Peter Goettler

 1. What inspired you to join VISIONS?

I was inspired to join VISIONS after completing a year teaching English in Costa Rica, where I fell in love with teaching. While I loved the classroom, my true passion has always been time spent outdoors, and I’ve long been fascinated by experiential and outdoor learning.

As I searched for opportunities in outdoor education, I came across the VISIONS website. After learning more about the organization, I quickly connected with its mission and values, which closely align with my own. I was ecstatic to be welcomed onto the team.

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

My passion for community service began in high school when I was part of Key Club, a student organization affiliated with Rotary. Through the various service projects we participated in, the importance of giving back really stuck with me.

Those experiences led me to take part in the Journey of Hope, a cross-country cycling event run by The Ability Experience. Through this program, we raised funds and awareness for people with disabilities while biking across the country—traveling from Seattle, Washington to Washington, D.C. over 67 days and connecting with 32 organizations along the way.

I further developed my passion for youth development during my year teaching English in Costa Rica. I worked with local third- and fourth-grade students at a bilingual school, teaching English, science, math, and reading. It was a truly life-changing experience, and the connections I built with my students are ones I will carry with me forever.

3. What is your favorite achievement?

My favorite achievement is completing the Journey of Hope—a cross-country cycling event where I rode 4,330 miles across the United States while raising funds and awareness for people with disabilities.

This journey tested me both mentally and physically, and I grew immensely as an individual. We spent an average of eight hours a day on our bikes, often with nothing but our thoughts for company.

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is that my namesake—my grandfather, Papa Norm, who passed away before I was born—completed a similar journey, biking from Seattle to D.C. I had the privilege of carrying his journal with me and reading it daily along the way. The connection I felt to him and to my family made this experience truly unforgettable.

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

My favorite place I’ve traveled to is Valparaíso, Chile. I had the opportunity to study abroad there and completely fell in love with this historic port city.

In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen and offers a vivid reflection of Chile’s culture and history. Once one of the largest ports in South America before the Panama Canal was built, it has a rich and fascinating past.

It’s also the farthest from home I’ve ever felt—I rarely heard English, maybe once a month—which made the experience even more immersive. The people were incredibly welcoming, often opening their homes to me with warmth and generosity. With its stunning Pacific coastline, bustling port, and colorful, mural-covered streets, Valparaíso left a lasting impression on me.

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

The best advice I’ve received is: “The amount of good things in your life depends on your ability to notice them.”

I’ve taken this to heart as a reminder not only to stay positive, but to actively practice gratitude. It’s incredible what a positive attitude can do—for yourself and for those around you. A smile really is contagious.

I also see this as encouragement to recognize and appreciate the qualities in others. As another quote puts it: “When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them. It might take you a second to say it, but for them, it could last a lifetime.”

6. What do you hope to accomplish this summer?

This summer, I hope to build meaningful connections with fellow leaders, students, and members of the local community. I want to engage in conversations that are enriching and impactful, and to challenge both myself and others to make the most of this experience.

7. What are you most excited about this summer?

I’m most excited to meet the incredible people who are part of this experience. I’ve always loved connecting with new people, and I’m especially excited to meet everyone involved with VISIONS.

I’m also looking forward to spending time in the Sacred Valley of Peru, learning directly from the people who live there, and gaining a deeper understanding of different ways of life.

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?

My biggest piece of advice would be to “buy in.” Fully commit to what you’re doing and make an effort to connect with the place and the people as much as possible. It’s not always easy—we all carry our own baggage—but VISIONS offers a unique opportunity to unplug, step outside of what’s familiar, and truly immerse yourself in something new.

Stay curious, and remember that everyone is in the same position—students and leaders alike are all experiencing something new. Most importantly, have fun and take it all in.