A word from the Founder

Shonta D. Collins, Founder & President

Shonta D. Collins - founder Explorers Sans Frontieres

Thank you in advance for your support and consideration as we begin our journey of changing the world and building cultural connections, one person and one community at a time.

ESF will work because I am very passionate, dedicated and committed to making this a better world and foster the growth and development of others. It is my personal mission to make meaningful strides and to do GREAT THINGS with the support and collaboration with others in both local and global communities.

This organization is extremely important to the world. ESF will continue to support our future world leaders and provide a venue for them to be “responsible in their life, have integrity and support others regardless of their economic, social, religious and/or ethnic status.”

A personal plea for assistance is being made. Every dollar, every donation of clothes, non-perishable food, medical supplies, equipment, vitamins, medication, computers, books, and school supplies will go a very long way in the hands of those in need! Please help us help others.

It is a real pleasure to share the progressive efforts that began on a grass roots level.
B’Shalom,

Shonta D. Collins
Member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Download Founder’s Biography

ESF Professional Memebers

Our Professional Leaders are volunteers from various walks of life who’s grouth and development is fostered through specific community projects and educational programs that allow them to explore without borders. They have a direct impact on the ESF organization, and “a voice” in ESF’s management and program creation as Advisory Board member.

Alex R. Agosti

Member, Board of Advisors

For nearly 15 years, Alex Agosti has led domestic and international humanitarian relief and development organizations, including the American Red Cross, through dramatic …

change and to ambitious growth.

Along the way, he’s gained valuable experience in crisis management, operations, strategic partnerships, staff development and cross-cultural team building, as well as skills in six foreign languages.

Alex currently serves as a member of the elite American Red Cross International Disaster Response Team. He trained in 2010 in Haiti following the devastating earthquake and is on call for response to large-scale disasters around the world.

As Director of Preparedness and Co-Director of Emergency Services for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, Alex led the 24/7 Emergency Services operation with an annual budget over $2MM and managed 6,000 staff and volunteers to deliver a full range of Red Cross disaster services to the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond. The Emergency Services Department responds to an average of 800 disasters a year in Southeastern Pennsylvania and provides thousands of people each year with emergency post-disaster assistance.

Under Alex’s leadership, the award-winning Red Cross disaster preparedness program reached more than one million people per year with life-saving information while earning the American Red Cross regional, national and international recognition for its groundbreaking work. His efforts developing the regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) program quadrupled the number of disaster volunteers and partner agencies and led to national Innovative Program of the Year honors in 2009.

Before joining the American Red Cross, Alex served as Vice President of International Programs for Building with Books, a global non-profit that builds schools and establishes adult literacy classes in developing countries around the world. He was responsible for all overseas operations in eight countries (Haiti, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Mali, Malawi, Nepal, India and the United States) on four continents, building 100 schools and impacting the lives of more than 60,000 children.

Alex transitioned from a career in broadcast journalism to the non-profit sector by serving as a full-time international volunteer for two years. Working with a group of inspired youth in Nairobi, Alex helped to found the first bilingual newspaper of the sprawling shantytowns surrounding the Kenyan capital. He later worked side by side with communities in Mali and Bolivia to build the first bricks-and-mortar schools in three remote villages.

Along the way, Alex has acquired skills in six foreign languages: Italian, Spanish, French, Bambara, Swahili and Haitian Creole.

Alex holds a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree cum laude in Political Science from Yale University.

Thomas Foley

Member, Board of Advisors

Thomas P. Foley, President of Mount Aloysius College, has been frequently honored in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for his leadership, his work ethic and his innovative …

approach to problem solving, and he has received dozens of awards for his service in both the public and non-profit sectors.

He is a summa cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and received his Juris Doctoris degree from Yale Law School.

Foley has spent more than a decade as the CEO of the American Red Cross in Southeastern Pennsylvania (2004-2010) and as President of the United Way of Pennsylvania (2000-2004).

He also served in both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as legislative aide and counsel to Congressman James M. Shannon and then-Senator Joseph R. Biden.

