The Young Leader

  • GLA Program Blogs
  • Experience GLA Newsletters
  • Features
    • Gamechangers
    • Wanderlust
    • Bright Futures
    • Be Bold!
    • VIVA
    • #myGLA
  • About The Young Leader

October 8, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

A Tale of Two BFFS: From GLA Interns to Peace Corps Volunteers

If you’re a GLA Alum who traveled to Central America in 2018, odds are that you spoke with Travel Coordinators Sydney Baumeister and/or Nadine Hamilton about what to pack, how to book a flight or where to turn in your pre-departure documents before you arrived at your program. At a company as tight-knit as GLA, we love the friendships that often form among coworkers, and  these two will go down in history as an efficient professional team, adventurous traveling duo, and currently, in their post-GLA days, co-volunteers in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic.

A Chance Meeting in the EduTerra Global Internship

Sydney and Nadine met in 2016 when they were each selected as a part of the new cohort of EduTerra Global Interns (EGI), a group of a dozen recent college grads who learn the ins and outs of running educational programs abroad while living and working in Costa Rica. The old adage “opposites attract” certainly seemed to hold true: where Sydney is outgoing and confident, Nadine is more reserved and introspective. As it turns out, the two have a lot in common. They both describe themselves as adventurous and independent. They quickly bonded and began exploring the far corners Costa Rica and Central America on their days off.

“In our friendship, Nadine is the one that’s always prepared and has done her research. If we do a trip together, Nadine has a homemade snack for the bus or plane AND remembers to brings that one extra thing that everyone else forgets but you need. I’m the friend that forgets something crucial and hasn’t planned a thing (I recognize this is annoying) but is down to do whatever. And I’m lucky to have a friend like Nadine that will share with me. We both are equally and incredibly silly,” Sydney says.

After the first year, the interns enjoyed their time in Costa Rica and their newfound companions so much, they decided to stay on for a second year. They both joined team as full-time Travel Coordinators, helping to prepare travelers and their families for the adventure ahead.

Sydney (right) and Nadine (middle) exploring Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan with co-intern Ali

 

Post-GLA Internship

When their second year in Costa Rica drew to a close, Nadine and Sydney parted ways–but not before exploring Cuba together as one last “hurrah.”  A passionate Spanish language advocate, Sydney returned to her home state of Minnesota and got a job teaching Spanish in elementary schools. Nadine spent four months in Vietnam, where she earned her TESOL certification and explored Vietnam, Cambodia, and China via motorbike before volunteering as a WWOOF farmer in Northern California redwood country where she learned to milk goats and make cheese.

Nadine during her solo travels in Vietnam

 

Nadine, who had been interested in the Peace Corps since her college years, decided that the time was right to apply.

“I knew it was something I wanted to do, but I also wanted to give myself a couple years after university to gain life experience and equip myself with more of the skills needed to be a successful volunteer. Among the reasons that inspired me to apply were mastering Spanish, wanting to plant seeds of growth in the minds of youth, playing a role in youth feeling more capable, confident, and comfortable in their own skin, providing comprehensive and inclusive sexual health education, learning to run impactful youth programs from the planning stages to execution, gaining an understanding of how 90% of the world lives, and leaving a positive and sustainable impact on a community.”

So how did the two come to end up in the same country yet again?

“It’s my fault!” Sydney laughs. “I copied Nadine. We both had chatted about wanting to volunteer [with the Peace Corps] but Nadine applied first to Peace Corps Dominican Republic. After looking at all the positions open I realized that education would be the best fit for me based on my skills and work experience. I knew I wanted a Spanish speaking country but landed on the DR after checking out what was available. Naturally, I submitted my application on the last day of deadline at 11:53pm.”

Reunited! (and it feels so bueno!)

Both agree that their time with GLA helped to steer them on their current path: They liked what they observed through GLA as far as development and incorporating student volunteers into the mix. They loved living abroad in a developing country. They wanted more.

“GLA was the first time I was exposed to sustainable development. I liked that GLA projects were determined based on community feedback and needs and put organizations that were already doing amazing work in the drivers seat. But then also found away for students to be a part of it and serve the community within their skill set and learn. From working for GLA for 2 years in Costa Rica, I knew that I could handle the challenges that come with living abroad, but also that I loved it!”

Nadine agrees.

“My two-year post-college gig with GLA was one of the most eye-opening and life-changing experience I’ve gone through until now. I grew exponentially both personally and professionally and will be forever grateful for my time in Costa Rica. I became fully addicted to living, traveling, and working abroad, and was inspired by meeting so many of GLA’s partner organizations.”

Nadine (right) and Sydney (third from right) chilling with Nadine’s Peace Corps training host fam

 

Soon, both women were en route to the Dominican Republic. While they’re still in the intensive, ten-week training phase, to say that Nadine and Sydney are enjoying their assignments is an understatement.

Says Sydney: “LOVE IT. Dominicans are so friendly, warm, and outgoing. During my conversations, people have been so open about their lives and genuine. They recognize that passing and sharing time with others is a priority and are present when they are with you.”

