What is your favorite travel memory?
My favourite travel memory is one that was quite unexpected. I spent the evening (and early hours of the morning), with some of my filmmaker friends exploring San Francisco's amazing downtown. The decision to take the hour and half drive up was a very spontaneous one but one that I am so grateful happened. It wasn't the most action-packed evening/morning but there was something so serene and beautiful about walking around a usually crowded city with a camera in hand, your best friends beside you and nowhere to be. It was definitely my favourite way to see such an amazing city!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have come to really appreciate the fact that I have travelled and seen different parts of the world. Interacting with people of varying nationalities and experiences has shown me how important it is to experience life outside of what is your 'everyday normal'. It allows you to see the world from other people's perspectives and even influence your own. It has also given me a serious travel bug so hoping to add more stamps to my passport as soon as possible.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
My favourite stories to hear are always the ones that end in "I loved it so much that I decided to extend my stay". The fact that students/participants feel that they are making an impact on the community they are working in and want to continue to do so is so inspiring. This is actually quite a common response that we get and it makes me smile every time.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Tough question but I think I would choose a marine conservation program - maybe in the Seychelles or Belize. I love being close to the ocean and would love to try something that I have not yet had the chance to try before, while also making an ethical impact. If the opportunity ever does present itself, I'll be sure to grab it with both hands.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
GVI is unique because it is so clear that every single employee cares about their job and wants to make an impact - whether that's on the people they interact with, participants, or even the communities they are involved with. Everyone is on the same page and that makes me proud to be a part of such an organisation.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe that the biggest factor in being a successful company is having a goal or goals that are ethical and impactful, along with a drive to achieve that goal, that is shared by the employees. Having everyone in the company on the same page is an important aspect of a company's success, in my opinion.