Staff Interview with Nikki Madden

What about Connect-123 inspired you to work for the organization?

When I saw the position with Connect-123 advertised, I just knew in my gut that it was something that I wanted to be involved in. I got the sense that Connect make a real difference with young people and their development, and I felt inspired by the mission they put forward! I knew that if I had been aware of this program in my formative years, that it would be something I would’ve jumped for the chance to do. I also knew that it was a chance to put my travel and life experience to use, helping people to fulfill dreams, and reach new perspectives in the way they perceive and live their lives.

Describe your position as the Program Coordinator for Ireland. How do you support Connectors in this position?

I feel with Connect, we support on all levels—emotionally and socially—through the entire internship process. From the word go, we hope to make all our newcomers feel welcome and comfortable. So the first thing would be to see that our new Connector feels like the have everything they need to begin this adventure, from local communications to help with all of the logistics and all of the insider tips about our city and country.

I also let them know that we understand things can be daunting at first and that we are always there to support,  We know it can be a big move for many students, so I listen to how they are feeling and see what they need to feel comfortable in their new environment.

I do my best to integrate them into the Connect-123 community, show them the city and arrange events that can help them to get a good sense of where they are living, so they can feel at home as quickly as possible. During the process, I check in to see how their development is going on all levels, and whether they are reaching their full potential in there time with us. We offer support for all situations that can arise during a time like this!

You have spent a lot of time traveling and therefore have an insider and outsider perspective of your own home of Ireland. How do you use those experiences and perspectives in your work?

I feel the skills I have learned from traveling and working across the world are some of the most beneficial skills I have to pass on to our Connectors! I was a mad traveler for so long, I worked in over nine countries, volunteered on a variety of projects, and traveled solo for a few years. It was amazing, but initially, not always easy.

I think my experience in life has allowed me to get a good perspective on what our Connectors could be feeling when they arrive to us in Dublin, the excitement and the hopes, but also the overwhelming sense you can have in a new environment alone. Travel and experiences like this are such a transformative process for people, and it’s such an amazing feeling to be there for people in this powerful time.

What lessons did you learn abroad that you hope future Connectors can experience and learn for themselves?

My biggest hope by the end of their time with us is, that our Connectors feel more empowered and that they go away with the feeling that they can do anything that they want to do in their lives! I think the biggest thing I learned was that you can have dreams, and even if they seem big and impossible, if you go for it, you can actually do it. Things will fall into place to support you! Just be positive, be brave, and believe!

If you had the chance to participate in a Connect-123 program, where would you go and what would you do?

I think if I could go to any destination it would probably be Cape Town! I think all our destinations are fab and fun with loads to offer, but I have a strong attraction to see Cape Town with it’s wine valleys, beaches, and wildlife! I’d also love to experience the endless amounts of activities it has to offer. I just love nature and the great outdoors!

Why should other people be excited about Connect-123’s programs, especially those that you work with in Ireland?

I really think people should be excited because we have built programs that allow students to experience our amazing destinations with fantastic support, exciting events, and a whole lot of fun thrown in. In Dublin, we hope to show our students a truly authentic experience that allows them to feel the true essence of our little Island!

If you could share a piece of advice with your pre-travel-abroad-self, what would you share?

I would say to myself: 

You are going to experience things that you have no concept of yet, you are going to meet beautiful people all over the world, and see awesome places. You are going to learn so many things about the world and yourself, and you are going to change in so many ways! Be present! Put any concerns—homesickness or self doubt—aside. Let go, and enjoy the flow—it’s a beautiful world! 

What is your favorite thing about Ireland to share with incoming Connectors?

There are so many things, the people, the music, the culture, but I think it’s the beauty of our little Ireland. It’s just so pretty!

Are there any developments you hope to see in Connect-123’s programs in Ireland?

I hope to bring lots more people here, to keep finding more and more interesting projects for our Connectors to experience, and to further develop our events and trips. And to always keep our program fun, fresh, and exciting.

What hopes do you have for your own future with Connect-123?

I’m open to possibilities, I love working for Connect—it has so much potential. I hope to keep developing myself and our Dublin program enough to eventually help with training new coordinators as our program grows! I also want to see how we can always find ways to keep our program relevant, happening, and evolving.