Foley is the author of over 75 articles, op-ed and journal pieces on a variety of topics, including issues related to work, job training, community service and public security. We are very excited to bring him on board and know he will be a wonderful advocate for our many causes!

Lawrence James

Member, Board of Advisors

Lawrence A James, graduated from the “I School” at Drexel University in 2002. Before graduating from Drexel University, Lawrence worked as a software developer for Unisys …

developing natural language software, and PriceWaterhouse Coopers developing computer based training software.

In his third year at Drexel, Lawrence co-founded a company by the name of OnStreets.com. OnStreets.com designed and implemented web based business portals aimed at providing small businesses a web presence that would drive economic traffic to businesses in specific communities.After graduating from Drexel and running OnStreets.com for four years, Lawrence exited OnStreet.com and co-founded a consulting company by the name of Connexus Technology with his good friend and colleague Chris Holland. They were both interested in finding additional markets and opportunities to implement web based portal technologies and to develop information systems for organizations in need of custom information management tools not available off the shelf.

Over the eight years of Connexus’s existence Connexus’s clients have included TD Bank, DOW Chemical, Independence Blue Cross, Geisinger Health Systems and Morton Salt to name a few. Lawrence has garnered awards from the Small Business Administration of America for 2007 “Young Entrepreneur of the Year”, and the Excellence Award from the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce for 2007 “Innovative Business of the year”.

Today, leading a company of eight employees and a network of contract talent, Lawrence is President/CEO of Connexus Technology and is responsible for the strategic direction and business development effort of the firm. Connexus Technology is a Systems Integrator implementing data management technology that helps organizations turn their information into a strategic asset. Although the software tools Connexus develops are applicable to most large organizations that depend on the proper management of large amounts of data. Connexus Technology is currently focused on providing Data access, visibility, and governance solutions to the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industries.

Lawrence also spearheaded a Connexus Technology initiative called PrayerConnexus (www.prayerconnexus.com), a website designed to unite the globe in prayer by connecting people in need of prayer with churches and faith-based organizations that have missions to pray for others in need. Lawrence currently serves on Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Small business board as well as the Philadelphia Chamber’s Executive committee and the Local legislative tax committee.Lawrence also serves as a strategic advisor on the advisory board for FOCAL POINT GLOBAL.

Crystal Taylor

Director of Mental Health and Wellness

Personal Statement:
“With a desire to enhance my knowledge and experience of mental health practice with ethnically and culturally diverse populations, I was lost in my quest to find …

opportunities with global humanitarian organizations.

After hearing Shonta speak about ESF, the conditions in Haiti and the need for more mental health outreach, I knew opportunity was knocking. With every meeting and mission I become more passionate about ESF’s goals and objectives, the people we serve, and the lasting bond we are establishing amongst passionate, self-less, and dedicated humanitarians!”Country of Origin: United StatesPlaces I have lived: Kansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania

Places Interested in working or visiting: Africa, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and East Asia

Education:

Chestnut Hill College, Aug 2007-Present
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Psy.D. Student-Anticipated Graduation: May 2013

Major: Clinical psychology
Masters of Science, May 2009
Major: Clinical Psychology

Temple University, Aug 2002-May 2006
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts, May 2006
Major: Psychology
Bachelor of Fine Arts, May 2006
Major: Dance

Professional Goals: I am currently pursing my doctorate in clinical psychology at Chestnut Hill College. Upon graduation I plan to obtain my license as a psychologist conducting therapy and psychological assessments for individuals from diverse and underserved populations both domestically and globally. I also plan to become involved with mental health advocacy in both state and federal government. In addition, I would like to enhance my Spanish language skills and learn the Haitian Creole language.

Extracurricular Interest and Volunteer activities: In addition to my involvement in ESF, I currently hold the position of vice-president on the board of directors for a not-for-profit organization here in Philadelphia called, College-bound Home for Girls. I am also a very active member of the Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists (DVABPsi) and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Last, but never least, dance was my first love and continues as one of my passions! I currently dance and perform locally on a part-time basis with a small company based here in Philadelphia.

