Past WorldLink Interns
2007-2008

Fall/Spring WorldLink Interns

Mark Hargrove
High Tech High International

As a junior at High Tech International, Mark has participated in various global events offered by his school. During his freshman year at International he attended several Model United Nations conferences and discussed global topics such as human trafficking, women’s rights and Israel and Palestine. In addition, he attended the 9th Annual WorldLink Youth Town Meeting and moderated a briefing session on the protection of the rights of the child. Also through school, Mark took an eight-day eco tour of Costa Rica. That experience largely contributed to his aspirations to become fluent in Spanish. He hopes to study abroad in a Latin American country for a year during or after high school. Mark has also acquired a passion for the study of law and global issues. Most recently, Mark spent two-and-a-half months in Malta, Sicily, England and Ireland in the summer of 2007. While in Malta he attended a class in juvenile law.

When Mark is not traveling or attending conferences, he enjoys surfing, reading and spending time with his younger brother.

 

Donald (Donny) L. Kleinhen
High Tech High Media Arts 

Donald (Donny) Kleinhen is currently a junior at High Tech High Media Arts (HTHMA). As reflected by his school name, he is a multimedia aficionado. He has developed multiple documentaries, websites and animation shorts over the years. He has also worked on many posters, flyers and ads using his skills with graphic designing. This year Donny plans to expand his intellectual horizons by learning engineering at his high school. Donny has been fueled in his goal to become an engineer and website designer by his teachers Effren Villanueva and Feroze Munshi.  

In his spare time, Donny enjoys working with HTH Productions to create and enhance school galas, theaters and musical productions. He also enjoys playing piano with his band as well as playing soccer and Ultimate Frisbee with his friends.

 

Idalia Maytorena
High Tech High International 

Idalia Maytorena is currently a junior at High Tech High International. It was during her freshman year when she, after researching and following up with a public service announcement about world hunger and poverty, realized she wanted to learn more about the people with whom she shares this world. This epiphany led her to begin traveling around the world. She has since traveled to several southern European countries and wishes to travel through Asia and Africa to experience other cultures and languages.

Idalia is also an active member of her community. She participates in the annual Mexican Red Cross drive and also volunteers in the organization. As a bilingual student, she is head student ambassador for the High Tech schools and serves as a liaison for incoming students and Spanish/English-speaking members of the community. As an ASB officer, Idalia was able to get to know her peers and demonstrate leadership skills. Outside of school and house chores, she enjoys aquatic sports, yoga and spending time with her family. 

 

Summer 2007 WorldLink Interns

Emi Koch
Academy of Our Lady of Peace

Emi Koch is a recent graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace and will leave her native San Diego in the fall for Washington, D.C., to attend the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. During her years at OLP, Emi was president of the Amnesty International Club on campus as well as a peer counselor. She also participated in Los Niños, a school-led service trip for senior class members to Mexico, where participants volunteered at orphanages and migrant shelters. Emi graduated in the top of her class as a member of the National Honors Society, the California Scholarship Federation and with the title of Miss OLP.

Outside of school, Emi became involved in a student ambassador program where her passion for international social justice was fueled with trips to China and Europe. Emi also traveled to New Zealand and Australia where she discussed with local aborigines the issue of the history of their oppression. She is a member of many justice-oriented organizations such as CARE, Students for a Free Tibet and Activist San Diego. She is also a member of MADCAPS, a San Diego-based community service club for young women. This past spring, Emi participated in the Breast Cancer 3 Day, walking more than 60 miles in the hopes of finding a cure.

An avid surfer and photographer, Emi is still trying to locate the closest beach via the Metro system in the Washington, D.C., area. Emi plans to study international affairs, economics and journalism as well as become fluent in both French and Arabic.  

 

Sarah Levin
Bishop’s School

Sarah Levin will return to The Bishop’s School for her junior year this fall. Sarah has attended Bishop’s since ninth grade and is active in her school government, where she serves as the community service representative. Sarah runs cross-country and plays soccer for her school’s teams. Before attending The Bishop’s School, Sarah graduated with honors at The Rhoades School.

It was at Rhoades where her interest in current events and human rights was sparked. Daily, she began reading newspapers, listening to NPR and BBC, and watching news stations to further her understanding of current events. During her freshman year of high school, she was given the opportunity to assist in the coordination of Bishop’s Human Rights Day. She interacted and learned from many influential human rights activists. Sarah led a fundraising and awareness campaign on the conflict in Darfur during her sophomore year. She has spent many hours volunteering at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, for which she was awarded the Presidential Community Service Award.

By the end of this internship, Sarah hopes to have a better understanding of the issues troubling the world today. She is eager to learn, write and convey the knowledge she has gained from this experience to others. Sarah hopes to inspire others to take action in shaping the future.

 

Alex Na
Bishop’s School

Alex is a sophomore at The Bishop’s School. He has attended The Bishop’s School since the 7th grade and could not love it more! He served as his class president for three years. Alex participates in singing, acting and dancing programs at his school. He is involved with many school clubs, one of which is the Invisible People’s Club. He was part of the “Rights of Children” committee for his school’s Human Rights Day - a day dedicated to learning about worldwide human rights violations. 

Alex also enjoys giving back to the community. Over the past two summers, he has taken a group of students to an orphanage in South Korea in order to help mentally and/or physically disabled children. He was recently awarded the George W. Bush Community Service Presidential Award for his commitment to community service.

Alex, above many things, loves the water. He plays water polo for his school team and is on the varsity swimming team. He is thrilled to be part of the Associated Student Body Council (ASBC), where he has the opportunity to organize school events and confront school challenges. ASBC has taught him how to lead his class to the best year they could ever have. Alex also enjoys comedy. He has been on his school’s Improv Team for four years.

 

Madeline Wozniak
Cathedral Catholic High School

Madeline Wozniak will be a senior at Cathedral Catholic High School. She is a San Diego native and lives in Point Loma with her two siblings and two dogs. She has been a member of the ZLAC women’s rowing club. An avid photographer, Madeline will be a yearbook editor next year. She is very active in backstage theater, responsible for the concessions booth. Since her freshman year she has participated in Model United Nations. She is the treasurer of the Interact Club at her school, traveling to Mexico for service projects. She is also active at the Catholic Charities food bank as well as the Friends of the Wetlands river mouth. Since 6th grade she has participated in National History Day, creating documentaries ranging from disabilities rights to the worldwide eradication of polio, which have taken her to the California State finals four times.  A documentary entitled “Marian Anderson: One Voice for Millions” won the Constitutional Rights Foundation award. Next year she will be the president of the National Honors Society. A founding member of the Friends of Animals club at school and a lifelong love affair with animals, Madeline has always been interested in the delicate balance between people, the environment and animals.