Reflections of a Camp Greenheart Leader: Han Nguyen

By Kelsey Holmes, Greenheart Club Program Assistant & Han Nguyen, Camp Greenheart Leader

Greenheart Global Leaders Conference (GGLC) is in full swing this week, and we couldn’t be prouder of the work our Greenhearts are doing in Washington, D.C.  GGLC provides Greenheart participants from around the world and all walks of life the opportunity to connect with one another.  Non-native English speaking high school students can connect with U.S. American volunteer teachers, international interns have the chance to meet native English speakers working abroad, and participants can finally meet face-to-face members of Greenheart staff that make their experience possible.

That connection is what makes Greenheart Club unique.  The Greenheart experience is about more than adding some bullet points to your resume or practicing your language skills.  It’s about lasting connection that affects impactful change.  Being a global leader takes commitment, collaboration, listening, and often a willingness to put oneself in an initially uncomfortable situation.  A recent example of action leading to a transformative experience comes through Camp Greenheart.  Read about Camp Leader, Han Nguyen’s, experience in her own words below:

“Hi, y’all

My name is Han, I am an exchange student from Vietnam learning and living in Athens, Georgia.  I was one of the Camp Greenheart 2016 leaders.

Let me start my story.  So you know I am an exchange student, and last spring I traveled with my host family to Savannah, Georgia, because my host mom attended a CCI Greenheart conference where I was invited to talk about my experience as an exchange student.  There, they asked me to be a Camp Greenheart leader.  My answer was absolutely “Yes,” because I had never been to the camp before.

But you know time flies and before I knew it, Camp Greenheart started.  I was nervous on the first day of camp because I did not know any campers. I was amazed how all the campers were friendly and mature – plus I also had all amazing counselors and leaders supporting me.  Becoming part of Camp Greenheart was incredible because of all the activities, getting to make a lot of friends that I didn’t know before, and learning interesting facts about the different cultures of different countries.  You also get some cool stuff from Camp Greenheart likes water bottles, and a t- shirt but the difference is that Camp Greenheart explains the intention behind giving us those water bottles – it was to limit the amount of Styrofoam cups we were using. .

I’m happy to share my amazing experience and memories with you.  I hope it will make you curious and join Camp Greenheart right away – don’t wait!  Let’s make your unforgettable memory at Camp Greenheart.

# THE BEST SUMMER I EVER HAD #”

Camp Greenheart Leaders in Chicago: Lucas, Jacobo, Han & Annalisa

Camp Greenheart impacts campers, leaders, counselors and staff in different ways.  We’re hoping that GGLC will do the same!  Anyone can be a leader, any time, any place – as long as you’re willing to get out there and take action.  We’re so happy about Han’s Camp Greenheart experience and can’t wait to hear more stories like this from GGLC 2016!  How do you step outside your comfort zone for global leadership?