Nicole Jurewicz - trip participant

Hi guys!!

I just wanted to start off by saying that I am really excited to go on this trip and get to know everyone better. I am a sophomore from Pittsburgh, PA (yes, I am a Steelers fan and you may hate me for it...). I recently declared my major to be Middle School Math and Science Education with a minor in Statistics.

Last Winter Break, I went on the AB trip to New Orleans! I had so much fun and learned a lot about how the city was still coping, particularly the poorer Lower 9th Ward, from Hurricane Katrina. On campus, I like to stay very active as well. I have been involved with Lakeland STARS program since Fall of 2011, where I have worked with students of Paint Branch Elementary School. I have loved doing this program and seeing students' growth and this was another reason I chose this AB trip. I also have danced since forever and am the Vice President of Ballet Company M on campus. I also joined Sigma Kappa Sorority last spring.

As far as other hobbies go, I love to cook and bake. As a matter of fact, I have an Eggnog Cheesecake in the oven right now as I write this! I also love to travel. The picture above was taken in London this past summer (although no, sadly I was not there for the Olympics). I have two much older brothers, two sister-in-laws, and a very cute niece. If for some reason you hate babies, just tell me or else I will probably be showing you pictures of my niece all trip.

Happy Holidays everyone and see you in a couple of weeks!

Nicole

Chemia Hughes, Trip Leader

Hey, everybody!

My name is Chemia Hughes and I was born on an Air Force Base in Virginia and spent some time in Delaware before settling in Baltimore, MD. I'm a senior Family Science major and try to stay really involved on campus. Apart from working with AB, I'm a math tutor for America Counts and the co-president of the American Indian Student Union (AISU).

I went to Pine Ridge, SD with AB 2 years ago and when I heard about the chance to be a trip leader, I signed up right away. I've always been involved with service projects since middle school, but the AB program has allowed me to understand how to make lasting change. When I graduate, I hope to get a job in the Human Services field and continue to use what I have learned through service to help improve others' lives in my community.

When I'm not out trying to save the world, I enjoy baking, skateboarding, fancy shawl dancing, nail art, and long naps.

Fun fact: My board comes up the my waist if I stand it upright.

Other fun fact: My shawl dance footwork is dreadful. Hopefully it gets better before my next powwow :)

I'm really excited to visit Gaston, NC and learn more about rural education issues because they are rarely mentioned when discussions about the educational system are brought up.

Meghan Cohen, Staff Advisor

Hey Guys! I'm Meghan, your staff advisor for the trip.  I grew up in Columbia, MD and attended the University of Maryland as an undergraduate, studying Kinesiology.  I was never involved with service trips as an undergraduate, but I did some volunteering for different organizations in the area.  My favorite experience was working with KEEN D.C. (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now).  My senior year, I became a peer educator for the University Health Center and realized my passion for education.  I went to graduate school and got my Master's in Public Health specializing in Community Health Education.  I now work on campus as the Coordinator for the Center for Health and Wellbeing.  I am responsible for all wellness education programs and services to the campus community!  I plan large-scale programs, I see individual clients, and I now supervise a peer education group!  Professionally, I am interested in stress management, nutrition and physical activity, and sexual violence prevention.

Personally, I enjoy spending time outdoors and I especially love running! I love to read, cook, travel and, of course, volunteer.  I live in Bethesda, MD with my awesome cat, Rex.

I can't wait for the trip, and I'm especially excited to get to know all of you.  I am really looking forward to learning more about the rural community of Gaston, NC and about the KIPP school.  I am eager to see the excitement, enthusiasm, and hard work that the students and teachers put in on a daily basis.  What are you all looking forward to?