This month AFS-USA is pleased to spotlight Margaret Johnson from the Carolina East team, who has been an AFS Volunteer since 2003. Congratulations Margaret!
We asked her a few questions about her experience volunteering and hosting 14 exchange students from around the world. Read on to find out how she got involved with AFS and how it has impacted her life.
How did you learn about AFS and what prompted you to get involved?
I met a group of AFS students at the Raleigh International Festival in 1991. I decided to host in 2000 and contacted AFS. I was an exchange student to Norway in 1972 through an exchange program based in Charlotte NC. We decided to host exchange students after hosting seven au pairs. After hosting one year I was recruited to help with orientations. In 2003, I became a chapter president and shortly after became an area team chair. Totally sucked in!
What keeps you coming back to volunteer each year?
Can’t get anyone else to take over my job? Honestly, I get a special pleasure from seeing host families and students form relationships that continue long after the student returns to their home country. They come back and visit a lot. I feel like a matchmaker. I also get a lot of reward from seeing some students really transform during their year. They are all influenced by their exchange but for some it really transforms their life so much. As a volunteer, I help provide the opportunity for this to happen. I also have a bit of salesman in me, so it’s exciting to recruit a family and finally match them with a student. Love to hit the PWP button!
What’s a typical volunteer ‘shift’ like for you?
There is no typical shift. I think there is some AFS item every day. Planning orientations, parties, trips, NSLI-Y interviews, calling leads, answering questions by e-mail or phone, driving students, dealing with support issues. The fun part is being with the students.
What have you learned or how have you been personally affected by your experience with AFS?
I have learned so much! I have learned tolerance and to be open-minded. I have met people from so many different places and different backgrounds. Some of my best friends I have met being involved with AFS, and I have pulled in some of my other friends to volunteer and host. I have a very big international family. We have hosted 14 exchange students. We have been to visit most of them. Arne from Norway, Masahito from Japan, Balkys from Panama, Liv from Norway, Lucas from Chile, Francy from Italy, Ming from Thailand, Aisuluu from Kyrgyzstan, Megumi from Japan, Peter from China, Deniz from Turkey, Nicola from Germany, Laura from Spain and Karolina from Czech Republic. Liv is the daughter of my host sister in Norway. I am proud that Deniz and Karolina decided to be doctors after living with me. Both are in medical school now.
What has been the best or funniest thing that’s happened to you while volunteering with AFS?
There are so many best things but the one that makes me most proud is when students I host see what I do as a volunteer and they decide to volunteer when they return home. Francy from Sardinia is now the chapter chair in her area and Deniz from Turkey has served in many roles with AFS Turkey and is assisting with the YES program. AFS did a spotlight on her last month!
What would you say to people who might be interested in volunteering with AFS?
It’s a great thing to do, very rewarding but also work and responsibility. You will learn so much about the world and be connected with people all over the world.
What’s one thing AFS Volunteers and Staff don’t know about you?
I served as a NC medical examiner during pathology residency, investigating unnatural or unexpected deaths. I am currently a pathologist working full time. I diagnose leukemias and lymphomas using flow cytometry.