Up with People Cast A 2008 Blog

Martin Brennen

Scott Enebo

Wouter Oosterheert

Celiana Dolovitz

Dave Penny

Jeff Lin

Ellen Enebo

Mitch McVicker

Aoife Redmond

Gabe Anchondo

Yui Mihara

Maria Fahlin

Kristina Henry

Andrew Lanham

Jared Shelsta

Peter Sporrenmark

Abby Allsopp

Aimée Reintjens

AJ Vanden Heuvel

Alice Vaxelaire

I’m Alice from Belgium , I just turned 19 years old during the beginning of the tour. I graduated from High School in June 2007 and during autumn I learn English in Cambridge ( England ) to join UWP. But ME in some words mean: orange, chocolate, clown, crazy, smiley, sensible, ….. and more to discover.

Amador Gonzales

Amandine de Limbourg

André Moreau

An 18 year old Canadian whose interests include music, biking, downhill skiing and skimboarding. Born and raised in the town of Penetanguishene Ontario Canada , an hour and a half north of Toronto , he has been ever so keen on leaving and seeing the world for himself. With full support of his parents, grandparents, friends and family, he had the special opportunity to do so. Andre’s charisma, enthousiasm and personable traits, keeps Cast A 2008 real.

Angela Gabaldon

Anna Frogner

Anna Ftorek

Anthony Anaya-Gorman

Yateeh (Hello), I am Anthony and I come from a diverse background. I am of many ethnicities, however when people ask me what I am; I reply that I am Navajo. I accept every part of who I am since they have defined who I am today. Navajo is the culture and values that I was raised with. It is my Grandfather that I get my Native blood from and is my greatest hero. He was/ is my biggest role model that I had/ have. I am very appreciative of where I come from since it has allowed me to experience things with an open mind and has made me stronger. I have an amazing family. It is not very big, but it is one that is molded tightly together. I love them all and hold them dear in my heart.  I need to thank my mother for all of her support and getting me here with Up With People!

Ariel Epstein

Ariel Epstein 25 years old, B.A. in music from the
University of Southern Maine . Americorps NCCC alumni. Loves animals, books, and hanging out with friends

Astrid Vargas

Brandon Serna

Beth Clay

Beth Clay from Plymouth , New Hampshire , USA . There are 5 things everyone should know about me: 1. I’m living my dream right now, here in Up with People Cast A 2008. 2. My greatest joys are found within my nephew, niece, friends, lists, family, and making people laugh so hard they squeak or snort. 3. I spent my 25th birthday on a dairy farm in Wisconsin , after getting kisses from 12 boys with mustaches. 4. I lived in Australia and I have been punched by a kangaroo5. Everything in my suitcase is packed in Ziploc bags.

Britta Lindahl

Brittany Schield

Brooke Humphreys

Camilla Thyssen

Carolina Alvear Bello

I am Carolina
I am Carro
I am from Sweden
I am from Chile
I am from Vilhelmina
I am 23 years old
I am in a family
I am having a good time
I am in Up with people
I am happy
I am crazy according to Francois
I am surprised
I am traveling
I am having fun
I am with my friends
I am with myself
I am me

Cécile Naveau

Bonjour! My name is Cecile Naveau, I am 26 and I am a language teacher in high school. I come from a very small village in the South of Belgium. I love nature, sport and most of all, my family! I’m a smiling and outgoing person and UWP is just a mixture of everything I like doing: meeting people, traveling and performing.

Chris Ota

Chris Wensink

Cody Van Otterloo

Daniel Rohmiller

Hello! My name’s Dan Rohmiller, I’m 22 years old, and I’m originally from Sioux City , Iowa , which is on the western side of the state. My family owns a farm where we raise cattle and hogs, along with growing corn and beans. I graduated last May from the University of South Dakota with a Bacholer’s of Science in Criminal Justice. If there’s anything else you want to know about me, feel free to check out my blog at www.danielrohmiller.blogspot.com !

Eilis Cassidy

Ellen Alth

Ericka Donovan

Howdy everyone! My name is Ericka Donovan and I come from Sierra Vista , Arizona . I am proud to say that I’m from a small town that I love to represent. I have always wanted to travel and I finally get my dream to do that. I want to make a positive change in the world and in UWP I get that change.

Erika Westerlund

Erin Fiandt

Erin hails from Indianapolis , and, though she is short, she is a mighty force not to be reckoned with. Dancing throughout the show in quite an atrocious manner, Erin enjoys riding unicorns through the Forest of Golden Moonlight , engaging in philosophical conversation with those of lesser intelligence than she, and eating the beautifully decorated cakes made by her fantabulous sister, Emma.

