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.
Lisa S. appreciates Terri, an LC from New York: I appreciate Terri R. in New York! I have gotten to know Terri very well over the past few years, working with her closely as the Grants Manager at Academic Year in America. Over these years, she has had to deal with some pretty difficult cases. Most recently, one of the students in her host community was involved in a serious accident and admitted to the ICU.
While the entire situation was nerve-wrecking, Terri kept her composure; she did a great job of supporting the host family and student, and she continuously kept me updated. Although it didn’t end up being necessary, she even offered to escort the student home at the end of the year in case she needed assistance during travel. I knew that if the host family was not in the position to keep this student, Terri would step in and host as long as it was needed.
Terri has managed some very challenging support cases over the years, and she has done so all while maintaining a positive attitude and doing whatever it took to resolve the situation. She also never fails to make me laugh. Whether it’s with a funny comment or her inability to play Rock, Paper, Scissors, Terri provides light-hearted comic relief that everyone appreciates.
She never fails to see the good in a student and keeps an open mind when confronting problems. I never doubt that Terri has what it takes to provide her students and host families with an optimal experience, to ensure that both her students and host families are supported, and to create lasting memories and lifelong friendships through AYA.
Christine L. appreciates Ginger, an LC from North Carolina:
I have many wonderful LCs, and I greatly appreciate them all for being such amazing and caring individuals. For LC Appreciation Week, I would like to specifically extend my appreciation to Ginger J. in North Carolina.
Looking back to my first days working as a Placement Specialist, I was a little flustered being so new to the world of Local Coordinators and student placements. The first time I spoke with Ginger, she was not only extremely patient with me, but she immediately took control and filled me in on the basics to get me up to speed. After speaking with her, I thought to myself, “Yup, this Ginger woman… I like her. She’s got spunk!” I instantly knew we’d get along together like peanut butter & jelly — and I was right. We make a great team!
Being an LC is not easy work, and there can be ups and downs along the way. What I admire about Ginger is that even on the worst of days, she still finds the strength to take a deep breath and not give up. When she hits a roadblock, she puts on her superwoman cape and gives it her all! Win or lose, her optimism holds strong.
So to Ginger, I want to say how much AYA and I appreciate all of the effort and dedication you put into helping our extraordinary exchange students. You help better this world, one student at a time. You go, girl!
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