures within the country and some of the major struggles faced by the locals; we will also have an opportunity to learn more about what individuals and our community partners, the DREAM Project and Project Las Americas, are doing to create a better future for youth in the Dominican Republic. With the DREAM Project, we will explore the Montessori-based education system and work alongside members of the Barrio Blanco community in Cabarete to develop and beautify their neighborhood. With Project Las Americas, we will explore the public education system in the Dominican Republic and also work to empower young girls and college-aged women in the Puerto Plata area.
In addition to exploring the Dominican education systems, becoming more aware of the root causes of the disenfranchised education, and engaging in community development, we will also experience first-hand the wonderful local customs and culture of the Dominican Republic. This will be a truly cross-cultural experience that will allow all of us to appreciate a culture that is vastly different from our own and also understand and be a part of helping to combat global issues in a more meaningful way alongside Dominicans. Our work in understanding these social issues will rely on participants’ commitment to attend pre- and post-trip service events, trip meetings, and other activities to raise awareness on education and social justice across not only the Dominican Republic, but also all other nations. By participating in this experience, students will not just be going on a trip, but they will be joining a team - the {DR}eam Team - that works hard to make the dreams of others come true.
About Our Trip Leaders
Nika Nepali (Experience Leader)
¡Hola! My name is Nika, and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Spanish. I was born in Poland, but I’m actually half Polish and half Nepali. I moved to good ol’ Ellicott City, Maryland from Poland in 2002 and have been living there ever since. I love to have fun, be adventurous and spontaneous, and dance, but I definitely also enjoy my Netflix time and just kicking it back with friends! I’m very passionate about working with others, both in terms of serving them and in terms of just getting to know and learning from them. This is why a lot of what I do in my free time revolves around volunteering, tutoring, and travelling. I absolutely love the Spanish language and Latino culture, and after participating in the 2014 Alternative Breaks trip to Ecuador, in two MEDLIFE trips to Peru and visiting Mexico last March, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic as an AB leader and experience yet another side of the Latino culture (and maybe also dance some bachata? anyone with me?). Anyways, I am so pumped to be a leader for this amazing program and cannot wait to see what this trip has in store for everyone! My 2014 Alternative Breaks trip was a truly life-changing experience, and I hope everyone's will be too. ¡GO {DR}EAM TEAM!Niké Alade (Experience Leader)
Hello! My name is Niké Alade, and I'm from PG County, MD. I'm a senior psychology and communication double major. On campus, I serve as the Co-Sponsorship Director for Student Entertainment Events and am a brother (yes brother) of Alpha Phi Omega National Co-ed Service Fraternity. After I graduate, I would like to spend some time volunteering abroad (maybe join the Peace Corps), and then come back to the U.S. and go into event planning. From the previous sentence, you can gather that I like volunteering, traveling, and event planning, though some of my other interests include dancing, the beach, Chipotle (duh), going on adventures, and trying new things. A fun fact about me is that one thing on my bucket list is to try all the different types of cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Factory. In addition, I was fortunate enough to have been a participant on two AB experiences in the past to the Dominican Republic (2014) and Guatemala (2015). Both were eye-opening and life-changing experiences (as are all AB experiences). I'm so excited to be an experience leader this year for the trip to the Dominican Republic because I have the opportunity to go back and see how the community I worked with two years ago is doing, as well as continue to my journey of being an active citizen. After witnessing what a group of 15 students can do, I truly believe that AB helps to make differences in the world, and I'm excited to see what the 2016 DReam Team will do!! :DNathan Bunch (Staff Advisor)
My name is Nathan Barrera-Bunch and I am excited to serve in my second year as an Alternative Break advisor. I am originally from El Paso, Texas and in 2011 earned my Bachelor's degrees in Mexican American Studies, and in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin. In 2013 I graduated from The Florida State University with a Master's of Science in Higher Education. My background is in the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. I have been with the University of Maryland for just over a year advising the Multicultural Greek Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. I am excited for our upcoming experience in the DR, both to work with an amazing group of students but also, a beautiful, vibrant community.About Our Participants
Charles Ray Christian
Hey guys, my name is Charles Ray (Charles Ray is my first name lol) Christian. I'm a sophomore kinesiology major. I grew up between Hillcrest Heights (inner P.G. County) and the Hillcrest area of South East D.C. I am a 13-year Martial Artist and I'm currently a part of the University of Maryland's Gymkana gymnastics and acrobatics team. I love photography, skateboarding, baking, writing poetry, anything athletic, observing people, deep conversation and serene spaces. As mentioned before, I'm from Washington, D.C.- a district that has the lowest educational rates throughout the entire country. I have first hand observation of education (or lack thereof) being a key element in communal development as well as personal life satisfaction; sometimes the simplest of communities have the wisest and happiest of people. I look forward to this trip being an eye opening experience.