Erum Baloch

Hi, I’m Erum Baloch from Karachi, Pakistan. I’m 26 yrs old & graduated from Medical School in 06, completed my 1-year Internship in Aug’07 and then joined Burns Surgery as a Research Fellow for 3 months. My parents are doctors as well. I have an elder brother,32 who did his MBA and a younger sister,23 who is in final yr Medical School . I love traveling and learning from people from around the world by sharing our culture and traditions.

Fanny Cygnaeus

My name is Fanny Cygnaeus, I’m nineteen years old and just graduated high school in Stockholm , Sweden . I love dancing, skiing, chocolate bars and hanging out with friends and family. Favorite quote: “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

Fola Akinyemi

Francois Freyer

I have a mind of my own, and I am quite
frank, down to earth and polite. Also quiet at times, a bit moody, creative and adaptable.
In short: Your Typical Gemini

I think I am an independent thinker. I enjoy music because it’s thought-provoking, and I tend to not follow the fads. I can have a good time, and I also enjoy being alone with my thoughts.

Gift Phoklad

Guido Nebuloni

Hans Nelson

Hey…..straws cheaper, grass is free, cows eat it why don’t we? HANS NELSON is the name, I’m from SOUTH DAKOTA . I’m a country boy living between two small towns, Belle Fourche and Spearfish. I recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Elementary Education. What do you call deer with no eyes? I have NO I-DEER!

Ilona Raymann

Hi, I’m Ilona Raymann from Switzerland . I’m a 23-old spontaneous girl, who likes the wind in the hair and the sun in the face. I love snow, but I’m terrific to travel to Mexico and Thailand . Back home I’m a graphic designer and before I joined this magnificent group, I did an internship as journalist. I love to dance and sing and I’m excited to open my mind for new experiences. And yes: I admit to be addicted to chocolate, even if it is not Swiss chocolate. Take care and have a ravishing day!

Imm Pitisunwannarat

SA-WAD-DEE-KA…..I’m Imm Pitisuwannarat I am 26 years old. I come from Thailand . The land of smile and delicious food. I have one young sister and one younger brother. I always miss them. I live in the countryside of Thailand . There is a full of rice field that are very pretty. If you see it , you will love it. I’m pretty sure, I am very glad to be here.

Jen Hannah

Jenna Taylor

Hello! I’m Jenna from Montana . Last summer I decided to join UWP because it combines most all my interests in some way: music, languages, cultures, travel, helping people etc. I’ve already learned so much and met so many wonderful people, both within the cast and in the cities that we visit. I greatly look forward to the rest of the semester.

Jessica Kendra

I am Jessica Kendra, a 20-year-old student from the suburbs of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania , USA . My passions include public service, social justice, and health and wellness. I love my family, enjoy long runs in the fall, prefer lakes to beaches, and would eat a sweet potato with every meal if I could.

Jessica Rojas

Johan Petri

Johan Verbeek

Hey, my name is Johan and I’m from Nijmegen in The Netherlands. I graduated from high school in the summer of 2007. I joined Up With People right after my graduation and then returned as a student January 2008. After this program I want to study abroad, probably International Relations, I’m not sure where yet. I hope UWP will help me make a choice.

Johanna Wahlström

Katie Mears

Hi, I’m Katie from Denver , Colorado , USA ! I’m 20 years old, I attend Metropolitan State College of Denver and am pursuing Political Science as my major. I am blessed to have a wonderful family… crazy parents, 2 hilarious brothers, and a beautiful sister! I love singing, church, friends, shopping, shoes, coffee, and naps! ! I am so excited and thankful to be a part of this adventure!

Katy Meek

Kelsey O’Keeffe

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”  - Christian Friedrich Hebbel

My passions are:  musical theatre, helping others, my family and friends, traveling, playing board/card games, Jesus Christ, laughing.

“Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt.  Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.” - Mark Twain

I LOVE MY LIFE!

Kristen Ditges

Kristen Ditges, the product of a mutual love of disco between a studios CU Buff and a New Jersey transfer ski bum, was born on a lovely afternoon in November, 1983.

Following in her parent’s footsteps she learned to ski at age 3, graduated from the University of Colorado in 2006 and has had a solid appreciation for disco music since birth.

Kristen is the shortest (5ft 5in) person in her immediate family having been surpassed by her younger brother, Andrew, in early 2003. Kristen’s dislikes include: peas, high tops and wuss rock (see Daughtry, Nickleback etc). Kristen’s likes include: scarfs, Shenanigans, summer camps, the Beatles and hammocks.

