We’ve had our Summer Young Professionals in our offices, learning the ropes, working behind-the-scenes, and much more since their arrival, and it’s only the beginning! Here are our newest Summer Young Professionals hanging out with us at the central office over the summer.
Evelyn Amaya
Home University: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
USAC Program: Prague, fall 2015
My name is Evelyn; I like to go by Evie or Evy. I just graduated from UNLV with my Bachelors in Communication studies. I am really excited about this internship and other opportunities that await me in Reno. This opportunity will get me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming an advisor for international programs within the next few years. I am looking at several higher education graduate programs at the University of Nevada, Reno, so by the end of the summer I might decide to relocate there.
I am excited to learn the ropes, and I am ready to assist in any way I can with the program because without USAC I do not think I would be as motivated as I am today. As for my hobbies, I am an active hiker and really enjoy exploring new places. I see that Reno has no limits when it comes to exploring and has several places nearby that will fulfill my need for adventure. I love to read and you can often find me at the library or at a coffee shop with my nose in a book. I also enjoy drawing and painting with pastel and charcoal on the weekends so you might find that I am covered in such materials. I like to have to fun, I love Star Wars and love to laugh, and I am always open to trying new things and having new experiences. Any questions anyone might have I am more than happy to answer them. I really look forward to an awesome summer and making new friends!
Menyae Christopher
Home University: University of Maryland, College Park
USAC Program: Germany, spring 2015
I am a senior at the University of Maryland, currently double majoring in Government & Politics, and German. Despite being born and raised in Maryland, I’ve never hesitated at an opportunity to leave my State. In the Spring semester of 2015 I participated in USAC’s Lüneburg Program, which gave me much needed time to practice my speaking skills and in Germany. So far I have traveled to nine countries between two continents and driven across the US once. I’ve been fortunate that my adventures have outnumbered my misadventures throughout all my travels, but I believe that the former make for better stories. My most recent misadventure happened earlier this spring in a soccer accident that tore my ACL, so I will be walking around the office with a slight limp.
At my University, I am an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, the National Service Fraternity. Serving as part of this brotherhood has given me an opportunity to give back to my community and help the greater Washington, D.C. area, whether it be through attending speeches to better understand local problems, tutoring high school students or delivering food to sickly persons who are unable to shop for themselves. Combined with my international experiences, which have exposed me to other forms of governing and approaches to various problems, I hope to work as a diplomat in the State Department so that I can make a difference in the lives of others at the global level.
Jake Lorentz
Home University: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
USAC Program: Alicante, fall 2014
Hello! My name is Jake Lorentz and I am from Pleasanton, California, located in the East Bay Area. I am graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems. Some of the highlights of my college career include: peer advising at the International Center, peer mentoring at the Orfalea college of Business, calling parents and alumni at Cal Poly Phonathon, playing intramural soccer and basketball, practicing Bikram yoga in downtown San Luis Obispo, and studying abroad in China, Thailand, Spain, and Cuba.
When I studied abroad in Spain, I took a solo trip to explore Granada. Prior to the trip, I was developing a bacterial infection on my neck that I thought would subside quickly. Long story short, it manifested itself into a full-blown Staph infection, and I had to buy a scarf so people would actually talk to me. The highlight of this experience was going to the hospital where I had to interact with the nurse and doctor who spoke zero English. With my basic Spanish, we were able to reach the right diagnosis and I received the proper antibiotics.
My goal is to learn as much as possible from the people and experiences at USAC to develop my personal and professional skills. I am very curious to see how a study abroad company functions with all the behind the scenes work that is involved. After the internship, I am moving to Madrid, Spain to get certified as an English teacher through an organization called TtMadrid. My plan is to work as an English teacher for one year and become as fluent in Spanish as possible. After, I do not have a clear career path but I want to develop the skills that come along with being a teacher.
Amanda Simmons
Home University: University of Arkansas
USAC Program: Puntarenas, spring 2015
Hey there! I’m Amanda, I’m 22, and I just graduated from the University of Arkansas. I studied abroad with USAC during spring 2015 in Puntarenas, Costa Rica! My mom is a flight attendant for a major international airline, which is part of why I love to travel so much. Recently I traveled to Switzerland with my sister, making it my 20th country to date!
My dream job would be a multimedia wizard who gets paid to travel the world, but since that position doesn’t exist yet, I would love to share my skills producing and teaching videography, travel writing, or anything that can unleash a collective creative spirit.
Other than Los Angeles, I’ve never been to the Western U.S. and I am really looking forward to doing some of my favorite things: exploring, rollerblading, biking, hiking, and any water-related activity.
Fun Fact: I am most proud of winning Fayetteville’s local The Office trivia tournament. Our team name was Scott’s Tots.
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Look out world! These young professionals are coming for you soon!
— USAC
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