1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?

I was inspired to join visions through a friend who really liked his experience as a leader. I resonate with the goals and focus of VISIONS, and a service based learning experience abroad seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to be a part of something I believed in.

2. What experiences have shaped your passion for community service and youth development?

My passion for community service and youth development has been shaped by a combination of personal experiences and the mentors who guided me along the way. In high school I found passion with volunteer work, through my soccer teams who would volunteer at food kitchens as team bonding. I also went on a service based trip to the Dominican Republic my senior year of highschool, we renovated an elementary school playground with new equipment, painted murals, and repainted houses for the local community.

Furthermore, my family has always been involved with a program called Camp Quality, which gives year round support for children battling cancer, with a weeklong summer camp every summer. Through my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and all my siblings who are a part of camp, I’ve always been inspired to follow in their footsteps in seeing their dedication to make camp happen every year. This summer will be the first camp I miss since I became old enough to volunteer.

Whether it’s through tutoring, coaching, or organizing community events, I’ve seen how youth development can truly transform lives—and that’s what drives me to stay involved and keep making a difference.

3. What is your favorite achievement?

I would say graduating college as a student athlete. I was able to play soccer alongside my twin sister, while also double majoring in Spanish and Biochemistry and minoring in art. I spent my first few years of college debating what I would major in since I had so many different passions, so instead of choosing I just decided to make everything happen.

4. What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?

I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I absolutely loved the work I did there, and I learned so much.

5. What is the best advice you’ve received?

Do it or don’t do it you could regret it either way.

For example with VISIONS, either go take this trip and possibly regret your experience, or don’t go and always wonder what if it could have been.

6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?

This summer I’m hoping to make meaningful connections, provide good mentorship to students, and be beneficial to the leadership team.

7. What are you most excited about this summer?

I am so excited to see Macchu Piccu, it has been on my bucket list forever.

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?

It will be my first VISIONS experience too, and I’m sure a lot of other people’s as well. We’ll all learn the ropes together!