Meet the IYL Interns

Hometown:  Edmond, OK

Major:  International and Area Studies

Classification (by hours):  Senior

Great memory from OU:
One great experience I have had at OU was a recent visit of Jim Leherer to my War and the Media class.  He was in Oklahoma receiving the Gaylord Prize, and he graciously visited our class to answer questions.  It was amazing being able to talk to someone who has led dozens of presidential debates (including the most recent foreign policy debate with senator McCain and president-elect Obama) over the years.  He was incredibly inspirational, and his visit made me realize how lucky I am to attend a University that gives me the opportunity to meet people who have influenced our country and the world.

What I expect to gain from IYL:
At IYL, I am excited to gain experience working with a non-profit organization that is working to create leaders in a country that I am extremely passionate about.  I am expecting to learn much more about the world, and gain more experience with grant-writing and fundraising.  Most importantly, I am excited to get to know and work with a group of people who have such a great vision to positively impact South Africa, while growing and learning with them along the way.

Hometown:  Norman, OK

Major:  International and Area Studies

Classification (by hours):  Junior

Great memory from OU:
My favorite experience at OU was two years ago at the Russian speaking student's association's Culture night. I was taught how to play backgammon by a Kazakh woman, while my friends played duroch (a Russian card game where the winner is the one who loses the least) next to me. I met several students from the Russian speaking world, and they taught me a few words, like priviet (hello) and Kak dilah (how are you). The food was good and music even better.

What I expect to gain from IYL:
I hope to come out of the internship at IYL with a better understanding of how organizations like IYL operate, the organizational and managerial efforts that are expended, practical experience which I can apply in other pursuits. But, I also plan to come out of the experience with the kinds of memories and connections that are created when working towards a common goal.