Kayleigh Casey

1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?

For me, joining VISIONS means empowering youth and supporting communities all in one. It represents both international education and volunteer work—two areas I am very passionate about. VISIONS offers the opportunity to work and live in a new place while contributing to projects I care deeply about, which is rare.

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

Volunteering with the Lincoln Nebraska Bike Kitchen taught me that providing people with basic needs—like the ability to transport themselves—can radically change their lives and their ability to support themselves.

In terms of youth development, I credit my nearly two years in the Austrian school system as a Fulbright USTA with showing me how opportunities in youth give students around the world the curiosity, drive, and tools to achieve their dreams.

3. What is your favorite achievement?

Moving to a new country is challenging—from visa appointments that require eight-hour drives, to paperwork, to finding an apartment—the list goes on. That experience has given me the confidence to take on new challenges.

It taught me that even the most daunting tasks can be managed if you break them down into smaller steps and stay focused on the end goal. That is my favorite achievement.

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

I spent a month and a half working and living at a campsite in southern Albania during the summer of 2025. There, I swam, hiked, kayaked, explored caves, cooked, and camped to my heart’s content.

The people I met were just as special—they came from all over the world, and the conversations we shared are ones I will never forget. It was a truly life-changing experience and inspired me to keep traveling.

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

“When thinking about where you want to be, remember the three P’s: People, Purpose, and Place.”

In recent months, I’ve gone back and forth between staying in Austria as my Fulbright comes to an end and returning to the U.S. in the fall after the VISIONS program. A friend shared this advice during one of those conversations, and it helped me gain clarity.

I realized I felt a stronger sense of purpose by returning to the U.S., where I also have people who mean a lot to me. Ultimately, I understood that “place” may need to wait until the other two align. 

6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?

I hope to empower students by encouraging them to try new things and engage with their communities. Personally, I also hope to contribute to meaningful, community-led change in the Dominican Republic in the City of Cotuí, in whatever way local leadership sees fit.

7. What are you most excited about this summer?

I’m most excited about being in a vibrant community, exploring the DR, making memories with students and fellow leaders, and—most importantly—giving back.

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?

This will be my first year with VISIONS as well, but the opportunities it offers are incredible. Each program, in its own unique region, has the potential to create meaningful impact.

My advice to anyone considering it would be simple: go for it.