Mishka Malinowski (Westmont class of 2000) is currently in Africa doing research and volunteering for the orphaned elephant project in Zambia. Before she left for Africa, she was a babysitter for the Judd family (Robbie, Westmont class of 2014 and Katie, Westmont class of 2018). While home briefly in the fall, she went to one of Robbie’s soccer games. While there, she commented on how poor the Zambian villagers are and how they have just one ball and most of them don’t have shoes that fit. As a result of her comments, Robbie and his mom, Jen, coordinated a collection around town for donated soccer cleats.
They were able to gather 21 pairs of cleats, a set of soccer balls and a ball pump. When Mishka returned to Africa, she was able to bring them back with her. As you can see from the photo below, they were happily received.
Robbie is now attending Gill where he continues to have a love of reading and math and is particularly interested in Greek Mythology and History. He plays soccer for the local Premier team. His favorite memory of Westmont is teaching his teacher a rule in Mancala she didn’t know. He also fondly remembers the Kindergarten play, playing soccer at recess, and he really liked having his own work plan to follow in Kindergarten.
