Welcome Elena!

We’re excited to announce the arrival of Elena, our new Intern!

Elena is a senior at Hamline University, studying Digital Media Arts and International Journalism. She hopes to use her degree to work as a sound designer for animated films and television, but she also has dreams of becoming a foreign correspondent and documentary filmmaker. Ever since she was a kid, Elena has been interested in how sounds were made in movies. Her passion for sound design comes from the exciting nature of the field, and that it allows for creativity.

Prior to joining AdoptAClassroom.org, Elena studied International Journalism abroad in New Zealand while working for the Green Party as a media intern. At Hamline University, she worked at “The Oracle” student news as an opinion writer, and a video editor at the university’s television studio. For the last four years, Elena has helped teach girls how to use Photoshop, make blogs, and design websites at the Girl Scout’s Cyber Camp in Milwaukee.

To learn more about Elena, we asked about her K-12 days:

Who was the teacher that inspired you the most?

Mrs. Stone and Mr. Lelinski were two of my favorite teachers. Mrs. Stone allowed me to find my favorite author, Haruki Murakami, and Mr. Lelinski made “Waiting for Godot” a blast somehow.

What was your dream job as a child?

I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. One time I emailed a dolphin trainer in Miami to ask all sorts of questions. Instead, I accidentally emailed a Miami Dolphins football trainer. He was nice enough to email back notifying me of my mistake.

How did you spend your recess in elementary school?

I was either reading or reluctantly playing kickball.

What was your favorite school activity in elementary school?

I loved to read so much, which I blame my mom for. She’s a full time professor, yet reads 365 books a year. I also loved music class; I would sing my heart out and even go on talent shows. Little did young Elena know, she was and still is a horrible singer.

What was your favorite school lunch?

Mock chicken leg and mashed potatoes. I would eat it slowly so that it would last longer.