Introduction from UM- Ann Arbor

1. Michael Williams

DOB: February 11, 1992

Hometown: Detroit, MI, USA

Major: Architecture

Minor: Urban Studies

E-mail: rulermw@umich.edu

Hey everyone. I'm Michael, one of the freshmen joining you guys on the trip. Our final semester @ U of M Ann Arbor ends in 1 week :) and I can't wait to hop on the plane and head to Vietnam and leave America

behind for a while. Listed below is a little info about me. Can't wait to meet all of you!

Interests:

• Architecture - I live, eat, and breathe architecture! Not really, but I am obsessed with it. I love traveling to different cities and places and looking at all of the buildings and unique homes. I can't wait to go to Vietnam to see all of the cool pagodas and assembly halls; I'm gonna go crazy with my camera.
• Art and Design - Besides architecture I like all types of design like fashion, cars, interior design, and even product and graphic design; they're all the same to me and I couldn't imagine life without them. The same goes for art; I really like going to museums and exhibits to see all kinds of art and I'm a big photography fan, I like taking photos of whatever I find interesting on the streets or right around me.
• Music - I also really like my music. I listen to a little bit of everything like pop (Lady GaGa fan), hip hop (Common and Kanye West), r & b (Alicia Keys), a little rock, classical, and maybe some country; but my favorite is soul/ r & b music such as Lauryn Hill and India Arie. I really want to find out what type of music Vietnamese college students listen to; we'll have to exchange iPods.
• TV + Movies - I'm a big TV and movie buff because of my dad. This year I hardly watched any TV and I went to the movies a lot less, and I'm starting to watch a lot of things on the Internet. Some of my favorite TV shows are LOST, Project Runway, Jeopardy, Family Guy, and Law and Order : SVU. My favorite movies are Avatar, I Am Legend, Gladiator, The Bourne Series, The Dark Knight, and The Devil Wears Prada.

Other Interest + Activities:

• Tennis - I play it almost everyday in the summer
• Talking - I admit I like to talk and laugh a lot
• Musicals and Plays
• Volunteering
• Eating - I love FOOD!

See you guys in a few weeks!
2.Brandon William Ebenhoeh

DOB: April 29, 1989

Hometown: Roseville, MI, USA

Interests:

Theater~ I have been involved

in theater productions since high school and have continued in college. I get to sing, dance, and act. I recently was in a show called "HAIR."

This show is about a group of friends in the 1960's dealing with the Vietnam War draft and protesting the war, discovering themselves, and having fun! That's a picture from the show.

Soccer~ I love soccer. I have been playing since I could walk!

American Sign Language~ I currently am learning ASL at UM. I really enjoy learning about other language and cultures! This helped spark my interest in becoming a Speech Therapist after college. I can teach you some signs while we are in Vietnam!

Traveling~ I have been to places all over the USA including New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Maine, Tennessee, Maryland, Alabama, Disney World, and many more. My favorite place to go on vacation to is Pentwater, MI! It is this awesome small town on Lake Michigan. My entire family goes here ever August. My other favorite place to travel is Washington D.C. I love the city and the people. I want to live here once I finish college!

My other interests are:

~University of Michigan Football!

~Being a resident Advisor

~Dogs!

~Chess

~Working at Summer Camp

~Baseball

~Driving in my Car!

~Trying new foods :]

~Cooking and Baking

Favorite Movie: The Blindside, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Sandlot

Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese

Favorite Music: Acoustic, pop, rock, really anything! I do enjoy Lady Gaga and John Mayer

Favorite TV Show: I am obsessed with reality television!

This is from my summer job!

Feel free to add me on Facebook.

3. Sam Philip West
DOB: May 17, 1991
Hometown: Marquette, MI, USA


Interests:

Stuff I do for fun-I really enjoy playing soccer, skiing, and running, and I hope to be able to run while in Vietnam in order to explore the areas where we will be staying. I also like to learn and play other obscure sports, activities and games such as video, board, or card games.

On Campus- I've been involved with a lot of community service or social justice organizations on campus this year. I've had a lot of fun being able work with other students and community members to work on some task. I have also enjoyed being able to work and learn from community members whom I may not get the chance to talk with if it wasn't for the community service event. I also enjoy going to various sporting events, shows, and movies on campus.

General Stuff- I like to be outdoors and enjoy nature. I'm also willing to try most new things whether it is food or some game.

I'm really excited to meet everyone and if you want to become friends with me on Facebook you can find me under the email address samwest@umich.edu

4. My name is Paul Rink, and I am a junior at the University of Michigan. I am excited to meet and to get to know all of you whether you are from the United States or Vietnam.