 | Daniela BarrantesHi everyone! My name is Daniela Barrantes, and I am a third-year majoring in Political Science and International Studies on the Latin America and the Caribbean track. I am from Miami, Florida, but my parents are from Nicaragua and Peru. I love traveling, especially to my home countries, and learning about all the different cultures, identities, and languages that call this planet home! In my spare time, I love finding new music, going to the beach, trying new foods, attending local concerts, and re-watching my favorite movies. I’m incredibly excited to make so many memories this semester and get to know you! |
 | Talia BockHi everyone! My name is Talia, and I’m majoring in criminology and costume design at UF. I love learning about different languages and cultures and am specifically interested in art around the world. I am excited to learn more about art in the form of fashion, music, dance, etc., through all my students! In the future I hope to practice fashion law, in order to help protect the creative identity of small designers around the world. In my free time I love reading, sewing, vintage shopping, or practicing yoga. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and am excited for an amazing semester! |
 | Paola FregoneziActivities AssistantHey everyone! My name is Paola Fregonezi and I am a third-year student at the University of Florida! I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology and am on the pre-law track. I am originally from São Paulo, Brazil but have lived in Orlando, Florida for most of my life. I am so excited for my first semester as a Language Assistant, I love learning about new cultures and meeting new people! During my free time, I enjoy traveling, working out, going to the beach, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I can't wait to meet everyone and to have an amazing semester! |
 | Shawn KapersaudHey everyone! My name is Shawn Kapersaud and I am a third year international studies major with an area focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. The fall 2024 semester is my first semester here as a language assistant although I participated in the conversation partner program for a few semesters prior. I am super excited to hear the different stories of ELI students that come from around the world to study here! When I am not at the ELI, you can catch me learning other languages, reading a good book, or trying out new spots to eat. As an avid language learner myself, I know some of the struggles of trying to pick up a foreign language or culture. I also know the glow on someone’s face when you speak to them in their native language. These experiences have inspired me to be on the other side of that journey: I can’t wait to help others navigate the English language and American culture. |
 | Rose MartinezHi, everyone, my name is Rose and I'm from Puerto Rico. I'm currently on my last semester in UF majoring in Linguistics with a minor in TESL. I love learning about new languages, cultures and meeting new peoples and I believe the ELI meets all these qualities! In my free time, I like to play volleyball, watching series at my PC or play video games, and read a book. I'm excited to get to know all of you on my first semester as a TA! |
 | Mathis PaulhiacHello! I am a second-year student studying International Studies and Marketing. I have lived in Miami my entire life and am half French, half Colombian. Currently learning Portuguese and hoping to work in diplomacy after graduation. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling the world and playing sports. The place I want to visit the most next is Australia. Looking forward to learning about all of you and practicing English. |
 | Emily SzydlowskiHi! My name is Emily and I am currently a senior majoring in international studies, and minoring in Japanese here at UF. I am from Gainesville, Florida and have lived here my entire life. I am passionate about connecting with others through learning about different languages and cultures, and have studied several languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and Polish. Outside of class, I love to dance, go to the gym, listen to music, crochet, and explore nature. It is my first semester serving as a language assistant at the ELI and I am super excited to get to meet everyone and learn about you. You are always welcome to contact me with questions about anything! Looking forward to a fun semester with everyone! |
 | Kemarah ThermidorHi everyone! My name is Kemarah Thermidor, and I am a second-year student studying General Psychology and Criminology on the pre-law track. This is my fourth semester as an ELI Language Assistant, and I am overjoyed at having this position. If you ever want to strike up a conversation, ask me about: cooking recipes, journaling, or anything related to theory (sociology, psychology, etc.)! I also make an effort to learn other languages and about other cultures. I speak Haitian Creole fluently, am an intermediate Spanish speaker, and am learning French. I’m very excited to continue this position as a language assistant this semester as I adore meeting new people and being able to help in any way I can! The ELI program is a great opportunity for me to share my love of words and language and meet new people from various backgrounds. I can’t wait to get to know everyone better! |
 | Lexa ThompsonHello! My name is Lexa, and I am a graduate student here at the University of Florida. I am so excited to meet with people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. I have been with the ELI for three semesters, and each one has been an amazing experience! Outside of school and work, I like to read or watch movies, and sometimes go dancing. Also, a fun fact about me: I was born and raised here in Gainesville, so if you have any questions about the city I might be able to answer them! I can’t wait to meet you all! |
 | Elijah ZarsadiasConversation Partner Program AssistantHi everyone! My name is Elijah, and I’m a Filo-Rican (Filipino + Puerto Rican) fourth year double-majoring in Linguistics and French and Francophone Studies with a minor in Spanish. I was born in Chicago, IL, but I spent most of my childhood in Orlando, FL. Growing up as a Spanish-English bilingual in big cities, I witnessed first-hand the struggles that the English-learning community frequently faces in their journey towards fluency and how this fluency relates to their sense of cultural authenticity. These experiences, as well as my fascination towards language itself, motivate my research in Language Acquisition and my time with the ELI. I also speak Québec French fluently and am currently learning Brazilian Portuguese. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy rock-climbing, karaoke (go-to song: “Love” by Keyshia Cole), and roller-skating! I’m super excited to get to know everyone! |