This month AFS-USA is pleased to spotlight Carol Ritchie of the Massachusetts Bay team!

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

My daughter applied to CBYX and didn’t get accepted for her junior year. We decided to host and became involved with AFS. I wanted to plan fun activities for the students and families. (She did a CBYX year as a Gap year)

What keeps you coming back to volunteer each year?

It is so much fun to meet the students and the families. There is a common bond, which is unique. The volunteers are amazing and so much fun to hang out with. It is an incredible group of people who open their homes and hearts and minds.

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

I like to meet new people and there is always a new group of cool people each year. From those people, I am thrilled that I have made some very wonderful friends–volunteers and students.

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

There isn’t one thing that stands out. I guess it is really cool to see the transformation of the students and the families throughout the year. I love it when everyone realizes it isn’t just the other person who has to adapt and adjust, but everyone needs to make the effort for it to work and to change lives.

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

Do it!! It is a lot of fun!! You will learn and grow as well as help others–and hopefully, laugh and have a good time doing it all!

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

I have over 60 nieces and nephews (both sides of the family)