Imagine Scholar alumni visit the United States
This summer I got the opportunity to visit the United States and explore what I call “the behind the scenes” of Imagine Scholar. This is where most of the international development takes place, such as hiring international interns, hosting big fundraising events and building international partnerships.
One of the greatest events on this trip is working at Camp Caldera, one of Imagine Scholar’s developing partners. Caldera is an arts camp for under-served high school students in Oregon. Every year, they hold three camps for different age groups. The special thing about this year’s camp sessions is that two of Imagine Scholar’s alumni (Mandisa and myself) will be involved, working as camp advocates!
In addition to Camp Caldera, we helped host a big fundraising event at Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Oregon (it was a pretty amazing space. They are the company that created the “Just Do It” slogan for Nike!). Mandisa and I helped put on the entire event – learning about how you plan for and executive a large fundraiser. This included booking a venue, arranging live music, silent and live auctions, US tax-exemption rules, getting attendees there, and all the night-of plans such as setting up and presenting.
“I was very nervous but what was most important to me was that we got to share our stories from South Africa with the audience.”
What I learned pre and post the event was that good communication, time management and being organized are some of
Thenjiwe presents at Imagine Scholar’s fundraiser at Wieden+Kennedy
the most important skills required behind the scenes to keep Imagine Scholar a healthy organization. I learned a lot about planning and management, which came with some practice from the many Rotary presentations we gave during the event.I leave for Camp Caldera in a couple of hours. I am excited to meet and work with the youth there. I’m also looking forward to seeing some of the staff members I met at staff training a few weeks back. I am hoping to learn a lot that I can take back with me to Imagine Scholar. I want to use this time at camp to develop myself and enhance my knowledge, and am approaching this experience with powerful zest and an open mind. I am aware of the possible challenges I might encounter working with the youth at Caldera, however, I am also aware of the many staff members I can go to for help.
Upon learning a lot about fundraising, Rotary presentations and building connections (which was all interesting), I find myself more excited for the camp experience. Staff training was a great time and I feel like the actual camp will be a much better one that I cannot wait another hour to get to!
I will keep you folks updated as camp goes by (with hopes that there is wifi there)!
Stay tuned for more updates from our traveling alumni this summer.
Mandisa & Thenjiwe in Portland, OR