Lara Lechtenberg

Director of Student Outreach and Services

Lara Lecthenberg Explorers Sans Frontieres

Personal Statement:
” Right away I felt a strong connection with ESF’s mission as it addresses two important issues: not only the plight of impoverished groups in foreign …

countries, but also the need to enable students with the skills necessary to create the change we desire in the world.

So many students want to contribute towards global humanitarian groups, but don’t know where to begin and/or don’t have the financial means to accomplish their goals. ESF turns local students into global leaders while helping communities worldwide, and is the perfect bridge between serving the global community and my own in Philadelphia. “Country of origin:United StatesPlaces I have lived: France and USA

Places interested in working or visiting: I have a strong interest in countries in the continents of Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Israel, and most of the Middle East-pretty much everywhere!

Education: BA in International Affairs with concentration in Conflict and Security, minors in French Language & Literature and Political Science.

Professional goals: I plan to pursue a M.A./M.S. in International Development & Public Health. I also want to further my French and one hopefully work with War Child, an organization like the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, or WHO.

Charles Williams

Director of Health Education

Personal Statement: “I’m a man of great integrity, respect, and dignity. Keeping God first in everything is a must. My life is a journey. I have always stayed the course, believing that…

the mission is the ultimate goal. I have been with ESF since its inception. I believed in the founder and its mission.

I would like to share my vast knowledge, both personal and professional to benefit those I serve. Through ESF I intend to continue to educate anywhere in the world were my services are needed.

As a great photographer once told me “My job is never done, until there are no nursing education needs anywhere.”

Life is like golf. If you hit a ball with all your might and close your eyes and don’t watch where it goes, then how do you know you’re in the right direction? Keeping your eyes open, following the direction of your swing, watching your prize and make sure it’s going where it needs to go.

Just remember ”Live, Love, and Laugh”.

Country of Origin:United States

Places I Have Lived or Visited: Jamaica, Mozambique, Malawi, Mexico, England and many other places

Education: I have trained in the US Air Corp, Temple University, CCP, and LaSalle University. I have worked as an EMT on a Neuro Unit, am Critical Care trained as a Cardiac Nurse, other units including PCU, ICU, Med Surge, PACU, ER, and Long Term.

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Student Memebers

Our Humanitarian Programs are designed to enrich the learning objectives of Student Members through intensive hands-on experience, including but not limited to:

Volunteering with local organizations in Philadelphia which serve underpriviledged social groups
Working with healthcare professionals abroad in hospital and clinical settings
Teaching and tutoring English as a second language
Collaborating with key informants abroad to establish sustainable long-term projects in their locals

ESF aims to perpetually expand its local and global Humanitarian Outreach. Our international experiences are a usually a duration of 2 weeks.

Student Leaders

Each ESF Student Member has the opportunity to become a Student Leader, Professional Mentors and eventually a Group Leaders. Student Leaders are charged with the responsibility of mentoring Student Members after the completion of their first ESF Mission. They also function as Peer Mentors.

Benefits for an ESF Student Leader

Independent Learning and Practical Application. This program does not require course credit to participate. ESF Student Leader customize their research topic and interests to reflect their major or field of study; You will spend more time learning outside the classroom.
Be part of change and be seen as a leader in the community. Have access to and support from a strong team of educated, committed, well traveled and experienced professionals.
Develop a social network of limitless opportunities at home and abroad. Networking and opportunities for professional internships and positions after graduation; the potential to be mentored by professionals in your area of study or profession of interests; Resume enhancer and potential learning or internship opportunities.
Be part of a growing organization and participate in fundraising initiatives that support your travel and experience.
Be involved in a team-lead environment where your opinion counts. ESF Student Leaders become Advisory Board Members with a 2 year term commitment, and also function as Peer Mentors, then Professional Mentors and eventually Group Leaders.
Become fully immersed and involved with persons of various cultures and ethnic groups to further define an understanding and appreciation for what life has to offer; Travel and learn abroad with persons of a diverse network.
Making a difference in the world. Participate in community activities locally and globally that will improve relationships and encourage civic diplomacy.
Knowledge that safety is our #1 priority. A piece of mind knowing that a background checks are required of every member and volunteer in the ESF program. Opportunity to stay with a host family. Host families are selected carefully through to protect the interest of the ESF organization.

