Lora – Curriculum Specialist
Lora, an artist, yogi, and connector, was born in Korea, but has lived most of her life in the United States with a stint in Hong Kong during college. With a unique blend of skills and passions, she brings a multifaceted approach to her work. Lora’s educational background is in English Literature, Poetry, and Graphic Design, and she is certified in yoga and trauma-informed outreach. As a visual artist, she enjoys exploring different mediums such as painting, photography, writing, and creating paper sculptures. Lora was drawn to this program due to how well her talents and interests aligned with its process-oriented, collaborative, and creative community. She believes that the creative process is not just about the outcome but how it affects the maker. Through the act of creating something new, Lora sees the possibility of sparking dormant ideas and unleashing new potential within ourselves. When she’s not creating, Lora studies cats and is passionate about food. Her strong opinions on mayonnaise, noodles, and kimchi might just make you a convert! Who knows, she may even pursue a career as a cat psychologist in the future.
Addison
Addison is a college sophomore from West Bend, WI, and i currently pursuing a degree in special education and elementary-middle education at Marian University. With a passion for working with children since her younger years, Addison’s educational background and experience in the classroom have led her to pursue a career in teaching.At Marian University, Addison has had the opportunity to gain practical experience in the classroom, making her feel comfortable and confident when working with students. During her training for Design Lab, she received extensive training in social-emotional learning (SEL), an area of teaching that she finds particularly important. Addison was drawn to this program after receiving an email from a past professor who knew of her love for teaching. It was the perfect opportunity for her to gain more experience and do what she loves during the summer months. Being a part of this program made her summer more enjoyable and fulfilling. As a firm believer in the importance of allowing oneself to fail and learn from mistakes, Addison thinks this program allowed her to embrace that belief and share it with her students. In her free time, she loves reading and is also a collegiate bowler. Overall, Addisonis excited about her future career in education and looks forward to the positive impact she can have on her students.
Luz
Luz is a college student with a fascinating background and a passion for social work. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Luz’s life took her on a journey when she moved to Mexico with her mother during 4th grade. After spending 5-6 years in Mexico, she returned to Wisconsin, adding a unique perspective to her experiences.Luz’s educational focus is in Social Work, a field that aligns perfectly with her compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives. She also works as a caregiver, providing support and care for individuals with disabilities. This work has not only honed her caregiving skills but has also deepened her understanding of the emotional aspect of working with clients, making her well-versed in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). What drew Luz into this program was her aspiration to work in child welfare. She recognizes the importance of connecting with children and desires to learn different skills and approaches to effectively support and connect with them. This program provides her with an opportunity to expand her toolkit and explore creative avenues in engaging with children. Luz strongly believes in the power of art as a means of self-expression. When words fail, art can bridge the gap and allow individuals to communicate and process emotions. This belief highlights her understanding of the profound impact that art can have on individuals’ well-being. When Luz is not focused on her studies or work, she enjoys walking her dog and immersing herself in the therapeutic qualities of music.
Nora
Nora is a passionate individual hailing from Oakfield. Having spent her entire life in Oakfield, Nora recently graduated from high school and is excited about her future endeavors. Nora’s educational pursuits center around her love for history. She is currently majoring in history and minoring in art history, with aspirations of entering the field of museum curation. Her strong academic background and interest in the arts make her a well-rounded candidate for this program. Additionally, Nora has previous experience as a summer PST (Preschool Teacher) and is eager to build upon her knowledge and skills in this role.What drew Nora to this program was the profound conceptual framework behind it. She recognized the immense value and potential impact of the program, and she eagerly sought to become an integral part of it. Nora firmly believes in spending as much time as possible outdoors. She understands the rejuvenating and inspiring effects of nature and encourages others to embrace the beauty of the great outdoors. When Nora is not immersed in her studies or spending time outdoors, she finds solace and joy in drawing and painting. Her artistic talent was acknowledged when she was selected for the prestigious 2023 UWL all-student juried art exhibition, an experience that she cherishes deeply. With her love for history, passion for the arts, and dedication to education, Nora is poised to make a significant impact within this program. She looks forward to combining her knowledge, skills, and creativity to foster a love for learning and artistic expression among the students she will work with.