María del Pilar Gutiérrez-Colombia

My name is María del Pilar Gutiérrez Perilla, I am from Colombia and I am a lawyer. I love music. I studied piano since I was a child, then I started to play saxophone and sing. I really like to travel, read, go to the cinema, dance salsa, and listening music. My preferred writers are Julio Cortazar and Mario Benedetti and my preferred movie is “El secreto de sus ojos”. I like Jazz, Blues, Tango, Salsa, Trova cubana and Rock. I am vegetarian. As a lawyer my areas of study are Constitutional Law, International Law, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. I had had the opportunity to work with the Organization of American States specifically in the Interamerican System of Human Rights. I love international litigation and I am an activist in defense of human rights. Nowadays I am working as a teaching assistant of Universidad de la Sabana and as a consultant and litigator on Public law and International Human Rights law.

Cristina Gutiérrez-México

My name is Cristina Gutiérrez, I’m 22 years old and I am from Mexico City. I grew up in the United States, since I lived in Texas with my family for 7 years and later 1 year by myself in Virginia, but I now live here in Mexico City with my family (3 brothers and 3 sisters). I just finished my third year studying Law, and I work in a Corporate Law Firm in the area of immigration and industrial property. I love philosophy and politics, horseback riding, reading, traveling and learning from different people, and listening to almost any kind of music. This will be my third year in the Phoenix Institute (first year Vienna, second ND), and I’m very certain that it will once again be the best summer ever… see you all soon!

Victor Ayalde Lemos-Colombia

Hi I am 23 years old, this is my third summer at ND, i am lawyer, currently practicing antitrust law and mergers & acquisitions at Esguerra Barrera Arriaga Law Firm. Also the Coordinator for the Competion Law Study Centre and with another friend currently studying the possibility of opening and NGO that sponsors young athelets in Colombia through their college education. I Live in Bogotá, but i was born and grew up in beautiful Cali, i am interested in all types of music, and of movies, my favorites are forrest gump and a clockwork orange. I am a fan of the Real Madrid football team, the best club ever. I practice, tennis and squash, also up for a jog around ND lakes. My Father is an economist and a finantial advisor for the District of Bogotá Government, my mother is a lawyer, currently the head of an NGO and a consultant for Corporate Social Responsibility Issues. I live with my brother, also a lawyer and a Barcelona F.C. fan.

Pavel Bachleda - Slovakia/Austria

My name is Pavel Bachleda, I am 23 years old and I come from Slovakia. I am the youngest one in our family, I have an older brother Teodor (33) who is married and lives with his family in Munich, Germany and an older sister Gabriela (32) who is also married and lives with her family in our hometown Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. I have studied Law at the University of Bratislava (2004-2009) and Law and Jurisprudence at the University of Vienna (since 2004) where I am currently finishing my Master's degree. I have been living in Austria since six years and I'm at home practically in both countries. After my studies I will probably stay working at least for some time at the law firm where I am working now, however, I'm still not sure about a career of an attorney, as I've always been tempted by diplomacy. During my studies, I attended several educational programmes of the Acton Institute and the Federalist Society which shaped to a large extent many of my opinions on law, economics and justice. My most favorite hobby is playing piano; originally I wanted to become a pianist, until I decided at the age of 15 to abandon this idea. Since then, music and playing piano has become my greatest passion, even though I don't have much time to practice. Apart from music, I like hiking, skiing, learning foreign languages, networking and discussing with people their opinions. It's my first time at Notre Dame this year and I'm looking forward to spending with you an unforgettable summer!

Santiago Orpis-Chile

My name is Santiago Orpis, I´m 23 years old, I have three sisters and currently I´m studing my last semester of law at the Catholic University of Santiago, Chile. During my time in the University, I had the oportunity of organize catholic missions and voluntary constructions, and also to be president of the student´s councill of law last year. In my leisure time, I like to practice sports; specially soccer, tennis and ski, and to read historical novels. I hope we will have great time at Notre Dame.

Saúl Cardozo-Colombia

My name is Saul Cardozo, i was born and raised in Colombia. I have a major in finance and foreign affairs and a masters degree in government and public policy. I have worked in the past 3 years developing strategies to improve Colombia´s perception abroad as part of the Colombia is Passion country brand. I love to travel and meet new people. Cant wait to meet everyone and a have a great and productive summer at Notre Dame.

