Volunteer Spotlight

Lynn Dransoff

Batavia, Illinois

AFS USA Volunteer sin

ce 2003

Gt. Illinois Team 

This month AFS USA is pleased to spotlight Lynn Dransoff of the Greater Illinois team.  Congratulations Lynn!

How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved?

I met uber-volunteer R

obbin Lang initially through an adoptive family support group. Some years later, I reconnected with her at an exercise class, and she mentioned her involvement with AFS. I told her I thought hosting a student would be interesting to do “someday”….which turned out to be 4 months later!

What keeps you coming back to volunteer each year?

I find I always learn something from interacting with the wonderful students that come to our area each year, and really enjoy getting to know them and help them succeed in their exchange year.

What have you learned or how have you been personally affected from your experience with AFS?

I have learned that people are not very different over the world! And how many amazing people there are in the world. Being involved with AFS has confirmed my belief, which was once just a feeling and thought, that being connected to others, having personal relationships, is the most important aspect of life.

Please share the best thing or funniest thing that’s happened to you while volunteering with AFS?

I have gained two sons, whom I treasure.

What do you want to say to people who might be interested in volunteering with AFS?

Just do it! There will always be something that appears to be in the way, but there is always a way to be involved to fit with your availability. And while hosting a student seems to be a huge commitment, the rewards of the experience, during hosting and for years after, dwarf the time and energy you put in.

What’s one thing AFS volunteers and staff don’t know about you?

I’m an architecture buff and historic preservationist.