April Elder

Why did I Choose ESF?“I believe that everything happens for a reason. Through a series of unexpected events I found ESF and ESF found me. I traveled to ESF with Haiti in June of 2010 …

and truly had a life changing experience. My passion for people, healthcare and education is perfectly in line with the values and mission of ESF. I look forward to growing with ESF as a person and watching ESF grow as an organization.”

Country of Origin: United States

Places I have lived: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, California, Florida, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas

Places I have visited: Cities throughout the U.S., Haiti, St. Lucia, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Bahamas

Places interested in working or visiting: Africa, Thailand, Spain and South America

Education: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (expected 2013)Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Candidate
Longwood University, Farmville, VA (June 2006) B.S. Psychology

Extracurricular Interests and Volunteer Activities: I enjoy running, playing soccer, traveling and spending time with my husband trying new restaurants and food. I am also currently learning photography because a picture is worth a thousand words. I am passionate about everything that I do and find pleasure in working with people. I currently am a leader within the Student National Medical Association at PCOM and am involved with a variety of community service activities. I also volunteer my time with middle school students at KIPP Charter School in North Philadelphia to work with kids who are interested in careers in health care.

David Pierre Jr

Why did I Choose ESF? “I came in contact with Shonta during an interesting period of my life. A period where I found myself determined to find a way to assist the earthquake victims of Haiti. It took only a few phone calls for her to lock my interest on ESF. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, but…

all sharing the same common interest-using our knowledge and experiences to help those in their time of need. My goal is to utilize ESF as a way to hone my professional, humanitarian, organizational, and leadership skills.”

Country of Origin: USA, Haitian-American

Places I have lived: United States

Places I have visited: Canada, Haiti

Places interested in working or visiting: I am dedicated to assisting Haiti in its rehabilitation efforts. However, I do have a strong interest in visiting countries within Africa as well.

Education: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) 2013 Candidate, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
Master of Science, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (UMDNJ-GSBS) (May 2010)
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey (May 2008)

Extracurricular Interests and Volunteer Activities: photography, boxing, mentoring

Professional Goals: I plan to utilize my medical training as a vehicle to bring about change in areas that affect health.

Favorite Quote: “After the final no, is a yes, and on that yes the future depends.” – Wallace Stevens

Chiara de Leon

Why did I Choose ESF? “ESF incorporates humanitarian work with a learning opportunity that is unique and one of the few programs that are affordable means of travel.

As a student, I’ve hit the jackpot!</strong> This program is a wonderful way of exploring other countries though its people and cultures. Africa is one of the places I’ve always intended on visiting (sooner rather than later) especially since the country is currently in the spot light. <strong>“Traveling with ESF is even more appealing because it promotes interaction, safety, fun and a structured learning initiative.”</strong> If I were to raising the funds myself, it would take weekly budget sacrifices, requires multiple jobs, and a prayer I’d be able to make it. I’ve never complained about my situation and always appreciated what my family had to offer. <strong>We are first generation immigrants coming from a third world country to better our lives and situation by uprooting to America. I can’t think of a better situation than what ESF is offering. For the first time I can say I am going to Africa. I come from a middle class family where travel study and study abroad programs are too expensive to even consider and the money could always be used somewhere else.”

Country of Origin: United States

Places interested in working or visiting: In the near future I plan to work within the Philadelphia area for a couple of years, move to New York, NY and eventually make my way to Northern California. I’d like to travel anywhere around the world – traveling is a passion and am always looking for an opportunity to do so.

