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5 Minutes with Nichole Taylor

Monday, January 30th, 2012
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Name: Nichole Taylor

Title: Global Youth Service Day Project Intern

Start date at PTPI: January 2012

Nichole Taylor

1. Are you named after anyone? 

Not that I know of. But I will tell you all a little secret. My first name is actually Belinda, while my middle name is Nichole. When I was in 4th grade I moved to a new school, and I wanted to start life anew as Nichole Taylor. This ended up backfiring though, because every day when the teacher would call roll, she would call out BELINDA TAYLOR (much louder than anyone else’s name, it seemed) and every day I would exhaust myself by explaining otherwise. Who knew it would be such a burden?!

2. What is your favorite book?

Oh, man. I love, love, love to read so that’s a toughie. I am a huge fan of Kurt Vonnegut. I am also a huge fan of Herman Hesse and Camus, which is strange because I am not really an existentialist. I enjoy a good story with dynamic characters, humor, twists, and so on…I am always up for suggestions so if you have any, let me know!

3. What book are you reading at the moment? 

I am currently reading a book by Herman Hesse called Narcissus and Goldmund. The story is about two very unlike characters who become best friends. Narcissus is Goldmund’s professor, and he takes on sort of a mentor role in Goldmund’s life. Herman Hesse is a brilliant writer because his characters always encompass a distinct allegory throughout his novels. I am a huge classic literature nerd!

4. What’s the last movie you watched?

Melancholia, directed by Lars von Trier. With Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Alexander Skarsgard – this is one of the most beautiful films I have seen in a long time. Definitely check out the trailer and see if you’d be interested.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I would initially choose somewhere in Latin America or Spain. I am trying to become fluent in Spanish and I think the best way for me to accomplish this would be by totally immersing myself in a Spanish-speaking culture.

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org

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5 Minutes with Kresha Scott

Friday, November 4th, 2011
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Name: Kresha Scott

Title: OIC Warehouse Coordinator

Start Date at PTPI: July 2009 and June 2011

Kresha Scott

1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Well, I actually haven’t been able to come up with a place yet that I don’t want to go. But I especially love places that have a lot of history, so I would love to go to places like Egypt, Turkey, Peru, Israel and Greece.

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I would love to live in Berlin. While I was there on a trip I fell in love with the people, the culture, the food, and the beer! I also like the idea of being able to travel all around Europe so easily.

3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would do?

Rent a storage unit for all of my stuff and book an open-ended flight to one of the places listed above.

4. What is your favorite book?

I love Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. And unlike the other kids in my high school literature class, I loved reading the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer.

5. Are there any words you live by? A favorite saying or quote?

I always loved the quote by Gandhi that says “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org 

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26.2 Miles for Landmines: Meet the Team Part 2

Friday, August 19th, 2011
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As part of Team HALO, Karen Hoch and Sarah Houston will run in the Marine Corps Marathon on October 30 to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our landmine eradication efforts. Did you know that for only $10, we can purchase the tools needed for a deminer to safely remove landmines? For $50, we can clear more than 500 square feet of minefield. Imagine what we can do if everyone would donate something. On your mark, get set…GIVE!

We introduced Karen a few weeks ago, so now it’s Sarah’s turn. Sarah serves as PTPI’s Managing Director of Student Programs. Learn more about Sarah here and then please make a donation. Remember, your next step makes their next step possible.

 

Sarah Houston

1. What made you want to start running?

My dad started running long distance in the 1970’s running boom and I wanted to be just like him.

2. So when exactly did you start?

I entered my first race when I was around eleven and was thrilled that I placed and got a trophy! I ran track all through middle school and then cross country in high school. I realized that I was much more of a long distance runner than a track runner. I wasn’t much for going around in circles.

3. When was your 1st marathon and how many have you run?

My first marathon was Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN in 2000. I absolutely loved the experience—especially when I was finished! Now, I have this strange need to do marathons. I love having a goal and doing the training. The Marine Corps Marathon will be my 11th marathon.

4. Do you have any superstitions or carry “lucky charms” with you on the day of a race?

No lucky charms – although I do need all the luck I can get so maybe I should try that.  I do, however, put stick-on letters on my shirt to spell out my name so people can cheer for me when I run by. Hey, it helps!

5. What made you decide to join Team HALO for this marathon?

After my last marathon I said, “no more,” but when I found out about running in a team for The HALO Trust, I reconsidered. Working for PTPI, I have learned about how deadly and devastating landmines are to countries such as Cambodia. I have become passionate about this cause and couldn’t think of a better way to combine my love of running with helping make people’s lives better through this effort. My coworker and friend, Karen, decided to do it too, so it will be a  great time in D.C. on race day with Team HALO! (After, apparently I “beat the bridge” just before mile marker 20 on the race course – all runners must maintain a 14-minute per mile pace in order to do so. I’m a little scared…)

6. How do you feel about running with the US Marines?

One word: honored.

7. What is your favorite post-race snack or beverage?

First, Gatorade & a banana; then I crave a turkey burger and fries and a nice cold beer!

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org

 

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