What inspired you to join VISIONS and work towards their mission?
I connected with VISIONS because I believe in the power of deliberate travel to open minds and eyes, and I appreciate how this organization strives to develop empathy and community amongst people on a global scale.
Going on an impromptu hike with the Peru 1 crew
Describe a typical day/week as the Outreach Coordinator.
My day begins with a cup of coffee and answering lots of emails from colleagues and parents. I then read through applications of teens who have applied to our programs, and make sure they are a good fit for us, and vice versa. I will call parents who have expressed interest in our programs for their child, and answer questions about how our programs function. I may arrange a fair visit with a VISIONS representative, meet with a colleague to brainstorm a marketing strategy, create a draft of our outreach calendar, call an alum to get their feedback on our programs, arrange a scholarship for a participant who applied for financial aid, speak to a reference about a prospective participant—my tasks are multiple and varied. I take breaks to snuggle and play chase with the office dogs, drink more coffee, and take walks in the Montana sun.
You were a leader on the 2017 Peru Program. Can you tell us about this experience?
The Peru program was amazing. For me, the highlight was the group of kids that attended the program—they were enthusiastic, dedicated, culturally-sensitive, hard-working, and they all got along with each other so well. The group dynamic was wonderful. And I really enjoyed getting to know the country and people of Peru, and the many connections that VISIONS has made in Urubamba over the years.
Cooking dinner while camping in Montana
What can participants expect from VISIONS programs?
VISIONS is a lot of fun and a lot of hard work. Participants can expect to meet a group of similarly motivated teenagers who are adventurous and curious and ready to give back. You can expect to work hard, as the focus of our programs is the service work. But we also prioritize building connections to the people on your program and the local people within the community.
We have a Circle group meeting every other night on the program and we live right in our host community in accommodations that are typical of the local culture, rather than in a hotel or resort. It really is an eye-opening experience as to how people in different parts of the world live and work and communicate, and we hope that this experience is a transformative one.
What makes VISIONS easy to market when reaching out to people?
Something that makes VISIONS stand out in this field of summer programs is the fact that we return to our communities year after year. In most of our locations we have returned to the same town or community for decades; we stay rooted in that community throughout the program and branch out from there. We also work collaboratively with our local project partners who really spearhead the service projects, rather than assuming we know what needs to happen.
View of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu
How does your background in Psychology and Religion, and your love for nature influence your current work?
Part of my job involves marketing, which entails an understanding of our prospective customers. This responsibility incorporates my interest in Psychology and understanding the human mind and behavior. Religion is one of my many interests, and it forms one of my motivations to travel—to experience and begin to understand how other cultures make sense of our world and our place in it.
To me, spending time in nature is part of my personal approach to spirituality and well-being, and it’s a place for me to connect with the other beings with whom we share this earth. I appreciate that VISIONS is constantly striving to make our programs environmentally-conscious, be that through our service work (removing invasive species, working on organic farms, etc.) or through decisions such as using recycled materials or working to source our meat from local, humane farms.
Hanging out with Nico, our Peruvian director, and Neyda, our longtime cook on the Peru program
If you could participate on any VISIONS program, which would you choose and why?
That’s a tough question— can I choose two? I would like to experience the Montana Blackfeet program, due to its immersion in the Blackfeet reservation and its proximity to Glacier. But I would also like to go to the Dominican Republic, as it’s one of VISIONS oldest international locations and I love speaking Spanish.
Why do you think it is important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
Traveling allows for the growth of new perspectives. Things that we may take for granted in our home culture are seen very differently in other communities around the world. I think it’s important to take a step outside of our bubble, wherever that may be. And rather than let others dictate your opinion about other people and places, creating a personal connection to someone across the world is a great step towards creating an empathetic and fair global community.
Holi festival colors in India during a family trip
How do you work to combine meaningful work with exciting adventures?
That’s what VISIONS is all about. Contributing to service projects that are propelled by the local communities feels substantial and beneficial. And we make time in afternoons and weekends to explore the adventures that the local landscape and culture has to offer.
What hopes do you have for the future of VISIONS’ programs?
My hope is that VISIONS programs continue to develop an environmentally sustainable model that strives to limit our negative impact on the earth, while pursuing projects that contribute to beneficial environmental initiatives.