Kristian Gintberg

I’m Kristian. I’m 19 years old and I live with my family near the beach in a small village in Denmark . I just graduated from high school in may 2007, and after that I worked in a day care for 5 months. I like playing music, the ocean and traveling. I’m traveling with UWP to learn about cultures, getting new friends and seeing the world.

Kyle DeGraff

Hi, my name is Kyle and I’m from Maple Grove , MN . I am a freshman at Concordia Collage Moorhead. I am getting a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance with an emphasis in opera. A fun fact about me is that my whole family has traveled in UPW. My mom and dad met in UWP and my dad worked for the company before it moved to Denver . My sister traveled in A’07 and my mom is working for the company now. I’m so excited to be traveling now!!

Lachhu Maharjan

Leonardo Martinez

Linn Schulz

Louisa Hayman

I am 20 years and from Denmark . My life has until UWP come along taken place in a small town in Denmark . I went to Danish high school and graduated in 2007. Since then I’ve have toured my small corner of Denmark working many different jobs. In my future I predict more traveling and exciting adventures and eventually a degree in something.

Maiken Hansen

My name is Maiken and I come from Denmark , where I live near Naestved with my mom, dad and sister. I am 20 years old and graduated from High School, June 2007. It makes me glad to sing, experience, smile, be surprised, be lost, have a nice time with friends and family. I feel lucky being part of Up With People.

Marina Day

My birth given name is Marina , however I have an affection for being called “Dock”. I’m from Georgia , and therefore consider myself a peach. When it comes down to it, I’m passionately enjoying life. I’ve been told I have a great smile, and can sing “not unlike the angels.” Up with People has challenged me and rewarded me in so many ways, and I want to juice every minute of everyday for all its worth. I also like really awkward situations. I’m a member of the Napers and the Tripod. And, that girl Beth that plays the cowbell, she might be my favorite person in all the land.

Marlien van Goor

Hallo allemaal! My name is Marlien, I’m 19 years old and I just graduated from High School. Together with my parents and brother, I live in a small town in the south of the Netherlands . Things I like to do at home are acting, playing music, hanging out with friends or family, having a night out and writing. Something I like to do right now is running back to my suitcase and start packing, because tomorrow is our next travel day.. I love it!

Martha Robele

Meraf Robele

Micha Rader

Mira Colova

Miwa Otsuji

I’m Miwa from Japan . I graduated from the university with a law degree than worked at a bank.

Molly Essington

The best bass player in the land, Molly is a singer/songwriter from Tucson , AZ. Though currently attending the University of Arizona with a focus in Mathematics, she plans on moving to the Midwest and study something she’s more passionate about, like Music or Education. She’s pretty awesome, if I may say so myself.

Molly Robertson

Hello, my name is Molly.  I was raised in Ohio and live in California .  In May, I graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from Wagner College in New York .  Traveling is one of my favorite things to do.  I also enjoy dance and long-form improvisation. 

Natalya Ponomarenko

Nicole Taylor

My name is Nicole Taylor and I’m from Pasadena , California in the USA . I’m 19years old. I heard of UWP once they came to my H.S. It was there & interviewed me that day. I got accepted for June 2007 bit deferred for January 2008. Once I am done with UWP I will continue my education majoring in Biology.

Nik Davis

Nina Lehväslaiho

Noa Opdebeeck

Hi! My name is Noa Opdebeeck, I’m from Belgium and I’m 22 years old. I live in Antwerp , the city who is known worldwide for its fashion. And I adore fashion. I love people, I love to communicate and I like travelling. Every year I try to discover a new piece of the world and get to know other cultures. Music is my first love and it will be my last. Last year I recorded my own cd “Naked on the inside” with my own pop-rock songs(www.noaneal.com). Every week you’ll find me on a stage in Belgium , France or Switzerland singing with my band. In 2006 I graduated from university with a degree in Event Planning and Communications. I like poetry, reading and writing ; it calms me down. I also like deep-sea diving - it’s a beautiful world under there. I adore fishes ! They fascinate me. I love my family, friends and my dog Bas, they are very important to me.

When you were born,
you were crying
and everyone around you was smiling.
Live life so that when you die,
you’re the one smiling
and everyone around you is crying…

Oscar Nellbeck

I love to meet people from different cultures than my own through traveling.

Paul Conzemius

Hey everybody! My name is Paul Conzemius and I am 20 years old. I am originally from Tuscon Arizona But am currently living in Soiux Falls , SD. I love spending time at my lake cabin in Minnesota and in BCS, Mexico where my mother works. Im so excited to be here in UWP for this amazing adventure and I cant wait to experience more!

