TYO Intern Alumni: Where are They Now?

Hannah McIntire

My experiences that summer helped me to focus my educational choices towards realizing my personal and vocational goals, and I am so grateful for that.

A Milford, CT native, Hannah taught Arts & Crafts and Women's English as an intern in the Summer of 2010 and is returning to Nablus this summer to intern again!

What was your favorite moment/story from your time with TYO?

I have so many wonderful memories from TYO, but I think my favorite moment was in my Arts & Crafts class. Each morning in my class, I would read a story for my children, followed by an art project based off of the story. One particular morning, I read Toby’s Silly Faces-- a story about a young mouse learning how to express different feelings and emotions. The children loved the story, and after reading, we had lots of fun making posters with googly eyes and funny faces. In the weeks following, whenever I would see one of my children from that class, he or she would stop me, make a funny face and start giggling. It was wonderful to see a story continue to make the children laugh and smile, and it still brings a smile to my face!

What do you miss most about TYO or Nablus?

I miss exploring the souks of Nablus, and seeing the beautiful sunsets and sunrises each day!

I miss being around the children and wonderful people at TYO!

What have you been up to after leaving Nablus and what are your plans for the future?

I'm returning to TYO for Summer 2012, and then returning to St. Paul, MN for my senior year at Macalester College!

How do you think TYO affected you personally and professionally?

Personally and professionally, I think my experiences at TYO helped me to connect my passion of working with children and education to my commitment to social change. I was 18 my first summer in Nablus, and fresh out of my first-year at Macalester College. My experiences that summer helped me to focus my educational choices towards realizing my personal and vocational goals, and I am so grateful for that.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying for a TYO internship?

My only advice is to come to TYO with an open mind, ready and willing to have your opinions changed through your experiences as an intern. In the three months that I was in Nablus, I changed significantly; I'm glad someone gave me the same advice to approach everyday with an open mind.