THE SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT (past and present)

Hello everyone. My name is Kia Yang (Summer 2009), and I was born in Thailand and came to America when I was three. I have a HUGE family of 10 boys and 4 girls. I am finishing up my freshman year at the University of Minnesota looking to major in Mathematics Education. With the Breakthrough Saint Paul program, I will be teaching Social Studies. It is my first year and I can't wait to start. On my spare time, I love to play sports especially tennis. BBQs and bonfires with friends and families are how I usually spend my summer weekends.

Hi all! My name is Ashley Farrington (Summer 2009), and I am from the Bahamas. I am a sophomore at Saint John's University where I major in elementary education with a language arts and communications specialty. I am very passionate about my career in education, and I am pumped to get my first year with Breakthrough Saint Paul started. I am an island boy who loves to have fun! Some of my interests include music, dancing, sports, and traveling.

Hi! My name is Sarah Casey (Summer 2009), and I'm currently a student at Mounds Park Academy. I've always loved learning and school, especially history, so I'm really excited that I have the opportunity to teach my favorite subject this summer! My past experiences with Breakthrough Saint Paul, as a math tutor, have only encouraged me to share my love of learning with others. And after working with the wonderful students and faculty of Breakthrough I'm overjoyed that I have a chance to play a bigger role in this great program. I also like traveling, reading, playing sports, music, and hanging out with my friends. I can't wait to get to know everyone and have lots fun this summer!

Hey there students and families! My name is Alec Torigian (Summers 2008-2009), and this will be my second summer with Breakthrough Saint Paul! I have lived in the Twin Cities since the day of my birth, and I just finished my junior year at Saint John's University. I study mathematics, theology, and peace studies, and I spend a great deal of my time helping with retreats and playing on an Ultimate Frisbee team. I can't even put into words how pumped I am to be back!

Hello students and family! My name is Morgan Rosand (Summer 2009), and I am so excited for my first summer with Breakthrough Saint Paul. I just finished my sophomore year at the University of St. Thomas. I am majoring in International Economics and minoring in Spanish. I have spent my whole life in the Twin Cities, but this year I had the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Bangladesh! I love to read, be outdoors, get creative and laugh a lot.

I'm Pat Williams (Summers 2006-2008), an entrepreneurial management and political science double major at the University of Minnesota. Not only am I excited to return this year as a social studies teacher for BSP, but I am excited for a completely new experience this year. The fact that this is possible is quite an amazing aspect of the organization. In addition, I return for another chance to teach an awesome course to willing students and at the same time, continue to grow, push my limits, and meet amazing people. When I’m not studying, I thoroughly enjoy playing ultimate Frisbee, skiing, water sports, and watching a fine cinematic feature.

My name is Weade Wallace (Summer 2007). I am originally from Liberia, West Africa. This fall I will be beginning my senior year at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I am pursuing a double major in Child Psychology and African American Studies. Upon graduating next spring I plan on attending graduate school to pursue a Masters degree in Educational Counseling. This summer I will be teaching social studies at the Breakthrough program. The reason I chose this subject is because when I was in middle school it was my favorite subject. I enjoyed learning about history and culture. In my spare time, I enjoy walking around the lake, reading, and shopping.

My name is Mike Clancy (Summer 2007), and I am a senior at the University of Northern Iowa. This summer at Breakthrough I will be teaching social studies courses. I am excited to teach social studies because it is something that affects all of us. Our world is a product of hundreds of thousands of years of human history. If we understand that history, then we will better understand the world we live in, and how our own lives will impact generations to come. Outside of social studies, my hobbies include track and field, music, movies, and anything outdoors. I am teaching at Breakthrough to help you students achieve your academic goals, but also to learn from you ways that I can become a better teacher.