Duyhoang Dinh
Hey guys! I'm currently a junior, double majoring in biochemistry and cell biology and genetics. Although my hometown is Rockville, Maryland, I hope to attend Georgetown University's School of Medicine as I pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician.
Regarding extracurricular activities, I serve as a Health Lead's advocate at the Children's National Medical Center, volunteer at a hospice, and am a CHEM132 TA. I currently serve as the VP of Administration for the Taiwanese American Student Association, but am involved in the Vietnamese Student Association and the American Medical Student Association as well. I also started up the UMCP chapter of the Viet Nam Medical Assistance Program (VNMAP) earlier this year as we try to reduce healthcare disparity in Asian American communities through community service. As for sports, I play intramural basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer. In my free time, I like to spend it with loved ones, including friends and family.
Kevin Gima
Risheilly Gutierrez
Hey guys! My name is Risheilly Gutierrez. I am a sophomore, Public Health Science major. I am originally from New York City, but moved to Maryland about a year and a half ago, and I'm still trying to adjust. After I graduate, my dream is to attend the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore, and become a pediatrician or a pediatric oncologist. Ever since I can remember, medicine has always fascinated me, and I've always loved helping people and working with children. So I decided to mix these interests and make a career out of them. I've always loved helping out and getting involved, and being in college I've wanted to take advantage of that. This is why I decided to get involved with Alternative Breaks, joined a sorority, and started looking for internships. I just want to be able to leave this school feeling like I made a difference. On the other hand, when I am not trying to change the world, I love to hangout with my friends/family, dance, eat (LOVE food), watch Netflix, relax, go on adventures (especially the spontaneous ones late at night with friends). I'm just really excited for this trip since it will be the first time that I'll be going to the Dominican Republic for something other than vacation. My parents are from the Dominican Republic, so I go every summer to visit family, and this will be the first time I go for none recreational reasons. I can't wait to see what I learn and take away from this trip!!!
Jovany Joya
Hello everyone, I am Jovany Joya. I'm a sophomore, intended Business major who is applying to the business school this semester. I was born in raised in Hyattsville, Maryland and have been attending all local schools not too far from the University of Maryland. I am part of two different scholars program on campus, College Park Scholars and College Success Scholars. I am a Team Leader/Mentor with the College Success Scholars and I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy watching TV, specifically ESPN and any sports Channel. I am a very competitive and athletic person and enjoy playing Football and Basketball the most. I enjoy traveling and wish to travel more in the years to come. I have not really been outside of the country much besides going to France and El Salvador, this is why I am super "Juiced" about going on this trip to the Dominican Republic. I look forward to working with the different people and just getting a new life changing experience. I enjoy working with kids, so I hope everything goes well and that we have a great time.
Piyush Karki
Hey y'all, I'm Piyush Karki. I'm a sophomore Computer Science and Economics double major from Rockville, MD. I have traveled a lot, especially in my childhood. I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal and went on to live in Norway, India, England and finally the U.S. when I was about 10, been here since. You'll mostly find me at my computer, whether it's television, movies or anything to pass the time. I'm a fan of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so naturally I watch the UFC. Mainly because I lived in England for a long time, I like to keep up with soccer. I have never traveled to a country like the DR and only have a little bit of volunteering under my belt, but I know it is going to be a great experience and am excited for it.