Verónica Umaña-Colombia

Hi, my name is Verónica Umaña and I’m from Bogotá, Colombia. I have a great bond with my family and I love spending time with them and my friends.
As for now I’m a law student at the University of Los Andes in Bogotá, and in my spare time I love going to the movies, the gym, bake, and many other things.
I’m looking forward to go to meet you all, best regards

Juan Pablo Alba-Mexico

Hello Everyone! my name is Juan Pablo Alba Avilés. I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico in September 1989, so that I am now 20 years old. I belong to a big family of eight. My father is a lawyer and my mother is a housewife. I’ve got three sisters and two brothers, among which I am the second one. I finished the seventh semester of Law at the Panamerican University, I'm working in the legal firm which belongs to the University and we offer legal services free of charge for poor people.I like to play sports, mainly volleyball, I plan to practice any extreme when the opportunity comes. I enjoy to talk about social problems and different ways to fix it. I don't even watch movies because I don't have time, but I delight reading about history, soup operas, biographies and also things related with social problems.I think the only way to remedy social problems is to focus on human beings, helping them to understand and try to solve their own problems and that this helps others. All based in Saint Agustin words: who does not live to serve, don't serve to live.This is my first experience traveling to USA and I know that it will be amazing.

María José Brando-Colombia

My name is Maria José Brando i am 24 years old and was born in Colombia. I was born and currently live in Bogotá with my parents and my sister. I studied Economics at Los Andes university and graduated in Septembre 2009. I work in finance but enjoy reading philosphy and history.

Ale Garrido-Mexico

I´m Ale Garrido, I´m from Mexico City . I´m 26, I studied journalism at the Carlos Septién Journalism School and I like social and human rights topics.
Recently I graduated with Honors, with the report: “Trade and Sexual Exploitation of children and Women in Mexico City ”, doing this work let me many teachings because, besides I interviewed specialist in this topics, I could know women that are or were in prostitution.
I´m a founding member of Decisión Joven (Youth Decision) an NGO that promotes the participation of youth in social and political issues, and in the past four years I´ve been working in civil society, something that I really like, and that I consider very important for the progress of our society.
I like music, walking, reading, singing, meet and talk with people that lives a different social reality that mine, because at the end I feel that I can understand better these persons, or even admire them and work better for the common good. I believe that trough the experience of true and compromise, we can live in a better world where everybody lives according to our dignity.

Justyna Adamczyk-Poland

Hello! :)
My name is Justyna Adamczyk, I am 22 years old and I come from Poland. My hometown is Bełchatów (in the centre of Poland) and my family lives here: my mother Agnieszka, father Grzegorz and younger brother Marcin.
I am currently studying at Warsaw School of Economics – Management and Pedagogical Study. I belong also to Academic Catholic Association Soli Deo – I am member of the board responsible for Human Resources and co-organizer of many projects (I have been a press spokeswoman of one of them).
I like meeting new people, spending time with friends, reading books (very different – novels, stories, sometimes poetry; topics I like: everyday life, psychology, religion and those connected with my studies, especially human resources management) and listening to music (many kinds, for example pop, rock, dance, gospel and others from CCM, classical and relaxing).
This is my first time at the Phoenix Institute and United States. I hope it will be a great summer and I can’t wait to meet you all! See you at Notre Dame! :)

Federico Hoyos-Colombia

Hey everyone, my name is Federico, I'm 24 years old and hopefully by the time I get to Notre Dame I will have obtained my degree on Political Science. I love to read and write, I'm a blogger (www.fhoyos.blogspot.com) and an opinion columnist at my city's newspaper. I love politics, history and movies. I really enjoy playing squash, golf and running. This is my third year at Notre Dame, I'm sure we'll have a great summer. Hope to see you all soon. Cheers.

Jesús Hermosillo-Mexico

My name is Jesús Hermosillo Buendía, I´m 30 years old and I was born and raised in San Luis Potosí, México and living on my own right now in this beautiful city. I'm the second of three sons, my brothers are Octavio and Oscar, the older one is 33 and the younger is 20 years old. My parents are Jesús Hermosillo Tejeda and Guillermina Buendía Ruíz.
I'm a lawyer by the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí and i'm currently studying a master degree in Applied Public Manegment at the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. I work at the State Congress in San Luis Potosí as a Legislative Assessor since 2006
I like arts, specially music , I play the guitar and like singing too. I also like acting but it´s been a while since the last time. My favorite book is Cyrano de Bergerac. I like playing chess, american football and soccer.
I consider myself as a good, reliable, perseverant person with a very good sense of humor. Hope to see you all soon

