Noah Keleman

1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?

I was doing remote work in Western Australia and an American colleague told me about the program, which she’d done previously. I love working outdoors and I am ardent about experiencing and learning from different cultures. I’m also passionate about playing a role in youth development so it seemed like the perfect fit!

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

I was fortunate enough to spend a week in a remote community in Western Australia during high school, volunteering with the local school. I became aware of my immense privilege after briefly experiencing life out there. The children I worked with also made a great impression on me and I found I like working with kids. I am also the oldest of three brothers and have, in that sense, always felt like I needed to be a positive role model.

3. What is your favorite achievement?

Maybe, learning how to play the theme song to Interstellar on the piano.

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

Japan.

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

‘Seek Discomfort’. You don’t really grow unless you’re outside your comfort zone, so try and push yourself outside of that bubble.

6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?

I hope to leave a lasting impact on the high school students attending the VISIONS by being a positive role model and a mentor. I also hope to form a relationship with the local communities that we interact with and make a lasting impact there, too.

7. What are you most excited about this summer?

Probably meeting lots of cool new people and being in the Caribbean!

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?

New things can be scary but your leaders will have your back and I’m sure your peers will, too. I think you’ll find that the new scary things that you do in life often turn out to be some of your most treasured experiences.