What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite memory is living with my host family in the Ivory Coast and the moment when I no longer sat at the dining room table as a guest but in the kitchen with my host mom and siblings. It's so awesome being treated as another member of the family. We still stay in touch and that was 16 years ago!
Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Mexico is underrated. I went to Mexico for a two week language immersion in Cuernavaca and loved it. I never was interested in going there because I just thought of the touristy areas. Once you experience an authentic Mexican town or city and host family, you realize what a beautiful, interesting place Mexico is and I only visited one city. Most overrated are big cities in most countries. They are amazing to see but I feel you really need to get out into the roads less traveled to see what a country is all about.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The love and care we put into our work! We have such an amazing team. That's why I've been at Greenheart for over 12 years.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Greenheart was actually my first 'real' job after college and a lot of post college traveling. I began working with the high school exchange students coming into the US and then I switched to working with American high school students going abroad. I have grown a lot in both of these rolls, I've really learned the value of diplomacy and the importance of patience and a good attitude.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
We are a fun, caring, hard working bunch!
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of your current team.
We really work together so well - I'm honestly proud all the time! :)
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
There is a student who went to France and she wrote in her evaluation (I'm paraphrasing) that she learned more in her semester in France than she did in all her years of high school. This is my favorite story ever!