Meet Nicole, our newest intern!

Nicole Bradley, a former World Camp volunteer, is interning with us at the World Camp Asheville office. She's been helping with recruiting, writing blogs and research for us. Nicole is majoring in International Studies with a minor in African studies and a focus on gender roles in rural Africa, particularly Malawi.

Check out her interview below!

Where's your hometown?

I am from Rutherfordton, NC which is just about an hour away from Asheville.

How did you end up at World Camp?

Well I actually volunteered in Malawi over the summer 2011. I found out about it through the Study Abroad Fair at University of North Carolina Asheville and have been basically obsessed ever since. I really wanted to stay involved with World Camp when I got back, and since most of the programs go along with my major and undergraduate research, interning seemed to fit perfectly.

What do you do when you're not busy at World Camp?

I’m super busy. I’m trying to graduate a semester early, so school takes a lot of my time. I also work part-time at Target. Between UNCA and Target, it feels like I’m never home. I do love to sing and write music with my teensy free time.

What aspect of World Camp are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about World Camp’s empowerment program. As a past volunteer, the empowerment program is the one that I felt held the most weight when I volunteered. The girls always seemed so excited to sit in our circle, and they had so many questions. It’s just so inspiring to talk to see them interact, and how the empowerment could affect them in the future.

What's your favorite thing to do in Asheville?

I love Asheville’s downtown scene. When I get time, I try to experiment with all the unique delicious food you find there. I also love to catch live music when I can.

What has been your favorite thing to work on at World Camp so far?

I haven’t been interning here too long, but I love researching for blog posts. I get to find out new and exciting information and share it with everyone!

What your hopes for the future of World Camp?

I’d love to see World Camp continue to grow their programs. The addition of Camp Hope is one that I find incredibly exciting; it is something that World Camp has added since I volunteered. Whether expanding their programs in Malawi, or even expanding to other countries eventually, I think that World Camp does such amazing work; I’d love to see it reach more people.

Alumni: Where are they now?

This week, World Camp is highlighting an alumni who's passion has kept her working with World Camp long after her trip to Malawi. Check out Jenny Reiner and how she is helping the World Camp family:

Hi, my name is Jenny Reiner and I am serving as the Boston Area Representative for the summer. Since volunteering with World Camp in 2010, I have realized how strongly I feel about promoting awareness of health inequities and developing ways in which communities can strengthen and implement change.  I learned about WC through Karen Clark (the best coordinator!), who was a fellow classmate at Colby College. As a recent graduate of Colby, I am looking to gain more experiences within the public health field, especially in nonprofit organizations.
I think what has inspired and motivated me to stay involved with World Camp is how passionate I feel towards World Camp’s mission. When I was in Malawi, I was struck by how WC used education as a vehicle for change within Malawian communities.  My favorite part of the curriculum was when all of the classes performed a presentation for the village community on what they had learned.  It was such a unique experience to be part of a community assembly that openly discussed taboo subjects, such as how to care for someone with HIV/AIDS.  Involving the community made me realize how our discussions transcended the walls of the classroom and made a difference in the community.
As an area representative, I am helping to maintain alumni relations and increase the volunteer base. Currently, I am reaching out to colleges and universities in the Boston area to increase awareness of the internship opportunities through WC.  It’s been fun to share my past experiences in Malawi with prospective interns and to help get more people involved with WC.  I’m very pleased with the direction in which WC is moving.  Since I volunteered in 2010, they have made many curriculum changes and have formed vital partnerships with the field assistants.  I think that collaborating with Malawian field assistants will enable WC to better understand the realities of Malawian communities and will foster a curriculum that will have a long-lasting impact.
Besides my work at World Camp, I worked with elementary students in Maine to learn about their perceptions of nutrition, along with the role that schools play in fostering a healthy environment.  This project exposed me to the challenges that children from low-income families face in leading healthy lives.  At Colby, I was also a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team and served as mentor in the program, Colby Cares About Kids.
I can’t wait to get more updates from the WC staff currently in Malawi and I dream of going back to Lilongwe some day! (maybe for some of John’s delicious chocolate cake…or the infamous WC no bake cookies!). If there are any WC Alumni in the Boston area that would like to stay in touch or know of anyone who may be interested in being involved with World Camp, please let me know! I’m available by email at reiner.jen@gmail.com.  Thanks!

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

Molly Cohen, Alumni  2010

Molly,
Where are you and what are you doing now?
I am currently working in NYC for Alicia Key's nonprofit, Keep a Child Alive, which shares a similar mission to World Camp.  I work on securing sponsorships for our annual events and maintain the database of volunteers and donors.  This fall, however, I will be moving to Chicago to begin my master's in Urban Education.

