I am studying Nonprofit Administration, and graduating in May. I come from St. Louis, MO, where I've spent just over half of my life. I have two siblings, a 9 year-old brother and a 2 year-old sister, both the best little humans to grace this earth. I've enjoyed my time at OU, during which I spent a semester at Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea. During my time there, I was able to hike many of the mountains surrounding Daegu, visit some gorgeous temples and sites of historical significance, and also hop over to Japan for a little less than a week. I've also been to Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and surrounding towns in Germany. I love both places.
My most recent international travel took me to Monterrey, Mexico, with my fiancé and his mother. He was born there, and still has a large part of his family living there. It was lovely to meet them, and they were kind enough to take me all over the city, visiting museums and parks, and eating lots of amazing food. I was also able to go up into the mountains that surround Monterrey a couple times, so we hit all my favorite aspects of traveling to new places: culture, hiking/nature, and food! I was so happy to be down there, and I'm excited to visit again soon.
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| A picture of me internally screaming on my most recent trip with my fiancé in Monterrey. This picture was taken with this snake for a good cause - getting to hold the animal costs about $10 that was donated to animal conservancy in Mexico! Taken December, 2018. |
My absolute favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. A truly masterful author, he was able to write a book that contains everything one could possibly be looking for in a piece of fiction. There is romance, betrayal, redemption, revenge, mystery, humor, and so much more - I recommend the book to everyone. To this end, I actually pick up copies of the book whenever I can to give to people once I've recommended it. Other favorite books include anything by Malcolm Gladwell, C.S. Lewis, or books that talk about nonprofits in any way.
My new year's resolution was to read during the times when I would normally watch a show, so I won't list my favorite shows because I miss them already... but I'm currently reading a book about Charity: Water that's worth the sorrow. I'm a fan of records, and happily just set up my record player in my apartment. The records are varied, ranging from Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James to Sam Smith, Stevie Wonder, Dean Martin, and the Andrews Sisters. Also Alt-J.
My career goals are to eventually run a human services nonprofit, and I'm on my way with various internships. I'll be moving back home to St. Louis upon graduation, and there's a growing community there, so I'm excited to graduate and get started doing the work that I love. An alternative title to this post could have been "An Introduction to a Pragmatic Bleeding Heart", because that's what you need to be to be effective in the nonprofit world, and it's what I strive to be in all the work I do.
If anyone would like to talk about anything I mentioned, especially nonprofits or community service (or opportunities to serve in Norman), I'd love to talk! Just mention it in the comments.
Hi Alena!
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment on my post I wanted to reach out to you! I'm also interested in nonprofit work, I'm just planning on going to medical school, so studying has to take priority over volunteering until after I'm through with residency. Right now, I volunteer at the free clinic Manos Juntas, which is a really amazing place that is entirely volunteer run, and provides free healthcare and fills prescriptions for free to anyone who needs it! I know I'm probably biased, but I believe that access to healthcare is one of the most critical aspects of a person's life, because if affects everything.
Tamiko, I totally agree! One of the reasons I want to specifically get involved with human service nonprofits is because of their flexibility - they can evolve to address the immediate needs of their community, and those often tend to be healthcare related. That's wonderful that you've found such a great organization to get plugged into.
DeleteHi Alena! My name is Elena, and I really wonder if our names are pronounced the same (haha). I see that you study abroad a lot, which is awesome! I do not plan on studying abroad, but I am planning on taking a trip to South Korea, and your description of Daegu really makes me want to visit there as well!
ReplyDeleteHey! Mine is pronounced uh-LEE-nuh - how is yours pronounced? You should totally visit Daegu! There are great places all throughout the city. I would also suggest visiting temples throughout the country if you can. They're gorgeous places to visit, and you learn so much about the culture through them. Absolutely my favorite memories of South Korea.
DeleteI had no idea that Nonprofit Administration was a major! Learned something new! I’m also graduating in May and wish you the best of luck with the semester. I love the movie “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and yes I’m an English major and have never actually read the book… but like I said I love the movie. If that counts for anything?
ReplyDeleteYeah, and it's amazing! I'm loving my classes. The movie was so great (if you're talking about the one with Guy Pearce) but the book is INCREDIBLE. Totally worth the read if you have the chance. I love it so much I even buy extra copies just to give to people to read.
