Fall 2012
Back row (L-R): Jacob Dillabaugh (Saint Joseph's University), Kyle Seibert (Boston College), David Beezer (Santa Clara University), Jordan Crowe (Marquette University), Michael Ruby (University of San Francisco).
Third row (L-R): Maren Trotter (University of San Francisco), Monica Noriega (Santa Clara University), Caitlin Terashima (Seattle University), Jennifer Monsalve (Fordham University), Katie Lane (Gonzaga University), Alisha Thompson (College of the Holy Cross).
Second row (L-R): Emily Howard (St. Louis University), Sarah Hopkins (Elon University), Hannah Rogers (Santa Clara University), Claudia Fernandez (Santa Clara University), Laura Ruggles (Santa Clara University), Nicole Assumpcao (Santa Clara University).
Front row (L-R): Maggie Shelledy (Fordham University) , Trinidad Molina (Rockhurst University), Amy Harris (Stanford University), Celia Trujillo (Santa Clara University), Rebecca Murillo (Santa Clara University), Denise Castillo Chavez (Santa Clara University).
Current Student Bios
Kyle Seibert
Boston College
Hola a todos y todas! My name is Kyle Seibert but if you ask a Salvadorian, they know me as "Carlos." I am currently a Junior at Boston College studying Theology. Being here in El Salvador with the Casa is an incredible opportunity that I hope to be able to take advantage of. In my praxis sites of El Pueblo de Dios en Camino and Las Nubes, I hope to be able to build mutually beneficial with the people of Las Nubes and learn more about myself, what it means to love, and deepen my understanding of how the Liberation Theology context affects the everyday lives of the people of El Salvador.
Sarah Hopkins
Elon University
Hola a todos! My name is Sarah Hopkins and I am from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. I am currently a junior at Elon University in the beautiful state of North Carolina. I am a psychology major with a minor in Latin American studies. I have come here to El Salvador to broaden my international knowledge through experiences in Central American countries. The extensive history and culture of El Salvador initially drew me to the country, as well as the people. I am learning with the people of Tepecoyo throughout the semester and complimenting my experiences with classes that are specific to Central and Latin American countries. I look forward to challenging myself and learning more about how I can pair my interests with those of Central and Latin America.
Alisha Thompson
College of the Holy Cross
Hey chicos y chicas! Me llamo Alicia and I am a proud New Yorker, and I study at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. I am a Spanish Major with a Latino Studies Concentration and am also in the Pre-Dental program. Back home in the States I spend a lot of my free time playing Rugby, but here in El Salvador I enjoy frequent hikes up volcanoes, Insanity workouts in the Casa Sylvia garage with my housemates, and Thursday night soccer with the Becarios. My first experience in El Salvador was during an immersion trip with my University in May of 2011. It was on this trip that I fell in love with this humble country and vowed to return. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to now take part in the Casa program and accompany the people of Las Nubes in their daily lives. Here in El Salvador, and particularly in my Praxis site Las Nubes, I am building more than just friendship; I am extending my family. I hope to learn to show others the love that the Salvadoreños have already shown me and to return home with the invigorating faith of my new Salvadorian family engraved deep in my heart.
Jake Dillabaugh
Saint Joseph’s University
Buenas!! My name is Jake Dillabaugh, or Jacobo, for you Spanish speakers. I am from Saint Joseph’s University located in the wonderful city of Philadelphia. There I am studying Sociology with minors in Spanish and Faith-Justice, while participating in many great activities from the a cappella group to community service in Philly as well as abroad. While in El Salvador, I will be accompanying the community of La Valencia located on the San Salvador Volcano just outside the city of San Ramon. I was drawn to the Casa program after falling in love with El Salvador and its incredibly loving people on a service trip. The amazing people here as well as the incredible Praxis and classroom experiences make the Casa de La Solidaridad program unlike any study abroad experience you will find.
Monica Noriega
Santa Clara University
My name is Monica Noriega-- I'm a junior at Santa Clara University majoring in psychology with a double minor in Communications and Ethnic Studies. I feel very blessed to be in this program with such amazing people. The time I have spent so far at my praxis site in La Valencia has been incredible. Somewhere between hiking volcanoes, teaching english classes, and picking corn in the finca I have gained unparalled insight. The Casa experienced has inspired me to pursue my passion for working with children in marginalized communities. I'm looking forward to what these next four months hold for me.
Jordan Crowe
Marquette University
What’s up! My name is Jordan and I am a senior studying Philosophy and Spanish at Marquette University. Like many people that are in this group I came down to Casa to experience something different. I wanted to challenge myself to look at the world from a different point of view so that I could better understand the reality of others as well as better understand my own reality. That is, I came here to learn. While I have only been here for three weeks I already feel like I have learned SO much! I’m looking forward to the opportunity that is in front of us and hope to continue learning in the months to come. El Salvador is a breath taking country in so many more ways than I could have ever imagined!
