May 15th 2015,

Most of the preparations for the summer expedition into Nicaragua are set. The two chapters, University of New Mexico and University of California Berkley, are getting excited for the looming adventure.  In advance of our departure both parties have gotten vaccinated, hunted down the cheapest airlines, and have put off packing till the last minute as all travelers do without meaning too.  Despite the flurry to finish off pre flight obligations, the excitement has hit a fever pitch.  I can personally attest to the University of New Mexico intern’s nervousness as well as excitement.  While none of us really know what to expect when we hit the ground, were all ready to get moving.  Speaking of us as a group, for those of you who don’t know all the members of this ragtag expedition, we have provided some small personal bios.

Abraham Maggard

Abraham, Bram to his friends, has just finished his freshman year at the University of New Mexico. Having previously traveled to some locations throughout Europe, Abraham is excited to expand his world knowledge by going to Latin America. Currently pursing a double major in Political Science and Economics as well as a minor in Chinese, Abraham hopes to pursue a future in international work primarily through law.  Abraham is the Project Leader of this Nicaragua project and is looking forward to putting his best foot forward to assist in any way he can.

Emily Nitschke

Emily Nitschke is a sophomore at the University of New Mexico, and is pursuing a double major in International Studies ( thematic concentration in conflict peace, and diplomacy) and political science. Emily hopes to attend law school to study human rights or international law. Emily is originally from Santa Fe, NM, and when shes not visiting her family, she loves to cook with the help of her smoke detector.

Shelby Ann Greg

Shelby Gregg just finished her sophomore year at UC Berkeley. She’s double majoring in psychology and Chinese and is nearly fluent in Mandarin. She has been a member of the UCB Nourish chapter for a year now and is really passionate about helping others and making a positive, lasting impact on poverty. She’s also obsessed with cats and anything chocolate!

Tommy Soudachanh

The ever diligent Tommy is a freshman at the University of New Mexico.  After being heavily involved with the University of New Mexico’s Nourish Chapter were glad to have him as Project Director with us in Nicaragua.  Taking the lead on assisting with hands on training, Tommy is by far the man with the plan.

Salman Karim

Salman Karim is a student representing the University of California Berkley.  Besides his cheery disposition and bad luck with google hangout, Salam is one of our few members who knows some spanish and brings experience from abroad having done similar work in Argentina.