Daniela Cid-Mexico

Name: Alexandra Daniela Cid Gonzalez
Age: 25 years
Country of birth: Mexico
State: San Luis Potosi, México
Nationality: Mexican
Family Data: I´m the first of 5 sons and daughters, my brothers are Pablo (21) and Carlos (10) and my sisters are: Eva (19) and Sara (14). My parents are Ignacio y Eva.
I am a bachelor in bussiness administration, and i´m currently studing a master degree in public administration.
Hobbies: Listenning music, dancing (love it), watching movies Sports: Soccer (I played soccer in high school)
Musical Preferences: Rock, R&B, Salsa, Dance
Organizations: Partido Acción Nacional (political party) and Comunidad Nueva Alianza (Catholic Group)
Job: I work as an administrator in a federal legislator office.
I love to meet new people and learn from them, I´m always doing something, and I´m always involved in several activities. I would like to get to know many friends and I hope to return home as a better person than how i left.

Marcela Valdivia-Mexico

My name is Marcela Valdivia and I am 20 years old. I was born in Mexico City, where I’ve spent my whole life. I love my country and I decided to study International Relations because I want to be part of the change that Mexico urgently needs. My life is impregnated with Medicine. Both my parents are doctors and my sister Barbara, who’s 23, is in the process of becoming one. I am currently studying my 5th semester at El Colegio de México, and hope to become a diplomat or journalist since I’ve always believed that the pen is mightier than the sword.
I love books and music and I’ve played violin since I was 7. I also love tennis and basketball and am a big fan of Rafa Nadal and the Lakers.
This is my first year at ND, but I’ve heard wonders of it. I guess it’s time to experience it. It’s nice to meet you all!

Ana Patricia González-Mexico

hiiii everyone! My name is Ana Patricia González González, i'm 22 and i'm studyin law (my last year) at Universidad Panamericana campus Bonaterra (Aguascalientes, México). I have a month working at CONDUSEF, i was working at Comisión Estatal de Derechos Humanos. This is my first year with the Phoenix, and i'm pretty sure i will find what i'm looking for. I love music, each song it's a moment. I love reading poems and stories, in fact i got in love a year ago of Eduardo Galeano, and of course couldn't be out Jaime Sabines! I like to smile, it's the best mortal weapon and also a great tool for walking in life. =) See you soon!!

Sofia Guzmán-Mexico

Hi, my name is Sofia Guzman Valle, I am 21 years old. I live in Guadalajara with my mother; my father lives in Mexico City because of his job and Diego my older brother is living at Rochester, New York because he is finishing his studies on industrial engineering. I am a law student at a Jesuit university which is called ITESO and I used to work at a corporate firm and a notary, but next semester I will start working at an agrarian court of law. In my spare time I love to go out dancing with my friends, to read, hear music and watch movies. This will be my second year attending ND and I can’t wait to meet you all and have a great time with all of you.

Paloma Robles-Mexico

Hi everyone! My name is Paloma Robles. I am mexican, 22 years old, and live in my hometown, Guadalajara, Mexico. I currently study law at the Universidad Panamericana and just entered seventh semester. This is my second year in notre dame (I attended 2009) and I am really excited to come back again. I live with my parents, my dad is a lawyer and my mom is a literature teacher. I have one brother who lived in New Zealand and he is now living in Los cabos. My little sister is 16 and she is in highschool. I really like cinema, reading (specially books in english), all kinds of sports, and traveling. I work in a notary's office/corporate firm as an intern and hope to study a masters degree in corporate law as soon as I finish my career.

Solongo Altangerel-Poland

Hi! I’m Solongo Altangerel, I was born in Mongolia, and since small I’ve been living in Poland. My home town is Szczecin, on the border with Germany and 120km to the Baltic Sea. So I spend my spare time by the seaside. I'm a medical student and next year I will graduate. Since I was at primary school I was sure that I want to help other people. Taking part in the summer course in Notre Dame gives me a big opportunity to learn more about humanity and empathy.
My favourite activities are jogging, swimming and snowboarding. I like listening to variety of music sorts, especially Chopin, blues and latino.
I am really looking forward to meet all of you on the spot, see you soon!

Blazej Blaskak-Poland

Full Name: Błażej Cezary Błaszak
Age: 20 years ( born in 1989)
Place of birth: Poznań, Poland
Nationality: Polish
Study: International Relations at Tischner European University and management at Cracow University of Economics.
Hobbies: Practically every kind of music, sports like: football obviously not american :) snowboard and table tennis. Art, literature chiefly polish books and biographies.

Theresia Leitinger-Austria

My name is Theresia Leitinger, I am from Austria in Europe and am very excited to be part of the Phoenix Institute Summer University 2010. Goals cannot be achieved by just talking about it. We need young people throughout the world to promote the most important things: The dignity of *every* person, their human rights, and partnership with developing countries to build up a free and virtuous society for everybody. I am so looking forward to live, work and build friendship with like-minded people from all over the world!

