GeoVisions Hero: Elyse Stever

When we call you our hero, do you feel like a hero?
I would have never considered myself a hero, and had never really thought about volunteering as such. I considered my stay in France as a shared opportunity - I taught and they shared their life with me. Almost like we were heroes to each other in a sense, my host family and myself. I feel good about myself and what I accomplished, but never really thought of it as hero status - until now.

How do you remind people there is still a lot of work around the world we all need to accomplish?
I consider my accomplishment small in the grand scheme of things, but I try and get as many people as possible interested in volunteer work. There is so much to do.

What one positive impact did your volunteer work have (no matter how large or small) while you were there?
I was able to watch somebody learn something I taught. This was huge for me. I didn't graduate with a teaching major, and quite frankly thought of myself as a lousy teacher in something not-quite technical like language. I was filled with a sense of accomplishment from watching some one become proud of themselves because of me. It will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Please take a moment to share one "moment" with us that gives you goose bumps, brings a tear, makes you smile, warms your heart from your volunteer experience.
It warms my heart that the family I lived with treated me like one of their own. I had many opportunities to meet the whole family, and every single member was kind and accepting of me.