Alumni Class Secretary Updates
Venezuela
Ginet Cristina Ochoa (11-12) is starting to produce a new TV show for musicians and cultural events that support art. She is also creating documentaries about the different cultures in Venezuela, such as indigenous people and immigrants. The documentaries will be used to teach kids about all the cultures in Venezuela. After graduating this December, Ginet plans to apply for a scholarship in Munich, Germany, for graduate study in media production. She is currently studying German to prepare. She is also considering applying for a Fulbright to pursue a Master’s in cinematography in California. Manuel Enrique Guzman Sanchez (11-12) happily reports that he did not suffer any reverse cultural shock when he arrived back home. Now, he is in his senior year in the Modern Languages department of his college and is also working at an English institute. Within a couple of months, he will be doing his internship in France, as a Spanish assistant. In addition, Manuel is considering graduate programs in International Studies.
Andrea Carolina Rincón Boscán (11-12) is finishing her undergraduate studies in Accounting and Business Administration in Marketing. She received the “Talento URBE” award for the outstanding grades and development. In addition, she works part-time and studies Chinese, while anxiously waiting to start a Master’s degree in Accounting. Veronica Michelle Zas Guerrero (11-12) is the Secretary General of the Model UN (URUMUN). As “Head-Delegate” of the delegation for Harvard National Model UN, she will return to the U.S. in February (delegating in English). Veronica is also working on her senior seminar about the political socialization in kids. She often responds to questions from people who are applying to the UGRAD Program, sharing her advice with them.
Jose Leonardo Flores (11-12) has been teaching English at a language institute in his hometown since he arrived back home. He is in his ninth semester at his university, studying Education. In his free time, he volunteers at a local public elementary school, teaching kids English while motivating them to learn, loving every minute of it! Angel Enrique Gonzalez Restrepo (11-12) is working on his final research project to obtain his degree in Modern Languages. In addition, he works at The Language College as an English teacher for different ability levels. In his free time, Angel volunteers as a reading and writing instructor at an elementary school. He has no doubts that being a UGRADer has opened many doors for him. He will always be thankful.
Arturo Federico Perez de los Llanos (11-12) is finishing his undergraduate studies in Business Management, which he finds extremely easy after his time at North Central College. He is also a budding entrepreneur, managing and growing his own small business. Moreover, Arturo is planning to develop a basic English language course for the local indigenous communities who will in turn use their English knowledge as a tool for increasing profits from international tourism. Israel Jose Mazuera Arana (11-12) is now working at two English Institutes in Merida, Venezuela and completing his last semester of undergraduate studies in Modern Languages. He is also active with his local committee of AIESEC. Israel hopes to find an educational internship in France or Canada to improve his French language skills. In a couple of years, he would like to apply for a Fulbright to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations or Diplomacy.
Thailand
Phitchakan Chuangchai (10-11) is currently in her last year at Chiang Mai University, where she established the Chiang Mai University debate club with the hope for fellow debaters to learn and improve critical and analytical thinking skills as well as their English language skills. She also participated in the 7th and 8th European Union Thailand International Inter-Varsity Debate Championship and was named “Rookie Best Speaker.” In addition, she joined the Asian Youth Forum in Pattaya to receive training to become a debate coach and used her finely tuned debate skills at the Model Asia-Europe Meeting in Singapore and Asia Pacific Model United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Thailand, Amini Sa-idi (08-09) continued her Master’s in TESOL at La Trobe University, Australia on the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarship 2010. Amini is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Western Languages, Prince of Songkla University.
Atcharee Alongkornpradap (11-12), a senior at Chiang Mai University, has interned at the International Debate Education Association and Youth Action Fund Program and is currently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Atcharee also participated in the Asia Pacific Model United Nations and was an active member in the Model United Nations club and debate club at her university.
Wanitcha Wannasook (10-11) is pursuing a Master’s degree in English at Khon Kaen University, while working as an editorial assistant for a local English newspaper. In addition, she was a lecturer in the department’s cooperative education seminar.
Nataporn Theppitak (08-09) started her Master’s degree in English Literature at Chulalongkorn University. Wannaree Suwannapoo and Kanchanok Chuanon (11-12) are graduating from their undergraduate universities in March 2013.
After finishing her internship program at U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Kanchanok Chuanon (11-12) has been volunteering as an English teacher to local children every Sunday. She recently started working at the Northeast Institute for Educational Development as part of the academic staff and as their webmaster.