Maren Trotter
University of San Francisco
Hello from El Salvador, my name is Maren Trotter and I am a senior at the University of San Francisco majoring in Psychology and minoring in Ethnic Studies. I am so excited to be here in El Salvador with the Casa program and even in the first three weeks, its been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in college! I am currently accompanying the children and community of San Ramon in Nuevo Amancer. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester holds in this country of sheer love, faith, joy, and limitless possibilities.
David Beezer
Santa Clara University
Buenas! My name’s David, and I’m a Junior at Santa Clara University, where I’m studying some combination of Chemistry and Environmental Science. I grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, in Gig Harbor, Washington. My praxis site is FUNDESO, where I’ll be spending time in the clinic and in the rural community of San Miguel Tepezontes. I was drawn to the Casa program for the opportunity to live with those on the margins of society, and to learn about Salvadoran culture along the way. I enjoy just about anything outdoors, and I’m looking forward to exploring the natural side of El Salvador. Excited to see where this semester takes me!
Amy Harris
Stanford University
Greetings everyone! My name is Amy Harris. Although I originally hail from Alliance, Nebraska I moved out west two years ago to begin studying International Relations, Education, and Modern Languages at Stanford University. My time at Casa marks the fourth time that I have had the opportunity to spend time in El Salvador during the past year and a half. My first trip to El Salvador came in the spring of 2011, when I arrived as a member of the alternative spring break hosted by the Catholic Community at Stanford (CC@S). Since then, I have returned to El Salvador once for a summer stay to work with a non-profit called the Tamarindo Foundation, and again for my second CC@S spring break. My four-month stay in El Salvador is the first part of my year-long globetrotting journey around the world, which will take me from Central America to Africa to Europe. I hope that this journey will connect me to people, places, and experiences will expand the lens with which I view and understand the subjects I study, the realities of various communities around the world, and my faith. Here at Casa, I have the opportunity to accompany the compassionate and dedicated community of Cantón el Cedro. My experience thus far at Casa has been incredible, and I look forward to continuing to form strong relationships and opening my mind during this inspiring experience of solidarity.
Michael Ruby
University of San Francisco
Hey! My name is Michael but for the coming months I answer also to Miguel and Miguelito. I'm from Tacoma, Washington but I study in San Francisco. I'm currently in El Salvador to experience a different manner of being, to expand my worldview, to learn spanish, and to live with solidarity and simplicity. I accompanying the community of Santa Maria de la Esperanza and living in Casa Romero. I'm hopeful that the next three and a half months will be as powerful and formative as the first few weeks.
Nicole Assumpcao
Santa Clara University
Buenas! My name is Nicole Assumpcao. I’m originally from Brazil, grew up in Seattle, and am now a senior at Santa Clara University studying Biology and Psychology. In my spare time, I love to bake copious amounts of cookies, read, and sing and dance in the car/coaster. Every Monday and Wednesday I accompany the families at Mariona, where I learn meditative practices, teach English to children in the community, and am beginning to develop meaningful relationships and a new Salvadoran family. The Salvadorans’ capacity of love continues to blow me away, and I am so excited to share in and develop that love within myself in the coming months.
Laura Ruggles
Santa Clara University
Hello from the beautiful country of El Salvador! My name is Laura (or Laurita to some here). Being the true Oregonian that I am, I am loving the rain here in El Salvador, even if it has been know to give my laundry a few extra rinses! I am a junior at Santa Clara, where I am studying Anthropology and Spanish. This semester, I will be learning from and about the community of Santa Maria de la Esperanza, which had already been such an incredible experience. The past three weeks have been incredible in so many respects, and I’m so stoked to experience more in this incredible country!
Denise Castillo Chavez
Santa Clara University
Hola! My name is Denise Castillo Chavez and I am a junior at Santa Clara University where I am a Sociology and Ethnic Studies double major with a minor in Urban Education. I was drawn to the Casa de Solidaridad program ever since I first heard a presentation in a MEChA meeting my freshman year, and I am so happy that I am able to participate in this experience this semester. We have been here for only three weeks so far, but I feel like I have learned so much in this time from the people at my praxis site, Canton El Cedro, as well as from my peers, the incredible staff, and other individuals we have been fortunate to meet. I’m looking forward to what the rest of this semester has in store for us!
Rebecca Murillo
Santa Clara University
Buenas! My name is Rebecca and I am a Senior at Santa Clara University majoring in Anthropology and minoring in English and Communications. I hail from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, right in the middle of the OC. I profess to being a bit of a health nut as well as a bibliophile. I chose to come to El Salvador partly because the food is amazing (one word: pupusas), partly because my Grandfather was born here, and partly because I knew the accompaniment and experiential learning I would be getting at my Praxis site in Tepecoyo would be unlike any other.
