Owen Neace
Peru Leader
1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?
My interest in community-led service projects and connecting with people from all over the world.
2. What experiences have shaped your passion for community service and youth development?
My work as an educator and interpreter (including Summer 2023 in BVI!) and my varied experiences volunteering and traveling abroad.
3. What is your favorite achievement?
Inspiring students as a language and arts teacher.
4. What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Jujuy, Argentina
5. What is the best advice you’ve received?
Listen to understand, not to respond.
6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?
Acquire more building skills and conservation knowledge, immerse myself in the local culture (learn some Quechua!), and make a positive, sustainable impact.
7. What are you most excited about this summer?
Playing pick-up soccer at 9,420 feet!
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?
Go with openness, humility, and curiosity.
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!