Martha Hurtado-Mexico

Hi! My name is Martha Silvia Hurtado Díaz de León, I'm from Mexico City but I’m living in Aguascalientes. I’m 21 years old and I've just finished 4th semester of Law, I’m really in love with my career!
I live with my parents and one sister, Ivonne who is 17, and one brother, Beto who is 12 years old. I really enjoy spending most of my time with my family. My mother has 12 brothers/sisters so I have 29 cousins; it’s amazing to have parties and all kind of meetings because it’s so much fun, they make me laugh all day long, and also we have very good conversations. I have a very close and cool relationship with all my family! My father’s family lives in Mexico City, so I go to visit them when I am on vacations.
In my free time I enjoy going out with my friends, watching a movie, reading a good book, listening music and also taking a walk in a nice place, it’s so relaxing!
This is my second year at Phoenix Institute; last summer I attended Vienna.
It is less than one week left. I just can’t wait to see you all!!! :)

Karolina Pietka-Poland

Hello everyone! My name is Karolina Pietka and I'm from Poland. I'm very excited totake part in the Summer Seminar with You, fellow students, this year.I'm 23 years old and I have two brothers. I'm studying appliedlinguistics and psychology in Warsaw, but my hometown is in UpperSilesia (still Poland). This will be my first visit to the US, so Iexpect three sources of incredible experience and indescribable fun atNotre Dame: first and foremost - people (You :) ), second - States assuch, and last, but not least I hope - the classes. Well then, see You on 27.06.2010!

David Dawson-USA

My name is David Dawson. I'm 24 years old and from Los Angeles, California in the USA. I completed my degree in Philosophy at Gonzaga University in 2007, and for the last three years I have been working in the advertising and marketing sector. However, this fall I am making a career change as I begin my masters in urban and regional planning at the University of California Los Angeles. I really enjoy playing guitar, most every sport and lawn games like croquet and boce. This will be my third summer at Notre Dame, and I can't wait to get back and see everyone!

Melissa Parra-Colombia

Hi, my name is Melissa Parra. I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. I'm 21 years old. I'm currently an undergraduate student at the Law School of Universidad de La Sabana. I finished high school at The English School in Bogotá. My mother is also a lawyer and my dad is an accountant. I love football (soccer) and I really enjoy meeting people and travelling.

Daniela Páez Cala-Colombia

My Name is Daniela Páez-Cala. I am twenty one years old and I am from Colombia, South America. I have lived in Bogotá, the capital city, since I was born with my parents. I have a younger sister: her name is Valeria.
I attended the French School from Preschool until my graduation. Now, I am attending the Law School at Los Andes University, in Bogotá. Knowing that I was more in contact with the French culture through my school, I always searched for other academic programs that gave me the opportunity to familiarize myself with other cultures.
During my free-time I love to read; to listen to all kind of music; to watch movies; to meet friends and to do sports. I practice tennis, waterskiing, horse back riding and swimming, but most of all, I go to the gym. Concerning the reading, I love history books, in particular, biographies.
I am considering being a journalist, this is why, at the moment, I belong to the Newspaper board of my faculty, called AlDerecho.

Cristina Corrales-Mexico

My name is Ana Cristina Corrales Aguirre. I live in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
I am 21 years old. Next year, I am going to complete my studies to become a laywer. I live in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and I study at Universidad Panamericana. I love my career, and I would like to study a master in international law and human rights. I have some experience in moots that simulate cases in the international area of law, such as the Jessup International Moot Court Competition, and it has been a great experience.
I currently work as an officer in a Court, and I have learned a lot about the jurisdictional function, and how the whole procedure of each case is managed, before the judgment is rendered. In the future, I would like to become a judge, a functionary I believe has important paper in the wellbeing of the community.
In my spare time, I love to read and watch movies, and specially to spend time with my family and my friends. Some of my favorite books are the War and Peace and the biography of Fouche, Napoleon’s chief of police.
It is my second year as an student in Notredame, and I am really excited.

