In 2020, McGee Roman ’21 responded to the extraordinary needs that COVID-19 placed on the SiDES program. She conceived the formation of EquipoSiDES, a group of experienced SiDES volunteers dedicated to helping all volunteers have an amazing experience with program. They worked with Dra. Kietrys to develop a virtual curriculum for the Fall 2020 semester as well as handle all volunteer relations.

EquipoSiDES will continue in 2021-22. If you’re a former participant and would like to join the team, please contact Drª Kietrys. If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to hear more about our personal experiences with SiDES, please contact sides@davidson.edu.

Meet the Founding Team

¡Hola! I’m McGee Roman, a senior political science and hispanic studies major from Richmond, Virginia. On campus, I am captain of the field hockey team, a member of Connor House, and an assistant teacher in the hispanic studies department. I love working with kids and am so excited to be a part of SiDES for my final year!!

¡Hola! I am Sophie Wolf and a senior at Davidson College. I am excited to continue volunteering at DES, as well as to be a part of Equipo SiDES. On campus, I am a research assistant in two psychology labs, a member of the club soccer team, and a classroom volunteer at La Escuelita San Alban. I have always loved learning about the Spanish language and culture and am eager to share my passion with more elementary school students (virtually) this year!

Hello! I am Bryan Ortiz, a senior at Davidson from Monterey, California. I enjoy spending time with friends and love mountain biking. I am also interested in Economics and Data Science. At Davidson, I am involved with the Bonner Scholar program and STRIDE mentorship program. I grew up in a bilingual household and I’m excited to continue improving my Spanish through the SiDES program!” 

¡Hola! My name is Zoe Bock, and I’m a junior Sociology major and Hispanic Studies minor from Swarthmore, PA. I’ve loved being a part of the SiDES program during my time at Davidson and am thrilled to be even more involved this year! I was supposed to study abroad in Valencia, Spain, this semester– although I’m sad that I can’t go anymore, I’m happy to be back with my Davidson people, and I know I’ll make it there one day! In addition to SiDES, I’m involved on campus as a tour guide and a member of Warner Hall eating house. I also helped to co-found the Humans of Davidson College Instagram page, have been involved in voice and theater, and am a trained facilitator through the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative. I can’t wait to interact with the elementary schoolers again, even if through a screen!

¡Hola! My name is Rachael Devecka and I am a sophomore at Davidson College. I’m thrilled to a part of Equipo SiDES this year! I started working with the program as a freshman and know how intimidating it can be, so I’m happy to answer any question you have no matter how small. In addition to working with DES, I’m a trip leader for Davidson Outdoors, an English teacher for the Santa Elena Alliance, a co-president of Project Life Movement, and a member of Turner Eating House. Spanish has always been one of my passions and I’m excited to share it with my students!

Hi I’m Will Miller, a senior Economics Major and Hispanic Studies Minor from Atlanta, GA and planning on using my Economics degree after graduation to work in the commercial Real Estate industry. I am passionate about teaching the next generation of students Spanish as well as exposing students to the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. I am an avid outdoorsman and loves hunting, fishing, and woodworking. I also have visited several countries in Central and South America and love being able to communicate with native Spanish speakers and those who do not speak English to gain an understanding of other cultures.

My name is Cole and I am a senior Psychology and Hispanic Studies double major from Denver, North Carolina. I started volunteering at Davidson Elementary School my sophomore year teaching 1st grade and enjoyed my time spent in the classroom. I spent one week in Quito, Ecuador volunteering at a medical service clinic where I had my first experience practicing Spanish in a Spanish speaking country 2 years ago. Then, last summer I had the opportunity of traveling to Spain for 5 weeks to study Spanish and live with a host family. I now am an Assistant Teacher of Spanish at Davidson and I am looking forward to working with Davidson Elementary School again this year!