DeleteHi Alena!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your introduction blog! I see that you are also a world traveler. I absolutely love Mexico as it is where my family is from, so I am happy you enjoyed yourself over there. I also made a New Years Resolution to read more, but I am definitely not as determined as you are. I cannot give up my weekly baking shows or TV dramas. I look forward to seeing what else you post in the future.
Where in Mexico is your family from? This past December is the first time I visited, but I'm planning on spending lots more time there. I have to admit I gave up on not watching shows... but I've still been able to read a little more this semester.
DeleteThat non-profit major is so cool, Alena, and I see more and more students with that major as each years passes, which I think is a good sign for the future of the world! And how great that you were able to visit Mexico not just as a tourist, but by really connecting with people there. That's the best!
ReplyDeleteIn the announcements today there's a video I shared that is a public service announcement from India: What Gods Wear Before They Ride; it's a spot produced by the India Head Injury Foundation. So maybe that is a storytelling style you could ponder and practice for this class: how to tell a story that furthers a cause in the public's mind, using the power of storytelling to get your message across! My guess is that non-profit organizations that have storytellers on staff are able to make an even bigger impact for their cause. :-)
Dang I'm jealous, you've been to some really cool places. The temples and mountains sound like awesome experiences. St. Louis is very cool too, I think that the turn-of-the-century architecture in those midwestern cities like Chicago is so beautiful. I flew over the city last month and the view of downtown by the river was breathtaking. Since you're trying to read more do you have any fiction recommendations?
ReplyDeleteHi Alena!
ReplyDeleteI think that it is so cool that you have had the opportunity to travel to so many different places. I studied abroad for one semester as well, but instead of staying in one place, I did semester at sea, where I had the opportunity to travel to ten countries. We sailed on a ship to each of the different countries and had class while we were at sea. My last international travel was to Mexico as well, but I went to Puebla. I studied abroad for a month there in the summer and it was incredible. I love that you have a heart for non-profit, because that has been an interest of mine for a while. This past semester I had an internship at Feed the Children and it was an incredible experience.
Hi Alena,
ReplyDeleteThe picture of you and your fiance with the snake was so sweet! That is such a neat fundraiser idea. Also, I love how much you have studied abroad. I have not yet been anywhere out of the country other than Canada, but I plan on going abroad this summer, so if you have any tips, I would greatly appreciate them!
Hey Alena! My name is Maria Cecilia Cox-Fuenzalida (not MC, haha). I like the New Years Resolution you chose, reading is so important and a much more beneficial way to pass time instead of watching TV. I think I'm going to piggyback onto that idea, myself. I wish you the best with your resolution! Your goals in human services nonprofit work are also really admirable. It is so important, and it sounds like you are really passionate about it!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, it is very nice to meet you Alena. Your passion for non profits is refreshing. I am completely jealous of your travels and think it is so cool you have experienced so many cultures already. There is another classmate in this class who has also traveled to South Korea so hopefully yall are able to chat. In addition to that there seems to a few other students that have either lived or traveled to Germany. Hoping one day I might be able to join this club! Look forward to continuing to read your material this semester.
ReplyDeleteHi Alena!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous that you have been to so many places like Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Mexico, and especially South Korea. I really want to go there someday. C.S Lewis has some of the best books that I have read ad enjoy! I have heard of The Count of Monte Cristo and wanted to read it but based on your love for it I really want to start on it now. From your intro, I can tell that you are such a kind empathizing person which is needed for nonprofit. The things you see and here will just hit your heart hard. I admire that. I wish you the best in your future endeavors!
Hello Alena!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really cool and important that you are well traveled and have seen how other countries run and operate, especially going into non-profits! I also think it is really amazing that you want to go into non-profits, I am going into public health and we work a lot with local non-profit companies. The Count of Monte Cristo is my fathers favorite book and I am currently reading it now!
Hey Alena,
ReplyDeleteI am so gosh darn jealous of all of the places you have visited! I have only traveled to London and Dublin for a few days and I thought I was pretty cultured, but after reading your intro post I don't feel as cultured anymore haha. I bet South Korea and Japan were beautiful, they are on my bucket list! I hope you can find a dope NPO to work after graduation!
