Maya Fidziukiewicz, editor in chief
Maya is a junior this year, studying Strategic Communication and Entrepreneurship. Maya grew up in a large Polish family, raised with the culture, food, and the language embedded into her blood. Her favorite destinations involve mountains of all sizes, where she gets to spend time downhill skiing or fetching stream water for the day. When she’s not on the road, you’ll catch Maya drinking herbata (tea), running outside, or planning her next adventure.
Sara Sheibani, deputy editor
Sara is a senior, majoring in International Studies with certificates in French and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She has been traveling since she was a few months old and hasn’t stopped since. Studying the French language has led her to several cities small and large in France and add many more francophone cities to her wanderlust list. Her enthusiasm for languages and cross cultural communication sparked her interest in international education and she is excited to spend some time in the future living and learning in countries all over the world.
Rachel Betters, art director
Rachel is a junior this year studying Graphic Design. Her study abroad semester in Florence was cut short, but that hasn’t stopped her from cooking pasta for every meal. She also loves to hike and spend time outdoors, preferably somewhere in the mountains.
Ellie Marcus, marketing director
Ellie is a Senior studying Communication Arts and Digital Studies. She was born and raised in New York City and is currently daydreaming about my next travel adventure! She cannot wait to get this year started and inspire wanderlust amongst the UW-Madison Community.
Brooke Strain, webmaster
Brooke is a senior studying Communication and is also getting a certificate in Digital Studies. She is obsessed with anything to do with coffee, chocolate, and her pets: Bean the chinchilla and her dog Bella! She has a passion for writing, as well as listening to music 24/7. Brooke is excited to be on the Souvenirs team this year!
Tracy Fu, graphic designer
Tracy is a senior art student majoring in graphic design and ceramics. Having been living in China and US for a long time, she’s very into different languages, landscapes, lifestyles with different culture background. She’s been traveling alone to many countries since high school, and very much obsessed by photography and scuba diving. She believes that traveling gives her power and inspirations for art, and it’s so fascinating to embrace the world as what it is.
Sophia Madore, writer
Sophia is a senior majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication and getting a certificate in Digital Studies. Some of her favorite trips include swimming at her grandma’s camp in Maine, hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and serving at a Native American Reservation in Arizona. She is a firm believer that there is no better way to start a road trip than with Dunkin’ Donuts and is excited to be a writer for Souvenirs Magazine.
Amanda Weil, writer
Amanda is a junior studying Psychology. She is originally from the Chicago suburbs but loves calling Madison home. She is passionate about dark chocolate and her dog Winston!
Margaret Huibregtse, editor
Margaret is a senior from New England studying journalism and creative writing. Her last adventure was studying in Galway, Ireland for a semester last fall. While there, she perfected the art of getting lost and finding hole-in-the-wall coffee shops. When she’s not traveling, Margaret can be found browsing used book stores, adding to her CD collection, or practicing her canoeing techniques.
Ella Sabin, writer
Ella is a Junior studying Journalism, Spanish and Environmental Studies who has a passion for new cultures! She loves to stray off the beaten path on her travels and one of her favorite places she’s found herself is the middle of the Amazon rainforest. She hopes to work internationally as a conservation journalist, preserving the world’s most beautiful places!
Kyle Engels, writer
Kyle is a Junior currently majoring in English and Communication Arts. After a few outings in Europe with friends and family, he’s had a passion for learning about other cultures and has even picked up a bit of German. When he isn’t dreaming about experiencing some authentic Chicken Alfredo in Spain, he’s writing, playing fighting games, running, or practicing Taekwondo.
Madison Berger, editor
Madison is a Junior studying Communication Science and Rhetorical Studies and Human Development and Family Studies. This year, she is hoping to study abroad in Israel, where she can immerse herself in the unique culture and gain a greater understanding of the world. During her free time, she loves to play tennis, write creatively, and spend quality time with friends and family. Madison lives by the saying- “you create your own happiness.”
Kate Van Dyke, writer
Kate is a junior majoring in Journalism with certificates in Digital Studies and Public Policy. For the past 7 years, she has carried a journal where she documents her travel experiences and the people she meets in avid detail. She loves meeting new people and learning their stories, and has a passion for writing—especially in areas of travel, current events, and social justice. Kate hopes to study abroad in Sydney Australia in Spring 2021, and is excited to dive the Great Barrier Reef, camp, and surf. When she’s not buried in homework or writing, she enjoys yoga, reading, and watering her abundance of plants!
Carter Olson, writer
Carter is a senior studying English Literature and Education Policy. He most recently travelled to France and England to visit some family, and explore the two countries. He loves to try new food and try to cook it once he returns home.
Emily Beyer, writer
Emily Beyer is currently a senior double majoring in Communication Arts and Philosophy, with a certificate in Environmental Studies. She spent last semester abroad in Sydney, Australia. Although she began her journey with Souvenirs as a study abroad blogger, she continues to write for Souvenirs as a staff writer and is part of the marketing team. Besides her passion for writing, she lives for all things outdoors, particularly hiking and biking. Her long term goal is to travel the world to experience the most breathtaking outdoor adventures!
Olivia O’Brien, editor
Olivia is a junior studying Neurobiology and Philosophy. Though she loves any kind of travel, she is particularly fond of exploring and photographing nature. So far she has traversed much of the continental US, and briefly traveled Portugal (favorite places include Zion and Redwoods National Parks in the US, and Sintra, Portugal). She isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life yet, but looks forward to studying abroad in the Netherlands as soon as possible. In her free time, Olivia can be found running, hiking, reading, or consuming enormous amounts of popcorn. Possibly all at once.