Personal and Professional Goals:: I studied Psychology at University of Massachusetts- Amherst for a year until I change my major, city, and school to Speech-Language Hearing Sciences at La Salle University in Philadelphia. I plan to continue at La Salle for my graduate studies so that I can work as a Speech Language Pathologist. Later on in life I’d like to continue my education for a Ph. D. in Audiology. I would also like to incorporate humanitarian efforts and travel as part of my life goals. One of my dreams is to start up or become a part of a traveling group of healthcare providers offering their services in under privilege areas of the world.

Extracurricular and Volunteer activities:

President, Cross Cultural Association, Aug. 2006-Present Promotes intercultural understanding and celebrates the diversity in the La Salle community- managed committees, act as a liaison to university administration, collaboration with other organizations, involved in budgetary process, recruitment of members, coordinated multiple cultural events.
Vice President, National Student Speech Hearing Language Association (NSSHLA), Aug 2007- Present Facilitated fundraisers, track meeting minutes, plan and run events/ meetings, and attended PSHA conference 2007.
Co-coordinator, Books for Africa, Nov. 2006- Present Founding member of La Salle branch, established committees, set collection schedule, collected/sort/package textbooks to be shipped to Better World Books.
Week of Hope Boston, La Salle University Service Trips- A week long service trip comprised of 10 students and a faculty chaperone to work with Community Servings, a meal preparation and delivery non-profit organization in South Boston.
Talent Advancement Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst – Selective program for freshmen Psychology majors for communal learning and living.

Christina Marie Spino

Why did I Choose ESF? “I chose ESF because it is a program that promotes traveling to places that are not in the box of customary Western culture. It is only western culture that I have ever been exposed to both in most of my studies and my environment, and I just had to know more. Through ESF I will get to experience true culture, because I won’t just be staying in typical tourist…

hotel that provides no difference from what I already know right now, but have the pleasure of a home stay. By staying in a home you can obtain better knowledge of the culture’s real way of life. For me, ESF means an opportunity; an opportunity to go beyond the boundaries of my city to visit a culture that I would most likely never have the opportunity to experience without the services provided through ESF. It is my hope that I will learn from this opportunity as well as become a more global citizen. I come from a single income family. My father is a laborer and my mother is a homemaker. I have a brother with special needs because of Down’s syndrome. Both my brother and I received a Catholic education through the great sacrifices of both my parents. I am very appreciative for my Catholic education, because it has provided me the skills and confidence I need to take on new aspirations such ESF.”

Country of Origin: United States

Places interested in working or visiting: I am interested in visiting China, Turkey, and Israel

Extracurricular Interests and Volunteer Activities:

Einstein Health Care Network, Shadowing Program in the Emergency Department, spring 2008 Learn from doctor’s perspective on how to diagnose patients, Observe trauma cases; learn how to properly observe MRI, X-rays, and cell samples via a microscope, participated in patient care by providing them with blankets, basins, food, and often times, comfort.
Coxswain for Vesper Boat Club, Philadelphia PA, summer 2001 – present
Temple University NCAA Division I Rowing
LaSalle University NCAA Division I Rowing. Responsible for making the calls for rowers, and skilled maneuvering of the boat vessel; Coxswain for various different age groups; both men and women ranging in ages of 16-83, responsible for the safety of the manning crew.
Best Buddies Program, Philadelphia PA Fall of 2001- present, A program aimed at integrating special needs people into active societies through the initiating of individual friendships The Best Buddies Program partners you with a person of disability so that you can initiate friendship to those who may feel isolation from society; and participate in weekly phone calls to my best buddies, outings to the movies, and house visits.

Professional Goals: I am a Biology Major and a Political Science minor. While politics is my hobby medicine is my passion, and I am aspiring to go to medical school with the hope of becoming a pediatrician. I love working with children, and find that if I am in an environment where I am working with children I am more motivated to the point of 110%.