Hi Alena!
ReplyDeleteSo cute that your younger siblings are so much younger than you. I wish that I had siblings that were that age. I think they're so fun to be around and I would be wanting to babysit ALL the time. That's so awesome that you've gotten to travel so much. I still haven't been out of the country, which I don't like. I plan on working on that one day!! I love your passion for non-profits. There really isn't a more selfless cause! I hope you enjoy your last semester at OU!
Hi Alena, I enjoyed reading your introduction post. I am very jealous of all the traveling opportunities you have gotten to experience! One of these days I am going to go to South Korea, and Germany. I just dont have it in my calendar yet haha. You sound like a super kind, caring, and interesting person with all your passion for nonprofits! Sounds to me like you are going to do some exciting things for whatever community is fortunate enough to acquire your passions! I wish you all the best with graduation and your future!
ReplyDeleteHi Alena,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you’ve done quite a bit of wold traveling! All of those places sound beautiful.
I’ll admit that last time I read a book about non-profits it was a little… dry (even though the actual organizations discussed did very important work), but if you’re recommending them in the same breath as C.S. Lewis, Dumas, and Gladwell, I’ll have to give ‘em another shot.
Best,
A.M.
Hi Alena,
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to meet you! I think what you are doing is amazing and the efforts you are putting forth and will continue to put forth are impacting so many people. I support you and respect your passion and commitment to bettering all human lives. I have always enjoyed partaking in community service and helping others is something I strive to do in anyway I can. It has been really joyous and comforting reading about the large part you're playing in the nonprofit field of work. I commend you!
Hi Alena,
ReplyDeleteCongratulation on graduating! I think it is really cool that you were able to travel abroad and have some great experiences. Although, you do look a bit nervous in your picture. The snake reminds of my own ball python pet snake, Chicken Noodle. Anyways, I hope you are having a great semester and good luck in the upcoming finals.
Hi Alena.
ReplyDelete…and hello to a fellow Missourian! I grew up in Springfield and I can confidently say I know most of the Mark Twain National Forest between Springfield and St. Louis. Considering your affinity for mountain trails from your introduction, I’m guessing you know them fairly well also! I admire your ability to switch from watching a favorite TV show to reading a book during commercials. I have to admit; I don’t possess the ability to compartmentalize my time like that. I would start reading as soon as a commercial came on, and then I would realize after a chapter or two that I have completely missed the show I was watching. I also admire you desire to run a human services nonprofit. We need good people in the world doing things like that. I wish you well and I hope you find your way to many more exciting places and new people!
Hi Alena! I wish I was more brave but I get terrified of snakes-even petting them let alone having one around my neck like in your picture. Additionally, I have heard of the Count of Monte Cristo book and now want to read it. I used to think I wouldn't like older books because they are not relatable. It is a different time period, usually different society, different values, borderline racist/sexist, etc. However, after reading Pride and Prejudice, I fell in love with the story and am more open to trying these books. I think your career plans are sound and it is wonderful you are concerned with community service. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteHi, Alena! It’s so nice to meet you! I think it’s so cool that you’ve traveled to so many places! Japan and Germany are actually on my places to travel list! What were some of your favorite things you did in Japan? I also love to read, but I’ve been a little busy so I haven’t had the time to do so. I admire how strong you are to replace your tv shows with reading though. I wouldn’t even last a day without watching my favorite shows!
ReplyDeleteHi Alena!
ReplyDeleteI think it is very amazing that you are studying in Nonprofit Administration. I think it is awesome that you have been able to visit South Korea, Germany, and Mexico. I have been to Germany myself to visit family and it is honestly one of my favorite places. South Korea and Mexico are two places that I also want to visit in the future.
Hi Alena,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Corona and I'm a Letters and Religious Studies dual major. I think that everything about your introduction is amazing. I would love to travel the world and I think that it is magnificent that you do! I also am an avid record collector and range from Mozart, Beethoven to White Stripes to Five Finger Death Punch and so on. I love Sam Smith, the Andrew Sisters, Stevie Wonder, and Alt-J. There are just so many music types that I enjoy. Anyways it was really great to read your introduction. Good luck on finals and on graduation!