Tell us about your VISIONS experience.
I heard about VISIONS through my school and LEO Club. It sounded like the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. My VISIONS experience was even greater than I could have ever imagined. I was lucky enough to experience something that I still think about every day. I came back with lifelong friendships and a completely different perspective on life and how it works. This trip brought out emotions I had never felt before—I don’t think I’ve ever formed such a strong bond with a group of people and a place in such a short time.
From dancing in the kitchen while cleaning dishes to seeing the community school transformed from when we first started working on it, every moment was meaningful. Before the trip, I thought I’d be excited to come home and get my phone back after a week without it—but it wasn’t like that at all. Saying goodbye to Virgin Gorda and the people who had become like family was so hard. I didn’t want to go home. I didn’t want my phone. I just wanted to stay there.
I remember calling my parents at the airport, eager to tell them about my experience, but I couldn’t even get the words out. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I couldn’t explain just how incredible it was. Even now, it’s a feeling I can’t fully describe, but it’s one that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
What was the service like, and how did it resonate with you?
The service work on this trip was what made it so special. I truly felt welcomed everywhere we went, which made giving back to such a genuine community even more meaningful. Seeing the places we repaired and the projects we helped complete was so rewarding.
Every day, we had different options for what we wanted to work on. There was something for everyone—whether it was construction and painting or learning how to use a machete to clear trees at the local school. I think I can speak for everyone on that trip: volunteering was truly eye-opening. The community was so open and kind, and that energy was contagious. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Tell us about your favorite excursion or activity outside of work.
My favorite activity was definitely going to the beaches. One beach in particular stood out—it had incredible views, and the experience was unforgettable.
One day, while some of the group went hiking, three other girls and I chose to relax at the beach instead. Noah and Raven, two of our leaders, took Amaya, Britney, Juliana, and me there. We spent hours talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. That’s when I really became close with them—sharing stories, convincing Britney and Juliana there weren’t any jellyfish so they’d come snorkeling with Amaya and me.
I love being in big groups, but having that smaller, more personal time with the other girls and our leaders made the experience even more special. That was definitely one of the best parts of my trip.
How has VISIONS propelled you toward your future goals? Did VISIONS shift your perspective on where you want your life to go?
VISIONS showed me that if you truly work for something, it can happen. It helped me step out of my comfort zone and realize that there will always be people supporting me.
This experience made me realize that I want to get out into the world and help people. That feeling of making a difference in someone’s life is indescribable. As a senior, I had always worried about what I would major in, but this trip gave me clarity. I’m now headed to the University of Manoa to study Social Work, and I plan to minor in Geriatrics. VISIONS also inspired me to travel and immerse myself in different cultures.
Have you volunteered lately? If so, how?
I’m an officer in my school’s community service club, LEO Club. We fundraise for our local food bank, schools, teachers, and the community. I’ve been in the club for three years, and last year, I was elected treasurer!
This year, we’ve created a lot of volunteer opportunities for students. One of our recent projects was our annual Turkey Bowling event for the food bank!
What does the word “community” mean to you?
To me, community is all about connection and getting to know those around you. During VISIONS, our nightly Circle meetings allowed us to connect and relate to each other on a deeper level.
Communication is such an important part of community, and now, when I think of that word, I immediately think of my VISIONS trip.
What is something that makes you hopeful for the future?
Friendship makes me so hopeful for the future, and this trip really reinforced that. I’ve kept in touch with so many of the people I met on the trip—we still call and text, reminiscing about our time in the BVI and how much we miss it.
Friendship gives me hope every day because I know I’ll always have people there for me, and I can be there for them, too.
What do you feel is one of your greatest strengths that you have to offer the world?
One of my greatest strengths is positivity. I truly believe that any situation can improve with the right mindset.
I always try to give second chances, avoid judging people based on others’ opinions, and put my all into any situation.
In what ways, big or small, would you like to change the world?
I want to encourage people to see that helping others can be just as beneficial for yourself as it is for them. Even if it starts with small conversations with my friends, I want to inspire people to give their all when helping others.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for my hard work and compassion.
I hope people see the dedication I put into everything I do and the genuine care I have for those around me. My goal is to leave a lasting impact, whether through my work or through kindness.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
In ten years, I hope to be in a position where I can make a real difference in people’s lives. I want to be helping others in meaningful ways, traveling the world, meeting incredible people, and—of course—eating lots of amazing food!
What would you like to say to other members of the VISIONS community?
I just want to say thank you. The community that VISIONS provided was truly life-changing.
Anything else to add?
Just a huge thank you for offering this opportunity to teens!
