Today we journeyed from Dar es Salaam to Iringa. Locals consider Iringa to be the frozen tundra, as the average temperature is a frigid 75 degrees. Us Minnesotans consider it to be a tropical paradise. After spending 10 hours on a bus, we were welcomed with open arms by a rainbow spewing from Ken’s finger. To kill time on our long journey, we decided to interview the team to help you folks back home get to know all about this year’s group!
Lisa and Jarrod
Lisa
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2017
Fun Fact: Was a music major for 2 years before switching to Mechanical Engineering
Favorite Disney Princess: Wendy
So far, Lisa’s favorite part of the trip has been eating the plantains. She is excited to be able to design something tangible and meaningful for the villagers as well as watch the design come to life.
Jarrod
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2017
Fun Fact: This was his first plane ride, EVER
Favorite Disney Princess: Cinderella
So far, Jarrod’s favorite part of the trip has been the food. He is excited to visit the national park, Ruaha.
Mitch, Megan, and Amanda
Mitch R.
Major: Mechanical Engineering with a Music minor
Graduating Year: May 2017
Fun Fact: His favorite place in Minnesota is the Chain of Lakes
Favorite Disney Princess: Rapunzel
So far, Mitch’s favorite part of the trip has been being dragged around the Carver’s Market. He is excited to experience village life and find creative ways to solve water issues.
Megan
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2016
Fun Fact: She is on the Women’s Club Hockey Team at the U
Favorite Disney Princess: Mulan
So far, Megan’s favorite part of the trip has been seeing the carvers at work at the Carver’s Market. She is excited to experience village life and see the safari in Ruaha.
Amanda
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2016
Fun Fact: Her favorite fruit is the mango and loves that there are fresh mangoes everywhere here Favorite Disney Princess: Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty
So far, Amanda’s favorite part of the trip has been bonding with the team during downtime. She is excited to visit the villages and meet the community.
Elizabeth and Sarah
Elizabeth
Major: Chemical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2016
Fun Fact: She loves to ride horses
Favorite Disney Princess: Belle
So far, Elizabeth’s favorite part of the trip has been all the scenery including the mountains and the ocean. She is excited to go to the school in Lutangilo and see all the children.
Sarah
Major: Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2016
Fun Fact: She started as an English major before switching to Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Favorite Disney Princess: Merida (Brave)
So far, Sarah’s favorite part of the trip has been the Carver’s Market. She is excited to do the work and system design for the villages.
Mitch, Katie, and Alex
Mitch P.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: December 2016
Fun Fact: His pig’s name is Taylor Swine
Favorite Disney Princess: Jasmine
So far, Mitch’s favorite part of the trip has been the food. He is excited to see what life is like in the village.
Katie
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2017
Fun Fact: Her Birth Certificate is a day off
Favorite Disney Princess: Belle
So far, Katie’s favorite part of the trip has been finding out that her hotel room had air conditioning. She is excited to visit the village.
Alex
Major: Chemistry
Graduating Year: May 2016
Fun Fact: She did not know her full name was Alexandra until first grade
Favorite Disney Princess: Ariel
So far, Alex’s favorite part of the trip has dipping her feet in the Indian Ocean. She is excited to exchange dance moves with the locals.
Eric, Erik, Sarah, and Ken
Eric
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: December 2016
Fun Fact: Cyclists get GREAT tan lines
Favorite Disney Princess: Mulan
So far, Eric’s favorite part of the trip has been learning how to play “Hearts” at Wistas. He is excited to travel to Lutangila and meet the villagers.
Erik
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2017
Fun Fact: You can only walk into the woods halfway
Favorite Disney Princess: Mulan
So far, Erik’s favorite part of the trip has been the dinner on the water at Slipway. He is excited about absolutely everything.
Ken
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: PhD in 1982
Fun Fact: He plays in a Rock ‘n Roll band
Favorite Disney Princess: Jasmine
So far, Ken’s favorite part of the trip has been the flight from Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam. He is excited to see his granddaughter.
Steven
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: May 2016
Fun Fact: He plays guitar in his band
Favorite Disney Princess: Rapunzel
So far, Steven’s favorite part of the trip has been watch the carvers at the Carver’s Market and playing on the swings at the playground. He is excited to “see a lion take down an impala. That would be pretty awesome!”
Paul and Ce
Paul
Major: Educating the next generation of engineers and improving the quality of life of others Graduating Year: 1982
Fun Fact: He thinks goats are the funniest animals
Favorite Disney Princess: Maleficent
So far, Paul’s favorite part of the trip has been the dinner on the ocean at Slipway. He is excited to see how Tanzania transforms the students.
Ce
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduating Year: December 2016
Fun Fact: Likes to eat deep fried snakes
Favorite Disney Princess: Rapunzel
So far, Ce’s favorite part of the trip has been wifi in the morning at breakfast. He is excited to see all of the amazing things he can do with his major.
Jarrod and Ben
Ben
Major: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, currently working in Student Affairs
Graduating Year: 2004
Fun Fact: In general, super dark potato chips are sometimes rotten potatoes. He is also disgusted with goldfish (the animal, not the snack).
Favorite Disney Princess: Nala (Lion King)
So far, Ben’s favorite part of the trip has been getting off the plane after 23 hours. He is excited to immerse himself in all of the cultural experiences.
