What inspired you to work for School the World?
Working for an international nonprofit that is actually transforming lives was my motivation. The local work that School the World does in the rural communities of Central America is so inspiring. Being able to be part of a small team, continuously learn and travel to the areas where we work was a huge aspect of why I wanted to work for School the World. Going on six years now and it was the best decision.
This is a group photo of us walking and hiking over to the homes in Honduras.
Describe a typical day at work.
In our Boston office I am leading Communications and Marketing, but when I travel with our High School students or Corporate Travelers it is always long amazing days of working with the community to finish the build of a school or playground. I specifically work on communications when I am down in Central America to advertise our trip program as well as lead our student groups.
Why do you do what you do?
I believe education is the pathway to a brighter future, and that is School the World's main value, philosophy, and vision. I align with School the World in all its core beliefs and the work is moving, inspiring and rewarding. I feel very lucky to be able to contribute to such an incredible cause and organization that is creating REAL impact and sustainable change.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with our awesome global team, getting able to travel to see the impact we are making and being able to continue learning and challenging myself after six years of working at School the World. I am never not learning and I am always trying new ways to market our organization and get our work out to the world.
Having fun playing with friends while on a School the World program. Such a great experience.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
These trips will keep you inspired in your job and even if you are having bad days or weeks at the office or feel uninspired, traveling to see all of the hard work pay off will stay with you forever. It is truly a gift to work for School the World and I try to remind myself of that each week. I cannot imagine working anywhere else.
Why should someone choose School the World over competitors?
School the World does not just go in, build a school and leave. We stay. We're focused on really transforming the school and its benefactors (children, teachers, and parents) into a well oiled machine focused on quality education.
We are in these communities for 5-6 years after the build of the school and our educational programming is all focused on sustainability and empowerment. We work with mothers to form a PTA and stand up for their child's rights, work with teachers to understand how to get children caught up after the pandemic, fill libraries with brand new books, etc.
What hopes do you have for the future for School the World?
Right now we are in Honduras, Panama, and Guatemala. I hope that we can eventually expand to more, while keeping our main focus of really ensuring that all children that we work with receive 10 years of quality education so that they can chart a path out of extreme poverty and have brighter futures.
Also I hope that we can reach more people here in the U.S. to travel with us so they can see the incredible work we do. Because once you see it, you're inspired to do more and stick with our organization long-term.
Group photo with all the volunteers during the dedication of the new school!
What makes School the World easy to market to potential participants?
We do more than just build a school and leave. Participants on our service trips fund the first year of programming in that community as well as the school build. They are donors and stakeholders in this project and will receive updates on the community for many years to come. They will also form incredible relationships with the children in the community and return home knowing the significant impact they made and will continue to make because of their gift of education.
What is School the World's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
School the World is a nonprofit organization dedicated to solving extreme poverty through the power of education. We continue to work towards it constantly by educating children and parents from infancy through secondary school. We provide 10 years of QUALITY education to children who would not receive that otherwise.
We also create sustainable ecosystems around the importance of education with parents who never went to school themselves. Even during a global pandemic, when schools were closed for two years, we kept going. We made sure we were doing everything we could to bring learning to these rural homes and to children who have nothing.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I know that participants leave our trips incredibly touched, inspired and motivated to do more. Some might come just to fulfill service hours, but they leave so thankful for the experience and will say "that trip changed my life.” The way our trips are formatted really encourages a deep connection with the community and an incredible sense of accomplishment for someone of the high school age.
How do you help support participants?
Prior to the trip, we help them with their fundraising efforts (brainstorming ideas, bringing groups of them together to host a fundraiser, etc.) as well as hold Pre-Trip Meetings where we educate them on the country, the culture and more! We are also with them throughout the week alongside our local staff and are there as a resource for anything they need.
Walking together with the children and volunteers. It was great to chat and get to know everyone.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I believe that it's important to travel abroad and experience new cultures, especially at a young age, because it really opens your eyes up to the rest of the world. Before meeting my college friends, I was able to see other parts of the world that I probably would not choose to travel to on vacation. Now, I love the culture and it inspired me to find a job to help others and value learning about other cultures and traveling off the beaten path. It also creates empathy in people and really makes you realize the importance of human connection.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means that you are traveling with purpose. Even if you are not traveling to help others, you are traveling to learn and experience the real beauty of the country and culture of the country. It means that you are welcome to new experiences and adventures and not closed off. To me it means that you are really interested in where you are going and will be fully present throughout your travels.