AYA Local Coordinator Appreciation: Cathy and Laurie

To show appreciation for the caring and dedication that our Local Coordinators provide day in and day out, AYA headquarters is sending a special shout out to two fantastic LCs today.

Chelsea from AYA appreciates Cathy, an LC from North Dakota: For Local Coordinator appreciation week, I am thrilled to acknowledge the joyful work and dedication of Catherine S. in North Dakota. Cathy and I really bonded over my first few months here at AYA, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Almost every morning, I get a call from Cathy that brightens my day. Not only does she provide lovely conversation, but she usually has news of a great family looking to host one very lucky student.

Since 1990, Cathy has brought a passion to the foreign exchange industry that you just don’t see very often. Throughout the past 26 years (and counting!), she has made an everlasting, positive impact on a countless number of lives. The pure joy she gets out of working with us is a constant reminder to me of how great an opportunity working here really is — and just how lucky I am. So thank you Cathy for all that you have done for me, AYA students, our host families and Academic Year in America. We are forever grateful!

Ginny from AYA appreciates Laurie, an LC from Missouri: To know Laurie J. in Missouri is to know two things. First, she loves the Kansas City Royals. Second, she loves foreign exchange students. You can especially see this when she combines the two with group activities at a game, spending time at the stadium with her team and getting to know AYA host families and students.

Laurie always has the best interests of her students at heart. She spends countless hours talking with students over coffee to try and help them make the most of their exchange experience. I’ve been so impressed Laurie’s responsive, organized, thoughtful, and caring approach to supporting students and host families in her community. To Laurie, I say thank you for bringing passion and compassion to AYA exchange in Missouri!