Ana María Enríquez-Mexico

This is Ana Maria Enriquez. I have six sisters and two brothers, and I am the youngest of all. I live in Mexico City. I just graduated from the University (I studied Communications) and the things I like the most is spending time with my family, with friends, one of my hobbys is to interview famous people (politicians, celebrities or just someone that will say something interesting). I love taking an airplane and just go somewhere else so when I get back home I can bring something different, something that can be useful to my country. I love helping people, now I do help latinamerican teens through the web page I work for...I answer their questions about sexuality, relationships, abortion, etc...I also write articles and prepare sketches about teen topics. I believe Mexico can be a better country than it is now. I am Catholic, I have learnt so much from my parents....they are about 66, and 67, and I am just 21, so there is a huge difference of way of thinking and interests, but still I think they are people that have worked so hard for their nine sons that I admire them so much. I am very very thankful for everything they have given us and given me. I love to work, I love to be very active. I went to Winnipeg and to Toronto to study grade seven, at that time I was just 11 years old. Since 2006 I go every summer to Edmonton to visit my sister and her family, and now her kids are already part of my heart and my life. But now this summer will be something that I have ever experienced it. Many friends recommended me to go to the Phoenix since last year, but because I was quite afraid to take the chance I didn´t do it earlier. So now I´m expecting the best, I know that we have to study a lot, read a lot and write a lot. ha! so I promiss to do my best and thanks to all Phoenix People that helped me to get there. And after everything we have been going through, now we are just one week of away of the program. Wow. God bless you all and let´s meet you all there!

Juan Pedro Fernández Cueto Gutiérrez-Mexico

4th year Law student at the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Mexico City, where I've lived my whole live. I love big families as I'm part of one. Love to write & read, I'm a columnist in my School's Review, which I actually direct, after being its advisor for two years. Worked as an intern in a civil & commercial litigation firm. I'm now heading to work for the Secretary of Government in Mexico.
I like singing, I used to practice as a tenor. Big fan of sports, practicing and watching, particularly padel tennis, soccer and bullfighting.
This is my third summer at the Phoenix Institute; first I attended Vienna and last year Notre Dame; definitely some of the greatest things I've ever experienced. There's no need to hope, because I know we'll have a fantastic summer at ND. Cheers!

Alejandro Gaviria-Colombia

Hi, my name is Alejandro Gaviria and I am form Medellín, Colombia. I am 21 years old (07-02-1988) and I Economics at Universidad EAFIT. Currently I am doing my internship in Bogotá in the National Associations of Financial Institutions (Anif). I love football and I am a fan of local teams and also of the best club ever, FC Barcelona. I like to practice sports such as Football and Squash. Also I love good music, like Indie, Rock, old Rock, reggae and Spanish Rock. I like to travel, meet new cultures and different places. I live with my parents, and I only have one older brother, Esteban. My Dad is a Bussiness Administrator and my Mom is an Economist. This will be my third year at ND and I Can’t wait to meet you all.

Marina Perisa-Croatia

My name is Marina, I am 35 yeras old and I come from Croatia. I have younger brother Stipe (30 ) and sister Ana (17 ).
I love geography and I have always been interested in stars, volcanos, clouds, countries, oceans, nations, cultures. I graduated at University of Zagreb, Science and Mathematic Faculty and became a professor of geography, few years later I get the master of science degree. Now I work in a school.
My other interests are: singing, dancing, photographing, biking. My favorite writers are: E. Kishon, G.Marquez., F. Sheen, S.lice and J.Matanovic. I like to read christian book. And I am writing for the Croatian Catholic page www.katolik.hr
I am a third year student of the Phoenix Institute Summer Program. My first ND summer was in 2006. and it was a life changing experience. I am glad to get another opportunity to come and meet dear old friends and look forward to meet new people. : )

Alejandra González de León-Spain

Name: Alejandra González de León Berini
Age: 19 years. Country of birth: Spain. Academic information: I’m studying Psychology at Universidad Abat Oliba CEU in Barcelona (Spain). Hobbies: I love drawing and painting, listen to music, make photos and read books about psychology, philosophy and history. Sports: I like to play volleyball specially at the beach.I hope I will enjoy this summer at Notre Dame and learn as much as possible.

Romina Mancuso-Argentina

My name is Romina Mancuso. I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, city where I actually live. I am 23 years old. I study Law at Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA) where I also am an assistant professor. I have family in United States and Spain and enjoy travelling and visiting them. I like playing golf, tennis and sailing. This is my third summer programme at ND. One of the most valuable things the Phoenix Institute has given me is friends with whom I have shared wonderful experiences. I hope to see you all soon!