Katie Lane
Gonzaga University
Hola, me llamo Katy, and I am proud to represent Gonzaga University this semester in El Salvador. I am studying human physiology with hopes of going into physical or occupational therapy. A Seattle native, I am excited to expand my perspectives by living and learning in my praxis site, Zacamil. I love cooking (and hope to learn some new Salvadoran recipes), dance, skiing, and baby carrots.
Hannah Rogers
Buenas! I’m Hannah Rogers, an aspiring Sociologist who draws her hippie tendencies from the progressive beach town of Santa Cruz, California. I’m a junior at Santa Clara University double majoring in Spanish and Soc. but wishing I could appease my many varied interests and major in everything. I love surrounding myself with people who tell it like it is and who aren’t afraid to open up their hearts and be who they truly are. I chose the most amazing study abroad program ever (oops, I mean the Casa!) to learn firsthand more about the realities of many people in Latin America, and in similarly impoverished countries around the world; as well as to experience other ways of living that, although very different from what I'm used to, have many positive aspects from which I can learn. Living in community with the becarios and a bunch of wonderful kids from the states has been a major plus too! I’m accompanying a few families in Mariona and am excited to keep learning and drawing strength from them throughout the semester.
Claudia Fernandez
Santa Clara University
¡Buenas! My name is Claudia Fernández. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and I am currently a Junior at Santa Clara University majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Although I’ve only been here in El Salvador for three weeks, I already find myself falling in love with this country and the beautiful people I’ve gotten to know so far. This experience continually fuels my passion for social justice, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn from the community of San Antonio Abad over these next few months. I am so inspired by the many Salvadorans that give themselves selflessly in love to others. I hope I can learn from their example and over the next couple months, better understand how I can stand in solidarity with the people and communities that have changed the way I see the world forever. Hasta la victoria, siempre!
Caitlin Terashima
Seattle University
¡Pu-chi-ca! Catalina here, hailing from the suburbs of Seattle, WA! I am a senior at Seattle University (obviously located in Seattle) majoring in Humanities for Teaching and Spanish. I have a new found love for the country of El Salvador, the pupusuas, the people, and of course…the limonada (seriously, it’s the best). I will be spending my four months in the community of Canton el Cedro, where I will be learning amongst people of all ages, from a classroom of 4 year olds to a group of viejitas who help cook for the school. I’m looking forward to learning about myself, my peers, and the wonderful people of El Salvador during this experience. As Pedro Arrupe once said I’m looking to “fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything”. La paz!
Emily Howard
Saint Louis University
RAWR! My name is Emily Howard, and I am a part-time traveling maniac and a full-time jungle cat fiend. I study Spanish and International Studies at Saint Louis University. I am a part of the community called Mariona here in El Salvador, and it has been a joy to walk with my new family here. Some of the things I love about this country are pupusas, loroco, pan dulce, the Casa program, and delicious juice. Some of the things about which I am not too keen are mosquito bites, obscenely large flying insects, bats, scorpions, and accidentally drinking the non-potable water. I look forward to finding more things to love in this beautiful country! Besos.
Jennifer K. Monsalve
Fordham University
Saludos a todos! My name is Jennifer K. Monsalve and I hail from the beautiful state of New Jersey. I am double majoring in International Political Economy and Theology with a concentration in American Catholic Studies at Fordham University. These next four months I will accompany the families residing in Las Nubes, a community located on a dormant volcano. I have traveled to this gorgeous country because the Spirit has led me here and I am ready to follow the words of Dean Brackley, SJ: “have the courage to lose control.” Dios los bendiga!
Celia Trujillo
Santa Clara University
Hola! My name is Celia Trujillo and I am currently studying Religious Studies and Sociology and I am so excited to be a part of the CASA program. I look forward to all the knowledge and wisdom I'll be gaining from the wonderful people and culture and I can't wait to see what else is to come!
Maggie Shelledy
Fordham University
Hola, Margot here, extending a friendly high five and pound it (the Salvadorean high five!). I´m a double major in Theology and Spanish at Fordham University in the Bronx but originally I´m from the beautiful city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It´s been a wonderful experience so far in El Salvador; I feel so blessed with all these opportunities to learn about the country, its history, culture, and I´m especially grateful for all of the amazing people that I´ve met here and who challenge me to get everything that I can from this. Shout out to the fam! In the words of Sister Peggy, I draw my strength from you.
Trinidad Molina
Rockhurst University
My name is probably already displayed above, and I am from Rockhurst University, in Kansas City. I am studying Philosophy, Spanish, Writing, and Theology, and coming to El Salvador has surprisingly been a unique way of advancing my studies in all these areas. The Casa Program is a truly unique model of education that incorporates college studies, language immersion, community, simple living, and exposure to the reality of the impoverished and marginalized. I have never experienced such a holistic model of education before. And also, I am the Happiest I have been in my whole life. No joke. Also, the food is really good.
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