Sareana Kimia
Mara Lins
Sihrish Noureen
Thelma Sabi
Hi Guys, My name is Thelma Sabi. I am a Junior Communication Major, Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor. I'm was born in Cameroon and came to the United States when I was eight. I really enjoy dancing, I am a co-captain for a dance team on campus called Afrochique. I also coach a highschool dance team called Afro-sync at Roosevelt high school. I really love eating, sleeping, and watching reality television, it's a bad habit. If you live at courtyards, you've probably seen my name because I'm an RA. I try to travel to a different place that I've never been to yearly, so I am very excited to be going to the Dominican republic. This is my third alternative break so I'm really excited to be traveling again and meeting a new group of people!
Tyrell Saint-Vil
Patience Williams
Hey guys! My name is Risheilly Gutierrez. I am a sophomore, Public Health Science major. I am originally from New York City, but moved to Maryland about a year and a half ago, and I'm still trying to adjust. After I graduate, my dream is to attend the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore, and become a pediatrician or a pediatric oncologist. Ever since I can remember, medicine has always fascinated me, and I've always loved helping people and working with children. So I decided to mix these interests and make a career out of them. I've always loved helping out and getting involved, and being in college I've wanted to take advantage of that. This is why I decided to get involved with Alternative Breaks, joined a sorority, and started looking for internships. I just want to be able to leave this school feeling like I made a difference. On the other hand, when I am not trying to change the world, I love to hangout with my friends/family, dance, eat (LOVE food), watch Netflix, relax, go on adventures (especially the spontaneous ones late at night with friends). I'm just really excited for this trip since it will be the first time that I'll be going to the Dominican Republic for something other than vacation. My parents are from the Dominican Republic, so I go every summer to visit family, and this will be the first time I go for none recreational reasons. I can't wait to see what I learn and take away from this trip!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Guys, My name is Thelma Sabi. I am a Junior Communication Major, Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor. I'm was born in Cameroon and came to the United States when I was eight. I really enjoy dancing, I am a co-captain for a dance team on campus called Afrochique. I also coach a highschool dance team called Afro-sync at Roosevelt high school. I really love eating, sleeping, and watching reality television, it's a bad habit. If you live at courtyards, you've probably seen my name because I'm an RA. I try to travel to a different place that I've never been to yearly, so I am very excited to be going to the Dominican republic. This is my third alternative break so I'm really excited to be traveling again and meeting a new group of people!
ReplyDeleteHey y'all, I'm Piyush Karki. I'm a sophomore Computer Science and Economics double major from Rockville, MD. I have traveled a lot, especially in my childhood. I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal and went on to live in Norway, India, England and finally the U.S. when I was about 10, been here since. You'll mostly find me at my computer, whether it's television, movies or anything to pass the time. I'm a fan of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so naturally I watch the UFC. Mainly because I lived in England for a long time, I like to keep up with soccer. I have never traveled to a country like the DR and only have a little bit of volunteering under my belt, but I know it is going to be a great experience and am excited for it.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone, I am Jovany Joya. I'm a sophomore, intended Business major who is applying to the business school this semester. I was born in raised in Hyattsville, Maryland and have been attending all local schools not too far from the University of Maryland. I am part of two different scholars program on campus, College Park Scholars and College Success Scholars. I am a Team Leader/Mentor with the College Success Scholars and I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy watching TV, specifically ESPN and any sports Channel. I am a very competitive and athletic person and enjoy playing Football and Basketball the most. I enjoy traveling and wish to travel more in the years to come. I have not really been outside of the country much besides going to France and El Salvador, this is why I am super "Juiced" about going on this trip to the Dominican Republic. I look forward to working with the different people and just getting a new life changing experience. I enjoy working with kids, so I hope everything goes well and that we have a great time.
ReplyDeleteHey guys, my name is Charles Ray (Charles Ray is my first name lol) Christian. I'm a sophomore kinesiology major. I grew up between Hillcrest Heights (inner P.G. County) and the Hillcrest area of South East D.C. I am a 13-year Martial Artist and I'm currently a part of the University of Maryland's Gymkana gymnastics and acrobatics team. I love photography, skateboarding, baking, writing poetry, anything athletic, observing people, deep conversation and serene spaces. As mentioned before, I'm from Washington, D.C.- a district that has the lowest educational rates throughout the entire country. I have first hand observation of education (or lack thereof) being a key element in communal development as well as personal life satisfaction; sometimes the simplest of communities have the wisest and happiest of people. I look forward to this trip being an eye opening experience.
ReplyDelete