Karolina Hrastović-Croatia

My name is Karolina. I was born in 1976. in the Zagreb, capital of Croatia. I have two young brothers, Viktor and David. I was graduated at University of Zagreb, Faculty of Catholic Theology.
Now I work as religion teacher at primary school. I'm also working with children and young people in my parish, leading spiritual choire. I like photographing, singing in church choire , designing congratulation card, playing guitar. I'm active member of the Croatian catholic apologetic association "Katolik", www.katolik.hr.
This will be my third year on the Phoenix Institute.
The time spent on the Phoenix Institute was a double achievement for me.
Firstly at an intellectual level, through classes attended and assignments accomplished, and secondly at a spiritual level, through the people I met and relationships developed with them.
I'm grateful to have opportunity to study again at the University of Notre Dame.

Juan Sebastián Marmolejo-Colombia

I am Juan Sebastián Marmolejo: a 21 year old law student (7th semester) of Cali Colombia South America. I graduated from Bennett School and enter the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Cali, looking for a multidisciplinary and excellent education. My biggest dream is to become Colombia’s ambassador of the United Nations; this is why I have participated in several national and international Models of the UN.
Two years ago I was voted to be the Student’s Delegate for the Directive Council of my University. With this I have had the opportunity to understand and accept different points of views and help many people. Ergo, I hope I can learn many things from all of you and also share my personal experiences, seeking to create interesting bonds of friendship and international cooperation.
Currently I am working at a lawyer’s office and as teacher assistant of two areas: Civil Law I and Civil Law II. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and football soccer.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the Phoenix Institute for giving me this opportunity, since I strongly believe these types of programs are fundamental for the preparation of influential leaders that can engender important contributions for the world.

Ewa Bartczk-Poland

Hello, friends! My name is Ewa Bartczak. I'm from Poland and my family live in Warsaw. I am currently studying Anthropology and Cultural Politics at the University of London, Goldsmiths College. I love reading and dancing, and I also love inspiring debates with people who are not afraid to have strong opinions. I like listening to music a lot too; and running, snowboarding, horseriding, hiking, sailing, diving, and other outdoor sports. This summer will be my second at Notre Dame and I can't wait to go!

Alexa Quirarte-Mexico

My name is Alexandra Quirarte, most of my friends tell me "Alexa" I am 20 years old and actually I am studying Marketing and Management at Universidad Panamericana campus Bonaterra in Aguascalientes Mexico. My mother is Physical education teacher and my Father is psychologist, I am the oldest I have one sister who is 13 years old and a brother who is 4 years old. I have been involved in many social organizations. My favorite sport is basketball. I like politics, economy, finances and sociology. I have other interest like photography, theater, music, dance, movies, design, oratory and debates. This is my first year in the Phoenix Institute and I am very excited, I am sure that I am going to meet a lot of people who will help me to grow up personally, intellectually and professionally.

Ana Huerta-Mexico

Hi! My name is Ana Huerta, I am a 20 years old Mexican girl and I just finished studying the sixth semester in International Affairs. One of the things, I liked to do the most is reading, I believe that trough reading you can expand not only your knowledge but also your opinions and imagination; my favorite book is The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende. I also enjoy being around little kids, their innocence inspire me to keep on working for a better society where they can grow up safely as I did. The world is changing and it is our compromise to work in making these transformations for better. Helping others is one of my biggest goals, so I try to organize or participate in humanitarian campaigns, especially in the aspect of trying to make them sustainable, because most of them only give but never teach how to reach the development by themselves. I´ve always love making manual stuff, so in my free time I design my own wardrobe; I create bags, dresses and pants. I also practice Hawaiian and Polynesian dances.
Hope to see you all soon!!!

Santiago de la Peña de la Torre-Mexico

My name is Santiago de la Peña de la Torre, I am 21 years old, i was born in Guadalajara, Mexico i live with my parents and i have one older brother who is 23 years old and one younger sister who is 19 years old.
My Father s name is Francisco de la Peña Padilla and he is the country director of an American shoe company and he lives in Leon, Mexico, my mother s name is Maria Eugenia de la Torre Rodarte and she works in a university in the administrative department.
My Brother s name is Sebastian and he is studying Industrial engineer and in this moment he is working in a program that help small countryside communities develop new techniques of agriculture in Tapalpa Mexico. And my sister s name is Maria Jose and she is starting university as industrial engineer as well.
I love sports specially boxing, I used to practice it every day but with university and work I haven’t been able to continue, but I do practice it once or twice a week.
I love music and I don’t have a particular preference in music I like almost everything, i also enjoy gardening and going to the countryside and relax with my family.