Esther Okeke

Why did I Choose ESF? “I choose ESF because it was an opportunity for me to go out and start making changes. I have always been interested in humanitarian work not only locally…

but globally. ESF was the perfect opportunity for me to get involved in something I was genuinely interested in. We only live once and I wanted to make my time on earth count for something. We see and hear on different occasions the many issues of the world on television and in the newspaper. Because of ESF, I have made the conscious decision to be a mirror of change, to be a “doer” and that ESF has given me the opportunity makes the difference of my own life, but most importantly, the life of others. ESF is very special because it feels like a family and provides an opportunity to have a close relationship with the team and because we are committed to being LEADERS in our community. ESF has enabled me to lead; I am leading.”

Places interested in working or visiting: I am interested in doing humanitarian work wherever help is needed which is everywhere but would love to go to Israel, Central and Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.

Personal and Professional Goals: I am completing my Biology degree with interests in continuing to medical school after graduation. My convictions in becoming a Medical Doctor will enable me to fulfill my mission in life which is to build and work in a clinic in the village of Nigeria.

Extracurricular and Volunteer activities:

Delta Phi Epsilon: Held positions which includes Risk Management Chair, Sisterhood Chair, and a member of Standards Board
Volunteered in the community on various projects through LaSalle University
Shadowing Program at Albert Einstein Hospital: Observed Medical Doctors and helped with clinical related tasks and assignments.

Favourite quote: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” ~Edward Everett Hale

Leah Cunningham

Why did I Choose ESF? “ESF is the object of my affection. I love giving back to my community, and not just my local community but the whole, global community, and this is where ESF…

falls into place. ESF is here to explore the values that every human being should have which is helping others and giving back to those in which are less fortunate than you are. As volunteer in ESF, we take trips abroad, develop programs to improve our community as an individual and serve our community for the better. And for these reasons of trying to make a community a better place, it starts with you. It also holds true that ESF also serves as a character builder; the type of character building skills and talents in which I desire to obtain which includes, honesty, discipline, loyalty, dedication, motivation, and much more. These reasons along speak for the reason in me choosing ESF.”

Country of Origin: United States

Places interested in working or visiting: As a little girl I always dreamed of traveling around the world and not believing everything that I saw on television. I want to see Africa, the Caribbean islands, parts of Asia and more. I have not traveled outside of the country, but I have visited places like Chicago, Miami, Virginia, New and York but God willingly, I will be able to fulfill my dreams very soon!

Extracurricular Interests and Volunteer Activities: I have been volunteering during the summers at a nursing home where I achieve the maximum amount of volunteer hours within three mouths averaging around 275 hours in total. I do work at my church where I am in charge of the children/youth groups and a member of the Christian Coalition and Women Alliance.

Professional Goals: I am a graduating senior at La Salle University majoring in Psychology and am also continuing on to obtain a Master’s in Psychology and specializing in children and then pursing my Doctorate. My passions and career goals include working with foster children and those with special needs. I already earned an Associate’s degree in Social Science and Behavior, with honors from the Community College of Philadelphia.

Priscilla Nantieh

Why did I Choose ESF? “I choose to be a part of the ESF team because I think that the program will be a great opportunity for me to travel internationally and experience…

various cultures while also having the opportunity to participate in humanitarian services at the same time. I have longed for the chance to participate in international humanitarian services, and ESF will be able to give me this chance, while there are many other organizations that offer similar experiences; “ESF stand out among the others is that because it is a newly established organization and therefore very small, it gives members an opportunity to be more involved in decisions such as the types of services we want to do and how we choose to go about rendering those services as opposed to other organizations where you just follow along with what the leaders tell you to do. ESF empowers future world leaders like me to do great things and exceed my own expectations!”

Places interested in working or visiting: I am extremely interested in traveling on humanitarian trips around the world to and including, Senegal, Israel, Ghana, China, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Personal and Professional Goals: I am an Elementary/Special Education major with strong interests in special education and Autistic Support. My nephew, who is six, has inspired me to go into this field because he was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. He has moderate autism with mental retardation. Over the past several years since his diagnosis, I have been amazed at the level of his improvements because of the intensive support he received in preschool and continues to receive in Kindergarten. I really desire to go into this field because I want to be part of the large team of teachers, psychologists, counselors, and doctors who are working hard to understand this growing disorder and help the children and families whose lives have been affected by it.