“One of my favorite aspects about the experience so far is how much Peace Corps invests in its trainees and volunteers. Unlike some other organizations who just send “aid” money or material goods to developing countries, Peace Corps sends trained, motivated people as its resources. We live among the people we are serving and at the same standard of living. We integrate into these communities by building relationships, earning their trust and respect, and committing to a full two years there,” Nadine says.

So what’s next? Soon, the two will complete training and join the community in which they will be living for the next two years as official volunteers.

Sydney’s Typical Peace Corps Day

Always wondered what it’s actually like to be a Peace Corps volunteer in training? Get a peek into into a day in the life! 

6:30 AM – Wake up, shower

7:00 AM – Breakfast! My host mom Flabia goes all out and I usually have coffee, a fruit batida (smoothie), and then eggs, mangu, or empanadas. Sometimes she gives me grilled cheese for breakfast and I love it.

7:30 AM –  Walk to our training center with my fellow PC trainee Hanna. We saludar various friends from the community on our way. My most recent friend and my favorite is this old man named Jose who loves to talk politics.

8:00 AM – Begin charlas (instruction/talk) on various topics: classroom management, how to teach literacy, public speaking, how to plan a lesson, etc.

Noon-2:00 PM –  Home for lunch for two whole hours! Flabia spoils me again and serves me the “bandera” which is always rice, a meat, and salad.

2:00 PM – Spanish class! My class does a lot of projects/out-of-classroom work. This past week we gave charlas to 5th and 6th graders on values and violence.

5:00 PM – I usually hang with other trainees for a bit.

6:00 PM – Home for dinner and chill with my host family.

9:00 PM – Bedtime! I’m usually in bed and in my room early because I need my alone time.

Filed Under: Staff Highlights Tagged With: EGI, friends, global leadership adventures, peace corps

June 19, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Student Op Ed: Thoughts on Pride Month

 

 

Max Preuninger is three-time GLA alum (Thailand: In & Beyond the Classroom™, Ghana: Children of Africa™, and Tanzania: Children’s Education Adventure) and Ambassador of the Year 2018. He is an advocate for LGBTQ rights and active in his community in Bryant, Arkansas. Read his bio and interview here! 

**************************************************************************

Pride month is hands down one of the best and worst months of the year. It can be difficult to find reasons to celebrate when only certain parts of the LGBT community are really accepted by society, and it can be difficult to feel allowed to celebrate when we have so many brothers, sisters, and everyone in-between who are criminalized across the globe. It can be a month that reminds me of the unique challenges that I’ve had to face that maybe my straight, cisgender peers haven’t.

Despite that, pride month is like a safe-haven. While this contrasts heavily with the extravagant events of pride month, June reminds me of rainy days where I can sit by a window with a fuzzy blanket, enjoying a good book. It’s a comforting feeling where I’m able to pause and realize that things really aren’t so bad. Pride month is a time to remember every person and event that has contributed to another movement for equal rights and to be proud of your own place in that history, because believe it or not, every person in this community is making history in their own way.

Pride month isn’t supposed to be about fear of persecution or failure or discrimination. Pride month means overcoming enough of that fear to see that there are thousands of people that you don’t even know standing behind you, ready to lift you off your knees and dust you off time and time again. It’s all about being able to realize what you’re a part of. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to comprehend the amount of love and support that radiates so heavily from the smiles of people when I say “Happy Pride!” after seeing a rainbow pin.

Pride month is different for everyone. For some, it’s another year of building the confidence to come out, for others it’s celebrating another year of being able to be unapologetically themselves. The energy that comes with pride month’s celebrations of love, acceptance, and equality really allows allies and members of the community to desire equality for those who are yet to be granted it across the world. It’s a perfect balance really, refueling the community halfway through the year to remind us all of the support we have from each other while simultaneously reminding us that this fight isn’t over.

For me, it’s a reminder that we’re still making progress. We’re here. We aren’t invisible–I’m not invisible. It reminds me that we can’t forget to fight for others simply because we’ve gained more equal rights. It just gives me hope for my future and the future of the world really, being able to celebrate and want the same things with people I’ve never even seen before.

Filed Under: Be Bold!, Uncategorized

May 29, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Bon Voyage Survival Guide

Our Travel Coordinators have been around the world a time or two.

Combined, these eight ladies and gent that make up GLA’s pre-departure team have traveled thousands of miles to dozens of countries across almost every continent both as GLA staff members and independently. (We’re coming for you, Antarctica!) Pouring all those years of experience into helping teen travelers prepare to navigate their adventures abroad is what they do best.

We picked their brains for advice on how to keep international travel fun, comfortable, and hassle-free!

 

COSTA RICA OFFICE: From left: Travel Coordinators Jenny Hamilton, Rachel Bistodeau, Lauren Jaffe-O’Malley, Heather Hargas, and Jose Hernandez-Ugalde representing GLA’s Costa Rica office
SAN DIEGO OFFICE: From left: Jackie Eash, Ros Galati, and Brittany Jezak holding down the fort at GLA’s San Diego HQ

Pack Light

The first step to any journey is packing. All agree that when it comes to luggage, less is more, especially when traveling to more rustic locations. Using the smallest bag possible (think backpack or carry-on vs. full-sized suitcase), staying organized, and considering needs vs wants are all key components of a successful pack.

