 Meet Teanna! Our 2019 Outstanding Teen Volunteer. We sat down with Teanna and talked about her volunteerism and the value of Swift for her. Find the full interview below! Help us congratulate Teanna at the Swift Appreciation Event on Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30pm. More info and to register-Click HERE! Involvement Q: How have you been involved and (how long) with Swift as a volunteer? A: "I was introduced to Camp Swift as a camper all the way back in 2013, and I had the time of my life. Years passed and I found Swift again and instantly started volunteering at Club Swift and Swift After School during my sophomore year two years ago. I then interned for Mike in 2018 during the summer and learned the back works of a nonprofit. Also last year, I joined Team Swift and was able to go to both sessions of Camp Swift; I am still on the teen-board this school year as well." Q: What do you see as the most valuable aspect of your experience as a Swift volunteer? A: "Starting when I was only 11 when I attended my first session as a camper, Swift has been teaching me core values and important skills like teamwork, communication, and respect for others. All of these *ethics* teach me on how to be a better role model for not only the kids, but for my peers, like other volunteers." Impact Q: Please tell us about any specific success that your involvement with our organization helped you achieve, and how. A: "The Swift Youth Foundation opened my eyes to the nonprofit world and inspired me to start my own hobby of volunteering all the time and even started looking into creating my own foundation in the future. In the mean time though, I started bringing suitcases of clothes to Kenya every other year to orphanages and volunteer weekly with my National Honor Society." Q: Can you tell me about a specific event or experience that exemplifies why Swift Youth Foundation is such an impactful organization? A: "I can’t choose. The pool at Camp Swift is something so basic and simple, and usually as a counselor or lifeguard, you get to teach one or two of these kids how to swim but it’s not just that. these kids learn how to trust you and themselves in the water and the whole experience strengthens your relationship with that child. That child will remember camp and that moment and will carry it with them. Not only Camp Swift has those sentimental moments, Swift After School is an opportunity for kids to grow with the volunteers through the school year and simply watching this kids follow your footsteps and being able to teach them these values shows how impactful Swift can really be." Q: How has your experience with Swift impacted the person you are today? A: "Social work is what I want to do in my life, mainly because of Swift, but also importantly because of the people. I want to love what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life and I love the people who volunteer and try to better our communities and help our youth grow up into this world, while having fun." Initiative Q: How has Swift inspired your volunteerism? A: "I’ve been volunteering weekly now for all of high school and don’t plan on stopping in college, as I’m minoring in sociology so I can continue to work in social work professionally. I am now on my school’s NHS board so that I can spread and lead others into the world of volunteering." Q: What creative or innovative ways have you volunteered with Swift? A: "I interned for a summer for Mike Evans so I can learn the day-to-day work for a nonprofit organization." Help us congratulate Teanna at the Swift Appreciation Event on Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30pm. More info and to register-Click HERE! |
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