Renata Velez-Colombia

Hi my name is Renata Velez; I was born and raised in Colombia. I am currently 19 years old (my birthday is February the 8th). My home town is called Medellin, a beautiful place and considered to be the second main city in Colombia. My entire family happens to live there. I have two sisters, Sara who is 22 years old and Sofia who is 12 years old as for my parents they are Beatriz and Francisco. Currently I’m living in Bogota on my own, since I'm following my undergraduate studies while my sisters and parents still live in my Hometown, I have to admit it is quite challenging at times, especially being far away from them but I’m learning a lot and I’m studying in a great university called Universidad del Rosario. Oh by the way I finished high school in my home town in a great school called Marymount School. I’m studying Economics and besides I am planning to start law school as from the next semester as well. I used to be a swimming champ but I retired at 15 years of age, then I practiced soccer at my school and since then I’ve been living in Bogotá therefore, I can only go to the gym. I love going out, watching movies, shopping, I love a good book, a nice conversation, family time and ABSOLUTELLY LOVE traveling since there is nothing better than getting to know and exploring new places, experience different culture and meeting people. I can describe myself as a very outgoing, perseverant, passionate and determined person, who strives to achieve the goals originally set. I love all types of music but mostly Latin music, R&B, dance and hip-hop. My dream is to go to an Akon concert.I can’t wait to meet you all, learn a lot and to see what this summer has in store for all of us.

Silvano Vitar-Mexico

My name is Silvano Vitar and I´m a mexican student of philosophy and a third year student of the Phoenix Institute Summer Program. My favorite books are Don Quijote, "The idiot", fear and trembling, critique of pure reason, dissemination, among others.As for my favorite hobby that shall be playing the guitar, mostly heavy metal and blues, speaking about music, my favorite composers and bands are: Albinoni, megadeth, Haendel, Pink Floyd, etc.

I shall recommend you to look in the internet for the painting of "the Christ" of Holbein; I guess i can tell more about myself with that painting and resume most of my thought with it.

Kacper Warykiewicz-Poland

My name is Kacper Warykiewicz, I was born in Poland in Cracow. I have two older sisters and younger brother. Now, I'm studying on Tischner European University - International Relations and on Jagielloński University - Law and Administration. My hobby is sports like alpin skiing, windsurfing, bike downhill etc. I have Alpin Skiing Instructor Certificate and Senior Motorboat Helmsman. In past I was training football in professional club and alpin skiing in Polish Ski Team. My favourite music is jazz and rock. I like to read book about buddish culture and buddish religion, but my favourite writer is William Wharton and J.D. Salinger. My date of birth: 18.03.1988

Sofía Rosas Michel-Mexico

Name: Sofía Rosas Michel
Age: 23
Country of birth: México
Family: father: constructor, mother: housewife and pianist, brother (19) studying architecture, and sister (17) in high school.
Studying: Law at the Universidad Panamericana campus Guadalajara.
Actual work: Lawyers´firm "Integroup S.C." in the Corporate and Insurance lawsuit area.
Interests: cultures, children, theatre, photography, philosophy and debates.
Sports: Wakebording and water skiing.

Paulo Roberto Tellechea Sanchotene-Brazil

My name is Paulo Roberto Tellechea Sanchotene, 29 years old, Brazilian (Rio Grande do Sul state). I'm lawyer, graduated in the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS - 2004), and a Master degree student in Philosophy of Law at Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).
I'm the eldest son of three kids. I have a sister (27) and a brother (21). My parents are divorced. My father is also a lawyer and my mother is a entrepeneur.
I'm married to Alice, and we have a son, Henrique. They'll be all with me at Norte Dame this summer.
It's my second year in Phoenix Institute, and I'm very excited with this opportunity to meet some familiar faces and to know new people. I won't tell more about myself, because I wish people to ask personally.
P.S.: As you can assume by my photo, I'm a soccer-addict. And since it's a World Cup year, you have been warned! I just hope this "disease" won't cause much trouble, especially to me...

Arkadiusz Kudelski-Poland

Name: Arkadiusz Kudelski

Age: 23 years
Country of birth: Poland
Nationality: Polish
Academic Background: I finished bachelor in International Relations at Tischner European University year ago and now I’m doing my master program in philosophical faculty at Jagiellonian University.
Hobbies: Literature, politics, theatre, history of European and Western culture, esthetics, political economy, political philosophy, travelling, photography, PHILOSOPHY :)

Sports: basketball, running, swimming, tennis
Music: All against main stream.
Books: “Mater and Margarita” of Michail Bulhakov, All books of Viktor Pielewin, “Reader” of Bernhard Schlink, “alien” of Albert Camus
Organizations: political philosophy section at Jagiellonian University, Institute for Research on Civilizations

Mariana Arango-Colombia

My name is Mariana Arango, I am 19 years old and I am very please to be involved in the phoenix institude course. I live in Medellin, Colombia with my parents, two brothers and one sister. I graduated from Marymount School. Right know I am studying Business Manager at Universidad Eafit - Medellín-Colombia (Third semester). Expected June 2013 I am participant in “Vivienda Digna” a Social program which main purpose is to improve life quality by giving them a home.In my spare time, I enjoy playing squash, watching movies or reading a good book.

