There are few things business-wise more interesting to the VISIONS home office team than finding out what alumni are up to, how they have grown, what cool things they are doing in the world now. We especially smile when they contact us with interest in being a staffer. It feels like coming full circle. First, we nurtured participants for a time in another part of the world. Then they return years later to nurture other participants. This summer we'll have three alumni on program staff teams.
Photo from Simon's Program,
VISIONS Montana Blackfeet 1997
Simon Winograd (Montana Blackfeet Reservation '97), will help lead in the Dominican Republic, and last summer he staffed in Peru. Joining Simon in the DR will be Leila Orchin (Virgin Gorda '01). Dave Klivans (Virgin Gorda '96 & Dominican Republic '97) is on board as carpenter in Alaska.
We asked Simon, Leila and Dave how VISIONS affected them and why they wanted to be VISIONS staffers.
Simon Winograd: "My VISIONS experience in summer of '97 affected me on a number of levels. The experience challenged me and pushed me while giving me a great appreciation for serving others. It would plant the seed for many great experiences serving others. Some of the more memorable experiences were the sweat ceremony, the local kids, the dogs and the friendly, helpful staff. I thought I would enjoy working with VISIONS as it seemed to fit well with my interests and background."
These days, Simon teaches ESL, and is currently exploring his options.
Virgin Gorda: Playground renovated
by VISIONS 2001 & again in 2006
Leila Orchin: "VISIONS was a very formative experience for me. It was the first time I had spent so much time outside of my culture and comfort zone. I believe that it laid the groundwork for my academic interest in Cultural Anthropology. It was a wonderful introduction to responsible traveling and community partnership. I realized on that trip that there are very different abilities, conditions and circumstances in different cultures and that I am not at a position to judge or try to "fix" anything. I'll never forget seeing a crate of puppies left for dead in the hot Carribbean sun. My 15-year-old self decided that this was a "problem" that I could and should "solve". I ended up causing more trouble than good. I am so grateful for the way that my VISIONS staffer carefully handled that situation. What could have been a guilt ridden disaster for me emotionally turned into a powerful learning experience. I realize now that this was a painful, but incredibly important, first lesson in intercultural exchange. Today, as I contemplate a career in sustainable development and international relations, I...constantly remind myself that I should be an asset-builder, an advocate, a partner in alliance but never a "fixer" or "solver" of problems that I don't fully understand.
I want to be a part of creating the wonderful experience for others that I benefited from myself. I look forward to being the kind of staffer that I so admired, respected, and appreciated on my trip. I look forward to the sense of community, honesty, and partnership that VISIONS creates and that I still remember after seven years.
Leila graduated this year from Barnard College, Columbia University. Her focus is in fair trade as a means to support sustainable development and micro-enterprise in indigenous communities. Her dream is to someday create an art gallery/community alliance between Latin American women, their art, and consumers in the US that will educate people about important issues and bring economic stability to families and communities.
Late '90s DR 'shower'
Dave Klivans: "My experiences with Visions were amazing. The other students became instant best friends, and the leaders were really interesting, service-oriented people. After participating in two Visions summers, my outlook changed completely. I was really fortunate to volunteer with Habitat through Emory University while I was completing my studies. It was an incredible experience, [VISIONS] has truly altered the way I comport myself today."
Dave has owned several businesses based in Austin, TX, for the past four years. His mission is to retire early and volunteer most of his time with Habitat for Humanity.
Welcome to our staff team, Simon, Leila, and Dave. We are thrilled and honored to have you on board!