“If laundry service is available (and it is on two- and three-week programs) you need a maximum of 10 days worth of clothes. You’ll find yourself wearing your favorite shorts everyday anyway!” –Rachel

“Packing cubes are the best! It makes the packing/unpacking process so much faster. Invest in multiple cubes and then keep like items together. Then you won’t have to go digging through your bag for a pair of socks.” — Lauren

“Feel like a packing wizard and pack twice the clothes of your peers just by rolling your clothing items instead of folding! Remember to use your shoes or water bottles to store your socks or other small items. It’s a great use of space, and every inch counts. –Rachel

“If you’re like me, your eyes will be opened to the needs and wants of those around you. Instead of bringing your ‘favorite’ or best items, maybe pack some clothes you wouldn’t mind donating or leaving behind. Not only are you lightening your load, you’re also leaving a piece of yourself behind in the country that impacted you forever.” –Brittany

 

 

Do as the pros do: keep your essentials with you throughout the flight for maximum comfort and preparedness

 

Remember the Essentials

Believe it or not, every year we see at least one student who arrives at the airport on time, bags packed, boarding passes printed…but without their passport. Or imagine this scenario: you stop to eat a meal on a layover and accidentally throw your passport away with your burrito wrapper. True story. Don’t let this happen to you!

Keeping your travel documents (passport, itinerary, address of where you’ll be staying in country) and anything else you can’t live without on you is key. (Think prescription medications, a change of clothing, contact lenses, etc.) If you can’t imagine going a day or two without, keep it in your carry-on. While most luggage makes it to its destination without issue, checked baggage does come with the risk of being delayed.

“Always keep your passport in the same place and try not to put it in your pants pockets, as that’s a great way to lose it. I have a pouch with a zipper where I like to keep my passport and boarding passes. Anytime I take them out, I put them right back in when I’m done.” –Heather

“Passport, medication, spending money…anything else is replaceable. Keep these on you until you arrive at your destination! Keep an eye on your carry on. I like to keep my essentials in a small backpack, that way I can find what I need quickly (i.e. my passport, flight itinerary, etc) and immigration lines are a breeze!” -Brittany

 

Win at Airplane-ing

OK, so a non-stop, 14-hour flight on a cramped airplane might not sound like everyone’s idea of a good time–but you an weather it like a champ with a little preparation. Catch some zzzs, finally watch that movie (or five) that you missed in the theater, play a game of seat-back airplane trivia, get to know your fellow travelers, or obliterate your summer reading list. (The Travel Portal has some great recommendations for books & films related to your program.) The options are endless!

“Bring a pen! You will have to fill out a customs form, and it’s much easier when you have your own pen. Be the hero of your row!” –Rachel

“I always travel with a sarong in my carry on bag. Having an extra light layer can come in handy on those chilly flights. More importantly, it’s nice to shield your sleeping face from view and sarongs are so light, and as they are very thin you can breathe easily through them.”. –Heather

“Be strategic when picking your seat. Want to snooze? The window seat makes for good resting. Frequent bathroom goer? Opt for the aisle. I love looking out the window and trying to identify landmarks as we go.” –Jenica

“Bring a hoodie for the flight! Even if you are going to a country that is super hot, airports and planes are often cold. A hoodie will be a lifesaver!” –Rachel

“Some airlines don’t offer seat-back TVs anymore, and for some US to Latin America flights they instead offer a streaming service to your phone. If you were banking on passing the time with movies, make sure to download the app in advance as it’s usually too late to do it on the plane.” –Lauren

“Stay hydrated! Sitting for long periods of time can do a number on your digestive system and make for an uncomfortable flight. Drinking lots of water will help keep you feeling fly while you fly. If your flight is longer than a few hours, take a stroll through the aisles periodically as well.” –Jenica

 

 

If you’re looking for packing tips and ideas, GLA’s Pinterest page has got you covered. Check us out for packing tips, sustainable product recommendations, teen reading lists, and more!

Filed Under: Wanderlust

May 2, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Catching Up With Ashley Flemings

“After my program, I was so on fire about wanting to travel, but to travel with a purpose and help change lives.”
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Gamechangers

April 9, 2019 by Jenica Pistone-Donahue

Combating Domestic Violence Through Outreach with Jillian Myers

“It really inspired me to do more to help girls like them, or help girls in my own community become more aware of the issue.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Gamechangers, Uncategorized

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Follow GLA on Instagram

Instagram has returned invalid data.

@GLAteens

Check Out GLA’s Newsletter

Discovery is a Click Away

Get your free catalog and discover which GLA program is the perfect fit for you.

Give Back to the Community

Donate to the GLA International Foundation and help support projects and grant recipients around the world.

Recent Posts

  • Hidden Benefits of Volunteering
  • Saving the Earth with Mia DiLorenzo
  • How To Give Back

Brought to you by

Copyright © 2019 · Executive Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in