Barbara Barcik-Poland

My Name is Barbara Barcik, I'm almost 20 (born at 03.09.1990 - so I'm propably one of the youngest participants ^^). I'm from Poland. I live in small village located in the south of Poland - in Beskids. I've got two older brothers. We have a dog living with us - three months old Bernese Mountain Dog :) and she really enjoy eating my Mother's flowers ;p . As about my education, I've graduated High School of the Presentation Virgins in Kraków where i'm studying right now International Relations at Tischner European University. Kraków is not so far away from my homeplace, something about 100 km. I like reading books. Different kinds like romances, biographies, historical novel and sometimes some fantasy books. As about my other hobbies sometimes I like to embroider or try to make something else by my hands :) It is hard to define my taste of music becouse I like a lot of bands and singers like The Beatles, Queen, Roxette, Cranberries some songs of Aerosmith or The Rolling Stones, Sting, Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen. But also our polish artists :) Mostly I like music from the decades of 60's - 90's.

Mateusz Kędzierski-Poland

Mateusz Kędzierski. Age: 26. Country of birth: Poland nationality: Polishbasic family data: well, I have brother who lives in Cambridge (UK) and really great parents, here in Poland - this is the most important in my life, not only family lifeacademic background:

February – July 2009: Faculty of Literature and Philosophy, University in Genova, Italy (Università degli Studi di Genova – Facoltà di Lettere e Filosofia): Erasmus scholarship, subject: Philosophy, History, History of art

2006 – 2010: Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Department of Philosophy - subject: Philosophy

2006 – 2007: Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Department of Philosophy - subject: Sociology - scholarship as part of “The Bridge” (MOST) Students Exchange Programme

2005 – 2006: Warsaw University, Department of Law and Administration - subject: Law

2003 – 2008: Warsaw University, Departament of Philosophy and Sociology – subject: Sociology. Subject of M.A. thesis: Alexis de Tocqueville’s concept of the democratic man

Hobbies: music (I play on bass), art, reading sports: fencing, skiing !!! joggingmusical preferences: classical music!!!!, rock (60' and 70'), blues, folk music, jazzfavorite books: I really like Stendhal, H. de Balzac, Josif Brodski, T.Mann and classical ancient literature.

Fernando Buchanan-Mexico

My name is Fernando Buchanan Arellano, i´m 19 years old, my birthday is on December the 18th and I was born in Aguascalientes, Ags. México. I live with my mom and two sisters, the older one is 15 and the small one is 8 years old, we´re a small but happy family. We´ve had some obstacles, but life has always teached us to stay together, appreciate everything (the little things and details are very important) and to love each other, even when you have household chores to do. Currently i´m at Law school, second semester, and im starting to feel really pasionate about it, Justice seems to be such a paradigma you just feel the urge to learn as much as you can so that one day (maybe today) you can make a change, help society, be an example for others; Sports...well.. I´m not an athlete, but Im good at skeet shoothing and colombaire shooting too, It´s been a tradition on my family since my great-grand father and I like it a lot, my favorite books are historic novels such as "Capitan Alatriste" "La catedral del Mar" "El Húsar", and my favorite author is Arturo Pérez Reverte. I really dont have a developed artistic talent, I´ve been on drums, piano, trumpet, guitar and many more... but I haven´t stayed longed enough to dominate one, I like to sing sometimes, as for my hobbies I enjoy going to the movies (a lot), go out with my friends, listen to jazz, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, almost all the oldies, spend some time alone, dream while Im awake, watching everything that happens around me, and most of all I love to smile, laugh, and enjoy life.

Natalia Osorio-Colombia

My name is Natalia Osorio, I am 24 years old and I am from Colombia, the country where I still live. I am a very sportive person, I like to socialized but I also like privacity and to have my own space. I like to be in contact with nature, going to the movies, i enjoy to read, to study, to make new friends. I live with my parents and my older sister. I have already graduated from a bussiness university, here in Colombia.I love to dance tropical, american and modern music. I like to do too many things, different things. I love a book named "El profeta", from Kalil Gibran, the best book sold after the bible in the 20th century. I also like to read spiritual books. I am catholic, and I usually go to church every sunday morning. One day in the week I usually to go to painting clases, and I love to paint.