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

Yes.  Prior to visiting Africa, I had just received my degree in business and had very different career prospects.  My trip to Africa helped me realize that I wanted to focus my career on giving back -- whether it be to those in need abroad or within our own country (hopefully a combination of both each year!).  After my five weeks with World Camp in Malawi were up, I told Jesse I wasn't ready to leave.  I met up with a friend from college and we returned to Malawi a few months later to live in Mchezi and work forming the foundations of the professional program through teaching CBO members basic business skills.  I never expected to enjoy the teaching aspect so much.  I recently finished a fellowship at a charter school in Harlem and look forward to starting my graduate studies as well! 

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

Ahhh...I always had this desire to travel to Africa, but if we're being totally honest, I came across Madonna's documentary on Hulu and found out through World Camp after doing some research.  I don't like saying Madonna brought me to Africa but unfortunately, it is kind of true!

What color most reminds you of Malawi - why?

 The turquoise color of MCBO's building reminds me of my time in Malawi.  It was always in such contrast to the musty, dry surroundings and represented a glimmer of hope, just like MCBO did for the community.

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

I probably told them enough stories that they would never want to hear another one again!  If I had to think of one experience in particular, it would definitely be the relationship I formed with a young girl from Mchezi, Maggie.  Maggie was an HIV+ orphan who immediately latched on to me during my first day living in Mchezi.  She would wait for me to wake up outside my window, be there when I finished class, and hang on my lap until the sun went down.  I know, I know, I am guilty of favoritism with Maggie, but I really felt like she needed the support.  Even with the language barrier, we shared plenty of laughs and smiles.  Just recently, Chris Goma, the director of MCBO, sent me a picture of Maggie with a sign saying she missed me.  It was really important for me to see that she is looking healthy and happy! 

Describe the people of Malawi in 5 words?

I've never felt so popular.

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

 First stop off the plane, I would need to go visit John and Ngoni and have a nice bowl of nsima (somehow I miss it!).  After, I definitely want to spend time living in Mchezi and revisiting all the adults I taught and the children I played with.  I loved watching the church choir practice in the early afternoon and soccer, netball, and laughs with the children pre-dinner was always a blast as well..... finish the night off with a flashlight (headband, of course) game of competitive Scrabble.

What do you miss most about Malawi today?

Of course, Maggie (see picture)

What is one thing you learned from your experience?

In Malawi, there is a unique, almost innate, sense of unity embedded within the community. Children do not belong to their parents alone, but are the entire village’s responsibility. People look for help from one another, unlike my suburban childhood where cutthroat competition, soccer Moms, and fenced property lines were the norm. By reaching out to others, I reached inward – a mutually rewarding relationship.

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

Just do it. No hesitations!

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!

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

They’re a big force behind World Camp’s progress and we think it’s time you got to know them - meet our alumni past and present!

We're going to bring you a new series that highlights the dedicated people that help keep World Camp's projects rolling - without them none of our accomplishments would be possible. 

Carolyn Vaughn alumni 2005

CJ Vaughn:
Where are you and what are you doing now?
I'm living in San Francisco and I'm a plastic surgery resident at UCSF.

Did WC influence the education or career path you chose - if so how?
Yes. My experience with World Camp spawned my interest in global health and more specifically in surgical education.

What inspired you to go to Africa in the first place?
I wanted to experience and learn from a country and people that were totally unlike my upbringing in the U.S., and use the resources I have to bring about growth and change in a country that has limited access to those same resources.

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

My friend and I have traveled around Malawi as cheaply as possible, which means we often road around in the back of pick up trucks. One afternoon we were getting a ride with probably 15 other people including a baby and a chicken, all crowded in the back of the truck and our driver was apparently not licensed, so we got chased by the police. The driver veered off the road and started driving through the fields. The entire truck full of people did not seem concerned, everyone was laughing and enjoying the excitement of the chase. No one seemed worried about the 2 HOUR detour we took as a result of tearing through the corn fields to avoid the police roadblock! In the end we made it where we wanted to go and in hindsight was well worth the story!

What color most reminds you of Malawi - why?
That reddish tan color of the dirt. When my friend and I returned to Malawi during medical school we walked a few miles to and from the hospital where we worked, and as the cars drove by that red dust is all you could see around you. It coated everything - and I literally brought that home with me!

Describe the people of Malawi in 5 words - ok maybe under 10?
Warm, welcoming, selfless, hands down more rhythm than we have.

If you could go back to Malawi what would want to do there?
My hope is go back and work on setting up a surgical education and training program.

What do you miss most about Malawi today?
Nsima, ha. Probably the whole community gathering together to sing, dance, and share.

What is one thing you learned from your experience?
The most effective projects, that allow for real, sustainable change, are those which are inspired by and carried out by the community.

What would you tell others who are thinking of traveling to Malawi with WC?
Going to Malawi with World Camp changed my perspective on life, and has shaped my career and my personal goals for the future.