What inspired you to work for Bright Light Volunteers?
Understanding different cultures. I believe bridges between cultures can be built that bring forth unity and oneness among peoples. Giving young people access to this understanding is key to global citizenship.
Alma Garcia with a farm worker in Vinales, Cuba ... an agricultural program in our "Cuba Unleashed" experience.
Describe a typical day at work.
Researching grants and foundations that are aligned with our mission and value statement.
Chairing the Fundraising Committee of the Board of Directors and managing volunteer grant writers.
Why do you do what you do?
To better the world that we live in. I believe that global education is important so young people can see their connection with the rest of the world.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Leading programs in the countries we serve. Having first-hand experience at different economies and cultures and how it impacts its residents is an eye-opener.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My experience in nonprofit leadership brings value to building our organization to its next level of success. I also have experience in fundraising and event management which comes in handy too.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Fundraising ... like most nonprofits. We want to be able to provide scholarships for students in Title I schools which requires us to lean heavily on grants and individual donors.
What are some current projects you are working on?
1. Researching and writing grants
2. Researching new programs in Costa Rica
3. Nurturing our relationships with leaders in our host countries (Cuba, Peru and Costa Rica)
Alma Garcia with a Cuban baseball player
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Do not fear. Discovery is not traveling to new lands ... but, rather, looking at things with brand new eyes. When traveling, be open to new cultures, foods, music, people and traditions.
What makes Bright Light Volunteers special?
We partner with a renowned university that offers college credit for participation in our programs. We also offer scholarships to Title I students who would otherwise not have the opportunity to travel to another state ... much less outside of the country.
Why should someone choose Bright Light Volunteers over competitors?
We are a proven organization with positive measurable outcomes. Almost 100 percent of participants in our programs graduate high school and get involved in higher education.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
More programs available that will allow students a wider range of locations and projects that will allow them to do some critical thinking and personal growth.
Are there any developments with Bright Light Volunteers that you would like to share with us?
Yes. We are in the process of board development to ensure our board represents its constituents. We are also introducing corporate programs that will allow business professionals an opportunity to serve.
What makes Bright Light Volunteers easy to market to potential participants?
We have great relationships with schools in Texas and Tennessee that make it easy to foster participants. We also can easily take our model and duplicate it to other areas because the idea of travel, learning, and adventure is easy to market.
Alma Garcia and student leader in Machu Picchu
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to be a bright light in the world through developing global citizens and future leaders. Students must recognize what happens on a global scale affects them locally.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
1. World awareness
2. What happens across the globe can have implications locally
3. Cultural sensitivity and bridging the gap between cultures
4. An unforgettable experience while learning about the world
How do you help support participants?
Through leading programs in countries like Cuba, Peru, and Costa Rica. By ensuring our programs are safe and rewarding. By meeting parents and answering their questions so that trust is developed and honored.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would like to return to Maras, Peru, where we helped put in a water filtration system in a school up in the mountains ... one of the poorest regions of Peru. I would like to see the children again and know that they are in a better place with clean water in their school.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
They ask safety questions. Many student participants have not traveled at all so they "don't know what they don't know." I help them to feel comfortable and excited about the opportunity and know that they will return from our programs as changed individuals.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
People should be aware of how other cultures live on a day-to-day basis; they should be aware of the challenges, joys, adventures and how resourceful people can be.
Alma Garcia with student participants from Irma Rangel School for Girls in Dallas, TX in Maras, Peru.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Being open to learning new languages is important because the world is so diverse. There isn't one world language (yet); identifying which other language could benefit your life can be enriching and rewarding.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Research the place(s) you want to see. Make a list of pros and cons on how it will help your personal growth, your academic path; your future goals
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means stretching yourself (outside your comfort zone) to know yourself more; to test who you are; what you're capable of; to see how resilient and strong you are outside your normal support system. I would also say to travel with an open mind and absorb all that you can about the place(s) you visit. Keep a written or photographic journal and enjoy every step of the experience.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial and educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
International education should align itself with hands-on experiential learning. Allowing the students to stay with local families; enjoy local culinary delights; experience cultural traditions. In other words, don't cater to the students and provide them all of the comforts they would normally get back home. Allow them the full experience.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
That it would be available to everyone ... not just the few who can afford it. Scholarships must be made available so everyone who wants an international education or experience can get it.
