Name: Rebecca Anne Kroll

Age: 24

Where she's from: Chicago, IL

Roots: European/Russian mutt

What "value" is most important to you?

Equality! Although we're told over and over that "life's just not fair," I think that's a terrible excuse that people who are too darn comfortable, or afraid, sometimes use to change some awful situations. Life isn't fair, but we need to do what we can to even the playing field -- especially when considering how we educate our youth.

Who inspires you?

My amazing friends! I have been lucky enough to surround myself with some pretty incredible people throughout my life. They are passionate, creative, adventurous people who have truly enriched my worldview. Teaching, Peace Corps-ing, non-profit work and endless volunteerism abounds amongst them.

What's the hardest thing you've ever done?

Teach. Nothing else I've ever done has come close to being as emotionally draining, physically exhausting, or intellectually demanding. But what a wonderful trip those 70 5th graders took me on! I would not exchange that two-year experience in the classroom for anything!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I'd love to be a cast member in STOMP! But I definitely need to work on my rhythm. Until then, I aspire to follow in photographer Wendy Ewald's footsteps by bringing the medium of photography to kids around the world. She works with kids and cameras to increase student creativity and literacy, and she empowers children with a unique method of self-expression. Wow.

What's so cool about traveling?

I am all about experiential education! Get out there! Although you can learn much from books, you truly grow and mature from real life experience. There is so much out there to expose yourself to. There's music to hear, foods to try, and people to interact with. There is no better feeling than being a participant in another culture's daily life as you learn how connected you are to our global community.

What is your favorite quote?

To probably maul a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln: "I don't like that man. I'll have to get to know him better." Why waste your time hating when you could spend it figuring out how utterly cool someone really is, and how small your differences really are? What a wonderful place our world would be if everyone adhered to that philosophy!

I wish I could always be...

..surrounded by people who make me laugh. So far I've been pretty fortunate. Although my own humor is a very refined collection of corny puns and one-liners, I love to be overwhelmed by the quick wit of my pals. My students, my friends, and my high school volunteers definitely have thus far kept me rolling.

Which historical time period most fascinates you?

I am most fascinated by the people involved with and the political reasoning surrounding the Vietnam war. There is so much emotion there and so much to learn from that experience.

Where is your favorite city to hang out?

Chicago and New York City both vie for my affections in the summer and fall, but Austin, Texas tops them both. I could not have chosen a more fabulous place to spend my four years of college. The eclectic mix of people, the wonderful restaraunts, the green belt with endless hiking and camping, the music scene, the oasis of liberal thinking amidst a conservative political center, the wildflowers, the coffee shops, the murals, and the South mall in the springtime combine to create a literal utopia! (Oh yeah, and the classes were great too.)