Isabella Smith
1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?
I wanted to engage with youth and help them recognize the importance of Indigenous culture and community.
2. What experiences have shaped your passion for community service and youth development?
Working as a VISIONS leader last summer shaped my passion for community service. It showed me how community service can positively impact the development of VISIONS participants and myself!
3. What is your favorite achievement?
The research that I will conduct for my Long Island University Global degree in Fall 2024.
4. What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Istanbul, Turkey or New Zealand. It’s hard to choose just one!
5. What is the best advice you’ve received?
Every moment is a lesson, and everyone is a teacher.
6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?
I hope to engage participants through ethical and respectful considerations with the Blackfeet community and address how we can all decolonize our mindsets this summer!
7. What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited about the Sundance Festival and working for Child Nutrition!
8. If you had to give one piece of advice or words of encouragement to someone on their first VISIONS experience, what would it be?
Have an open mind and an open heart!
Recent blog posts
Spotlight: Soledad, A 2024 VISIONS BVI Alum
Sole was able to participate in our last ever BVI program in summer of 2024. She reflects on friendship and service, and how serving a community she loved changed her views. She didn’t even miss her phone!
Empathy in Action: High School Volunteers Join Veterinary Effort in the D.R.
Partnering with local vets, teens contribute to animal welfare through spay & neuter clinics. These volunteer opportunities for high schoolers teach empathy & educate teens the importance of caring for all aspects of their community, including the animals.
Animal Welfare, Environmental Integrity & What We Eat on VISIONS Programs
VISIONS is taking a careful look at the food we serve during our community service programs for high school students, and we aim to reduce our dependence on factory farm-based animal products by 75%.
You’ve Been Adopted!
Animal welfare is an important aspect of VISIONS volunteer opportunities for high schoolers. On the Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation, teens help foster these wonderful puppies and sometimes adopt them, bringing them to their new forever home!