Extracurricular and Volunteer activities:

Tutor, Neighborhood Tutoring, 2007-present Assist elementary & middle school students with homework and school assignments, read with students, helping and aid the students in productive activities that enhance learning skills in order to succeed in school/homework.
Teacher, United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia (Children’s Division), 2007-present Working within the preschool division of UCP, providing early intervention with children with special needs like, cerebral palsy, autism, Down Syndrome.
Secretary, Cross Cultural Association (CCA), 2007-present Promotes intercultural understanding and celebrates the diversity in the La Salle communityassists and participate in committees, act as a liaison to university administration, collaboration with other organizations, and perform secretarial related functions on behalf of the organization.

Tri Huynh

Why did I Choose ESF? “The world that we live in is absolutely amazing. It is filled with natural beauty and eternal energy for life, but wherever there is light, there will…

also be darkness. To some people, prosperity and poverty is inevitable in society, which results in many people not taking any actions in helping others. Although I do believe that there will always be the poor in the world, the number would decrease dramatically if people were more aware of assistance they can provide. It should be everyone’s personal goal to provide much needed aid to the less fortunate. Those who are blessed and have the resources to make a difference in the world should take every opportunity presented to them. This is why I am glad to be a member of ESF and extremely excited to have the opportunity to expand people on an international basis.”

Places interested in working or visiting: Basically the whole world is an option for me. There are cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, and Paris that I would like to go there and enjoy the atmosphere and cultural experiences. Other places in the world such as Sudan, North Korea, and Indonesia which are facing a humanitarian crisis are destinations I would like to work in my future.

Extracurricular Interests and Volunteer Activities:

Vice President, Cross Cultural Association (CCA), which is the multicultural organization at La Salle University.
Member of Books for Africa which collects textbooks and other literature materials on campus and help distribute the books to regions in Africa which are deprived of educational resources.

Professional Goals: I am currently a junior at La Salle University in which I am majoring in biology. After graduation I will be applying to get into Optometry School. My goal has always been to do humanitarian work when I grow up, so gaining skills in the medical field will help me tremendously on my missions.

Victoria Garrick

Why did I Choose ESF? “ESF has all the qualities that I had hoped to find in an organization. ESF has high ambitions, strong wills, and an amazing work ethic. There is a cause behind…

everything that ESF does. When I came to La Salle I knew that I wanted to join a group that was dedicated to helping others; however, I never dreamed to find an organization like ESF. Amongst all the activities ESF does for the community it also does so much for the students. ESF will allow me to develop my leadership, people, and organizational skills. ESF will also allow me to fulfill my desire to travel. I am very interested in learning about other cultures and people, but, I have a limited amount of money that hinders my ability to travel internationally. ESF will make it possible for me to travel internationally. ESF gives the gift of knowledge by allowing people to broaden their views by seeing more of the world. That is why I want to be a part of ESF; so that I can serve others and learn more about the world in which I live.”

Places interested in working or visiting: I am interested in working for the Peace Corps upon graduation. If the time presents itself I would also like to participate in one of many programs that allow you to teach English for a year in Japan and that I want to go and visit so I can experience the culture and people. I want to visit Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, Thailand, Japan, Korea, France, England, Ireland, and anywhere else that my volunteer work will take me.

Personal and Professional Goals: I am currently undecided for my major because I have several subjects in which I am interested in. I am considering nutrition, English education with a concentration in French linguistics. I am confident that I will always be able to use my language skills in conjunction with a program in the Peace Corps or any other program. In light of all of my dreams and aspirations, I will also earn a Master’s degree in International Relations.

Extracurricular and Volunteer activities: RSA-[Resident Student Association] I am the treasurer of the BDG/CAJ section of the residents’ halls; SEA (Students for Environmental Action). We do various activities to better the environment. Our last activity was visiting an organic farm to help harvest sun chokes from the ground. I am also planning to get involved with Circle K, take part in one of the children’s tutoring programs.