Phil Worcester

Hi everyone! My name is Phil and I am 21 years old. I come from Tucson , Arizona in the southwestern united states . In Tucson I attend the university of Arizona where I study political science & business. There are a few reasons I’m here in UWP. Mainly I enjoy traveling, meeting new people & making a difference. Goodbye now.

Rachel Tobey

Ren-Horng Wang

Hello.  My name is Ren-Horng Wang and I’m 23 years old.  Born in Tainan , Taiwan , ROC, I now live in Cleveland , OH , USA .  I’m a graduate of Brown University where I studied geology and film. Community impact is important to me, and I have been involved in Key Club,Circle K International, Habitat for Humanity, Bike and Build,
AmeriCorps*NCCC and Hurricane Katrina recovery.  Being able to make a difference in people’s lives, perform, and tour the world ensures that
Up with People will be an exciting adventure!

Sabrina Redding

Sabrina Redding was born in Troy , Ohio April 3 rd 1984 but moved to Dallas , Texas when she was 13years old. She has graduated KD studio with an associate degree in acting. She enjoys bike riding, working out and reading.

Sandra Winzeler

My name is Sandra Winzeler and I am a 19 year old swissgirl. I graduated High School last summer and will study psychology this fall. Besides swisschocoloate I love dancing and singing, swimming, scouts, my family and my friends. I enjoy life and I always have a smile on my face!

Sanna Lindberg

Hello everyone! My name is Sanna Lindberg. I am 23 years old and I am from Sweden . I am traveling with UWP because I love to see new places, meet new people and new things… I also love to spend time with friends and family, bake bread (and chocolate cake) go shopping, laugh, dance, sing and of course I love my boyfriend very much. (please come and visit me soon)

Sara Persson

My name is Sara and I come from Sweden . I am 19 and love dance, ice cream, film, music, travels, friends and family. To enjoy life I recommend you to sit down, eat chocolate ice cream mixed with fudge brownies, listen to Bobby McFerrins “Don’t Worry Be Happy” and let the music and ice cream fill you with joy

Sofia Dragt

Sofie Martinsson

For 20 years I’ve lived my life in Sweden near a lake,

I love my family, town and friends, but I needed a break.

To travel, sing, dance, laugh and learn are things I like to do. I believe that challenges and smiles are good for you. So now I’m doing all of that, amazed by every day.

Think it, say it, do it! That was all I had to say.

Solo Luvsandonrov

Sonia Wallfelt

Female. Swedish. 21 years old. Love lots of different kinds of music. My I-Pod is my boyfriend. Work as a mailman, maybe studies this fall. I speak Swedish, English and a bit of Spanish. Got into UwP through my sister and I love it! My favorite part of the program is the friendship between you and your cast mates, friends from all over the world!

Stina Kvandal

I’m Kristian. I’m 19 years old and I live with my family near the beach in a small village in Denmark . I just graduated from high school in may 2007, and after that I worked in a day care for 5 months. I like playing music, the ocean and traveling. I’m traveling with UWP to learn about cultures, getting new friends and seeing the world.

Teng Yue

Tucker Tyler

Tyler Hastings

My Name is Tyler Hastings. I come from a little town called Corcoran Ca. It has 10,000 people and is the cotton capital of the world. For those of you who have not heard of my home town, it is located half way between Sacramento and Los Angeles . Before I joined up with people I had just graduated from CHS in June of 2007 and then I became an EMT-Basic which means that I am working with an ambulance company that same month I did that prior to joining cast A 2008. I am planning on pursuing college in the Technical theatre after I leave Up With People.

Ultan Courtney

Veronica Austdal

Vincent Verbeek

Vivia Armstrong

Vivia Eterna Armstrong is from Chicago , IL and is the youngest of four children to Ovester and Priscilla Armstrong. Before joining UWP, Vivia completed her MBA in Marketing and worked as a Marketing Coordinator. A lover of music and acting, Vivia’s goals include acting, international travel, event management, and helping to enhance the quality of life for others. Vivia’s favorite role is being an auntie to her 4 nieces and she’s a fan of Dolphins, Oprah, and all things purple.

Wencke Riedel

About me:

¤ from Germany

¤19 years old

¤ graduated last summer from High school

What I like most:

¤ playing sports (handball, volleyball,swimming)

¤ music (drums,guitar, listening, singing, dancing)

¤ ice-cream

¤ sun & relaxing

Zaire Lowe

Hi my name is Zaire Lowe and I’m 18 years old. Born December 30 th 1989 and raised in Southampton, Bermuda . My talents consist of dancing, acting and modeling. My favorite quote is “live, life, love, learn”