Q&A with Jack, a 2024 British Virgin Islands Alum

Jack was a teen volunteer on our final BVI summer service program. Read on as he looks back on his incredible experience.

Anni, a VISIONS summer leader alum, with her husband and two children in Austin, TX

When & where did you work with VISIONS?

I worked with VISIONS in August of 2024. I was part of the last ever group to Virgin Gorda, BVI.

What made you want to do a program?

I have always enjoyed the idea of serving your community, so when I was presented with an opportunity to do so while traveling the world with one of my best friends, I jumped on the opportunity.

Tell us about your VISIONS experience.

My VISIONS experience was, in a word, amazing. The leaders were incredibly kind to us, and the other participants and I formed friendships to last a lifetime.

What was the service like and how did it resonate with you?

The service was difficult at times, but it was never unmanageable. The tasks were important and resonated with me by reminding me that my slight struggle meant the betterment of potentially dozens of lives.

Tell us about your favorite excursion or activity outside of work.

My favorite excursion outside of work was when Hugh (one of our leaders) took me and other kids on a run at sunrise to the best viewing point on the island. We not only got to see the most gorgeous sunrise I have ever seen but also got good exercise.

Two young men stand in front of a scenic ocean view. One wears pink sunglasses and a black t-shirt, the other wears a blue “GOATED Smallshootout Champs” shirt and has his arm around his friend. The sky is partly cloudy.

What are you up to these days?

My friend Gavin and I organized a non-profit where we collect tools and donate them to communities in need. We hope to donate a shipment to Virgin Gorda, as I want to repay them even further for the kindness they showed all of us during our stay on the island.

Have you volunteered lately? If so, how?

I volunteer every weekend at Rocksteady Boxing, which is a program that teaches boxing to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. I also do marketing for them in order to grow the presence of their organization.

What is something that makes you hopeful for the future?

Something that makes me hopeful for the future is the promise of a future. No matter our mistakes, there is always another day to fix it.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for helping out those who are less fortunate than I am.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

I hope to be living independently while traveling the world with a friend, and continuing to make it a better place.

Do you have a VISIONS Story?

Fill out an interview for our Spotlight Series or submit a story of your own format or creative expression.

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