My name is Wendy Werling and I am a Conflict Resolution Graduate student at Portland State University. I don't have a photo uploaded yet, because I need to have my boyfriend take a decent one.

It took me a long time to get to this place of going back to school. I have spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what to do with my life and even more time figuring out how to make it happen. I was always clear about what I didn't want, but less clear about what I wanted. It takes a lot of courage and will to make change happen, and I must confess that doesn't come naturally for me.

One thing is for sure I love the area I am getting my Master's in, and it's helped bring direction, purpose, and meaning to my life. I'm focusing on children's rights issues. If you were to ask my why, I would have to simply say, it's because I love children and find them to be so much fun! Even in the movies I love, I tend to like movies that deal with children's issues, not kid's movies, but movies that show us the beauty, trials, and complexity of childhood. I loved the Spanish movie "The Orphanage" that came out last winter. In some ways I guess it's always been my dream to run an orphanage; however, the orphanage in that movie was greatly sensationalized. A beautiful large brick mansion on the coast of Spain. Yes, I'm a bit of a romantic as well, and not always the most practical soul.

I'm in a deeply committed relationship with my partner Gary, and am a proud big sister to 9 year old Luz. I am a big sister in the Big Brother/Big Sister program of the Columbia Northwest. Since I am an only child having a little sister was a life long dream of mine, I suppose sisterhood is a bit more novel to me for this reason.

I grew up in Oregon, but spent a good ten years as an adult in Charleston, SC. It's beautiful for there, with marshes, bridges, and lots of sunny days. I miss it sometimes. I also really enjoyed living someplace different than where I was from.

I'm very excited about getting involved with World Pulse and working to create positive change for women and children all over the world. This is a new adventure and I can't wait for it to start.