THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT (past and present)

My name is Jaya Stenquist (Summer 2009). I grew up in Saint Paul and graduated from high school in June. This fall I’ll be going Wellesley College and am thinking of studying Physiology and Studio Art (and taking a lot of English classes!). I have always loved books and their ability to transform and inspire the reader. I hope to share this passion with other students and explore ways literature has shaped our world. Some of my other interests include dance, languages and travel. I’m incredibly excited for my first summer at BSP and can’t wait to meet all of you!

Hello all! My name is Ben Bauer (Summer 2009), and I am ecstatic to begin my first experience with Breakthrough Saint Paul. I am a sophomore at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota where I major in English and minor in secondary eduation. My mom claims I was born to be an English major as she quickly found out the only way to make me shut my mouth was to give me a book to read. I have lived in Apple Valley, Minnesota my entire life and look forward to spending the summer with you all. I love reading, running, music and, most importantly, the Minnesota Twins. I'll be teaching English this Summer and I plan on all of us having WAY more fun than we should in a classroom!

Greetings! My name is Caroline Snowden (Summer 2009). I am currently a rising sophomore at Howard University in Washington DC. I am majoring in broadcast journalism major and minoring in music performance. While attending Howard I enjoy being involved with various campus activities such as the John H. Johnson School of Communications Student Council, Howard University Concert Band, Howard University Tennis, Howard University Chapel Assistants, and reporting for the Spotlight Network. I am originally from Eagan, Minnesota, so I am very excited to be back home for a second summer with Breakthrough Saint Paul.

Hello! My name is Joe Doll (Summer 2009). I went to high school in Wisconsin, but have lived in the Twin Cities area for four years and currently attend the University of Minnesota, where I’m studying English and education. English has always been my favorite subject. I can’t wait to be in the classroom with all of you, where together we will read, write, and rock and roll! Some of my other interests include art, baseball, camping and politics.

My name is Anna Krenkel (Summers 2008-2009), and I'm beyond excited for my second summer as an English teacher at Breakthrough Saint Paul. While I live in Minnesota, I've spent the past nine months as a student at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. I just completed my freshman year there, and have declared a major in political science. Outside of the classroom I love to read, spend time outdoors, and eat good food, although my favorite activity is swing dancing. I can't wait to have another amazing summer at BSP!

My name is Westenley Alcenat (Summer 2007). I graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis and now attend Macalester College in St. Paul. I have always been involved in working with kids and have enjoyed doing so. I served as a Sunday school assistant for a year at Straitgate Church in Minneapolis, where I later became a Sunday school teacher for two years. I am currently a tutor at the Somali Education center. As part of the BSP faculty, I will be teaching English this summer. I enjoy reading and writing essays and poetry, and I am excited by the opportunity to help middle school students improve their English skills.

My name is Celeste Prince (Summer 2007). I will be a sophomore at Macalester College in St. Paul, and I’m from Lakewood, Colorado. I am teaching English at BSP. I love English because it is a portal of expression; it’s not just about books and essays – it’s about learning how to be a storyteller. At school, I sprint for the track team and work as VP for the Black Liberations Affairs Committee. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, reading, writing and crocheting. I am teaching at BSP this summer because I’m really excited about sharing my passion for English, and I want to inspire students to think for themselves rather than relying on what others believe.

My name is Melinda Yang (Summer 2007), and I will be a sophomore at the University of MN next year. I plan to pursue an education major, and am working toward that goal. I will be teaching English this summer. I feel that communication is an essential skill to have in this globalizing world, and writing is the ultimate form of communication. I am teaching at Breakthrough because I want to help students gain the tools necessary to express their thoughts and ideas. My hobbies include reading (the final installment of Harry Potter is coming this July!), running, and watching Food Network (30 minute meals anyone?).