Where are they now? - Recognizing WC alumni past and present!

Megan McInturff alumni 2009

Megan:

Where are you and what are you doing now?    

I am living in Virginia Beach, VA working for the Council on International Educational Exchange.  CIEE was created to increase public diplomacy around the world by offering high school students , university students and recent graduates opportunities for exchange programs.  I work as an area coordinator in the South East for inbound international university students, helping to find exchange opportunities and facilitate the program while they are in country.  I travel to countries all over the globe to interview students to participate in the program.  Outside of my work, I have run multiple shoe drives for Soles4Souls, donating shoes to Uganda, Haiti and Malawi.  I also am a volunteer with Artist for Advocacy, working on fundraising projects for aid work in Uganda.  I went back to Africa last summer, to work on the Uganda Water Project and Kampala Street Kids Soccer Program.  

Did WC influence the education or career path you chose - if so how?

Yes!  World Camp inspired me to be a part of an international organization that allows students and recent graduates to have cross cultural experiences and gain independence by traveling/living abroad.  My eyes were opened to the World once I arrived in Malawi and I learned a lot about global issues and about myself.  I knew I wanted to be a part of something that would inspire young people to open their minds to global issues and help bring cultures together.

What inspired you to go to Africa in the first place?

I don’t remember a time ever not wanting to go to Africa.  Ever since I was very young and used to see pictures in magazines or specials on TV, I always knew I wanted to go Africa and help children.  After getting a health education degree from my university, I was looking for a chance to teach and make a lasting effect on someone.  That’s when everything started to come together and I discovered World Camp.

What color most reminds you of Malawi - why?

This is a tough call between red and green.  When I think of driving in the Land Rovers to go to villages, I remember nothing but red clay roads and green vegetation.  Red and green are both in the Malawian flag.  All of the World Camp shirts I still have are green… so maybe I’ll go with green J

What is your favorite experience from Malawi to tell your friends about?

I will never forget getting out of the truck at the very first school and being a little intimidated.  All the students were staring at us and we just stared right back at them.  We walked out to the field and did our morning songs and games.  I remember watching all the other volunteers and everyone was a little shy, including myself.  I didn’t feel like any of us were fully present in the experience.  We were just trying to take everything in.  Within a few hours, after we worked with our classes, all the volunteers and students came back to the field for closing songs and activities.  The energy had completely changed and everyone had completely let go of inhibitions and we were so present in the moment.  We were all dancing with the kids, singing and having the best time.  It was amazing how quickly the dynamic changed and how we all connected so well to one another.

Describe the people of Malawi in 5 words?

Passionate, compassionate, loving, hopeful and welcoming.

If you could go back to Malawi what would you want to do there?

Locate and meet with the girls from the very last empowerment circle during my first Summer session.  That was the most memorable, open, and powerful session of both of my 5 week programs in Malawi.  I would love to sit down with all of them and see how they are doing today, see if they continued on to secondary schools and ask if they remembered the things we talked about during our empowerment talk.  I would love to know if they thought it made a difference, or they were too scared to ask a question then and they can ask it now.  I would ask them if there is anything they wanted to tell me about our talk, maybe I didn’t give them the best advice or maybe something made a lasting effect.  I would love to just show all the girls from every single empowerment circle I ever did, that I still think about them and I hope that I was able to help them in some way.

What do you miss most about Malawi today?

A full day of camp.  Getting ready in the morning, the car rides out to camp, morning songs, being in the classroom and sharing ideas (with students, teachers and translators.)  I haven’t had many experiences since World Camp that can measure up to the energy I felt then when I was at Camp for a day. 

What is one thing you learned from your experience?

I learned to focus on making and individual difference.  Anytime I am overwhelmed by all of the issues and question the impact I am making, it helps to center my thoughts on a single girl or boy.  I have to remind myself that I am not going to heal the entire continent, country, or classroom, but I will make (have made) a difference in the life of a child.  The more I learn about the state of the issues facing young kids in Africa, it’s hard not to get frustrated and lose hope.  So, it’s easier to focus on each child and how they are today.  That can apply to anything in life…. Focus on the small things you can do to make a difference in someone’s day or life.  Whether it be giving a compliment and a smile, donating some change in line at 7-11, reading a book to a child … it’s the small things that add up to make a big difference.

What would you tell others who are thinking of traveling to Malawi w/ WC?

There is no reason not to go.  It seems like a big jump before you take it, but once you take the chance… you will look back and wish you had done it sooner.

Before you go will you share your favorite photo from Malawi?

I have to say I have two favorites - the first one is self-explanatory:

My second favorite picture is of Scott one of World Camp's Program Coordinators - the picture inside of the frame was taken one day  when he was serving nsima.  I have no clue where that face came from, but its priceless!  His mom was on her way to Malawi for a visit, so we had the great idea of framing this picture and putting it by her bedside table.  Writing “Welcome to Africa, Mommy” went so well with the picture… and we knew Scott would be a tad bit embarrassed by it.  Scott had no clue that this was going on, and boy did he feel awkward!


Well we're sure after all these years he'll love to see this photo presented to the world - Scott, this one is on Megan - love you both!