Kelsey Woodrick ’13

Major/Minor & Why?
English Literature, because I love to read books and analyze texts from different periods. Minor: Anthropology, because I love to learn about foreign cultures, especially Spanish cultures, and I think that having a broad sense of different cultures will help me be a better ESL teacher. Concentration: TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), because I enjoy teaching children and have a passion for other cultures.
Things your involved in on campus? 
I am LSPB Secretary, Secretary for Education Club, a PIC Leader, I’m on the rugby team, and I volunteer weekly at Helping Hounds Dog Shelter
How did you get involved with the Ecuador Trip/How did you hear about it?
I heard about the Ecuador trip from a lot of older students, many who have went on the trip in the past. I’ve always wanted to study abroad but could never fit it in my schedule, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity! I applied last spring for the trip.. I had to fill out an application/answer questions and be interviewed.
When is it? How long? How many other students? Did you have to fund raise? What will you do while you are there? Describe the trip for us!
The trip will take place in January 2012. There are twelve students going and two chaperones. We will be in Quito, Ecuador for about two weeks. We will volunteer at “The Working Boys Center” which is an organization that helps lift children out of the impoverished state that they would typically grow up in. The center provides an education for the students (such as vocational skills), daily showers, meals, and church services. We will all volunteer there and work with the students… I hope I can teach some English there! We will also partake in “home visits,” where we will literally visit people’s homes to see how they live. We will go on some excursions as well, such as ziplining, shopping, and we will go to the actual equator! We had to fundraise quite a bit of money, and we are thankful to all who donated! I’m very excited about the trip.
What do you like about how the trip is organized? Do you enjoy that its during winter break?
I enjoy the sense of unity that the trip will bring about to our group. All of us students will be together during the trip, so that will be a lot of fun. I do enjoy that the trip is during winter break because many of us students are too busy during the semester to do something like this. I love doing service work, and since I don’t have to worry about school while I go there I can really dedicate myself to the experience.
Why is going on the Ecuador trip so important to you?
This trip is important to me because I am eager to get a taste of another culture. I cannot wait to teach English over there and I am hoping that connections can be made for the future. I love learning about other cultures and helping others, as well. This sounds cliché, but I really want to make a difference in someone’s life and I hope to do so through teaching the English language. I also want to teach outside of the U.S. when I am older, so this will definitely prepare me for that.
What do you hope to do after Le Moyne? How will this trip to Ecuador help you in your future, if it will? 
After Le Moyne, I plan on going straight to grad school to get a degree in probably TESOL. Then I plan on getting into an international teaching program that will pay off my loans, and after that coming back to America at some point. This trip will help me understand other cultures better, help others learn English, and help me create a foundation in teaching ESL.
What would be your best advice for first year students regarding getting involved?
I would say get involved in as much as you can.. At least try a little bit of everything! Then you need to pick and choose what you really enjoy, but keep in mind your studies as well. It’s all about time management and how much you can fit on your plate.
How would you address the issue that some students feel that only students who attend church can go on service trips like Ecuador?
Students should not feel that only students who attend church can go on service trips like Ecuador. These trips are not about religious gratification, rather they focus on the spirit of service. They help you understand yourself and the world around you, while enriching your mind, body, and soul! I fully encourage students to take advantage of service trips like these.. You don’t want to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity.
What’s a quote/motto you live by?
Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.” –One Day
What do you do for fun/to relax?
I like to work out, go shopping, sleep, and hang out with my homeboys/girls.