What is your favorite travel memory?
Visiting Marrakech and Fez. I decided to go during peak summer months, and it was my first time experiencing over 100-degree weather. Morocco was one of the countries on my bucket list, and it was an absolute privilege to have had a chance to visit. I walked a ton through the aromatic souks, enjoyed the best meals from a tagine, and fell in love with the warm hospitality of the Berber communities I visited.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have grown in many ways, though two stand out the most. First, I've learned to trust my instincts and be creative. Our small but mighty team emphasizes empowerment, and I feel free to devise new ways to accomplish initiatives. Second, I've improved my ability to communicate in ways that reach a broader set of people and during one-to-one conversations. There are a myriad of opportunities I get to represent our organization, which has opened the door to learning new strategies.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I remember one volunteer who joined us during their gap year before starting university. Though they had some tutoring experience, leading a classroom felt daunting. With support from our training and on-site team, they grew into a confident teacher, despite the challenge of working with our spirited 4th graders! It was incredibly rewarding to watch them gain confidence, develop a stronger sense of self, and embrace new experiences.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would volunteer as a teacher in a heartbeat! It's such a beautiful experience to give back to a community that needs it, spend time with children, and enjoy the serenity of our campus. As a volunteer, your focus is on supporting the school's programs and activities, and you learn so much about yourself; it also grows your empathy, patience, and resilience!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our organization is unique in that, at its core, it's about developing the whole person, the whole child. It's hard to say that we simply "help people out," because we do so much more. The organization understands that eradicating poverty is not an overnight project; it's a lifelong investment. Our mission is education, but our vision is bringing people out of poverty, one child at a time.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
You have to trust your people. Your mission and achievements stem from the strength of your collaborators. When you bring people on board who care, who are committed to the cause, and who are dedicated to making it work every day, you have to believe they are doing that. When you do, they can create magic!