After graduating college I had one goal.
I wanted to volunteer abroad at a World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts World Center. Having just graduated, I knew there was a six month window between college and student loans. When else in my life would I have the freedom to volunteer abroad?
I’ve always been a dreamer with a little bit of wanderlust. Growing up my mom said she wanted to give me roots but also give me wings. I’m not sure she realized I would take that so literally.
That’s how I ended up volunteering at Our Chalet in Adelboden Switzerland. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Women’s History Month feels like the perfect time to recap this journey. The entire Girl Scout and Girl Guide movement was built on strong women. Everyone knows about the force of nature that was Juliette Gordon Lowe. Fewer know about the history of the world centers and the great women who founded them. Helen Storrow was the chair of the World Committee of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and donated the funds to build Our Chalet. Ida Von Herrenschwand (known as Falk), climbed the hillsides of Switzerland until she found the perfect location in Adelboden. Upon completion of the chalet, Falk became the Guider in Charge.
Following in the footsteps of these powerful women changed my whole perspective.
How did volunteering at Our Chalet change my life?
I’m from a small town in Southeastern KY. Even today, neither of my parents have left the country. In high school our French teacher took our class on a two-week Europe trip. Before then, traveling meant Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach. The trip was a whirlwind, seven countries in twelve days, but knew I needed more.
During college I spent my summers working at Girl Scout camp, hiking the hills and helping young girls grow. At some point during the summer of my junior year, someone mentioned the World Centers. Entranced by the possibility of living and working abroad, I began planning.
After studying the numerous options, from Sangam in India to Pax Lodge in London, I set my sights on Our Chalet. As a budding outdoorswoman, the chalet nestled in the Swiss Alps was the perfect fit for my post-college adventure. In my senior year while my classmates worked on job applications, I filled out my volunteer application dreaming of spending autumn in the alps. My friends accepted job offers, setting off for the future we’d spend four years preparing ourselves for. I aimed for a less well-trodden path. Even with concrete plans and a plane ticket, living abroad felt like stepping into the unknown.
Volunteering at Our Chalet gave me a uniquely global perspective. Not only did I live abroad, I lived with other volunteers from around the world all bringing unique perspectives to the experience. My roommate was from Ireland, my best friend was from England and our talented Chef came from Honduras.
Every day conversations became learning opportunities. There were small communication mishaps, even among the native English speakers. For example, during our daily tea break (a nod to the brits on staff), we asked my Irish roommate where to find the sugar.
“In the press,” she replied.
Everyone stared at her. She repeated herself. We continued staring. After some exasperation she opened the cabinet door and pointed to the sugar. Ah, the press. Of course.
Another communication hurdle invited itself to a game of Pictionairy, which sounds like a perfect game for bored 20-somethings on a chilly night. Except Pictionairy is extremely American, something I’d never even considered. Then I pulled the “Liberty Bell” card. Paired with a Dutch teammate I faced the question: how does one draw the Liberty Bell outside the context of the American viewpoint?
I drew a bell with a crack. She had no idea what it was.
Navigating the small cultural differences and miscommunications still impacts how I see the world. Just because we all speak English, doesn’t mean we all speak the same English. Beyond accents and idioms, we all experience language and the world differently. In an increasingly global society, word choice can have unexpected impact.
Another thing I cherish from my time at Our Chalet: we didn’t see anything as insurmountable. We were all young, on the cusp of an exciting future. The women I worked with shared a can-do attitude and belief we could accomplish our goals. Whether it was reorganizing the bomb shelter or deciding to hike up Bunderspitz, we just went for it.
What was stopping us from trying? Even on long hikes, 20-milers where I had my doubts, we reached the destination, usually a sweeping mountain top view over the beautiful rivers and valleys of Adelboden. Then, because we volunteered in fall and the gondolas were closed for the season, we’d turn around and go back the way we came.
And if we couldn’t finish the hike? One time me and my best friend set off towards the top of a mountain. Halfway up, surrounded by clouds we realized it was time to stop. We couldn’t see where we were going, how far we had left or anything about the conditions further up the trail. Instead of being frustrated, we laughed, then talked through the options and chose a new goal. Changing directions, we continued our hike to Frutigen and took the bus back to Adelboden. Because like cultural differences, changing your mind is also okay.
I think back to my time at Our Chalet and I’m proud of my younger self for taking such a big step into the unknown. That willingness to try, learn and grow has followed me with each step I’ve taken whether it’s a big move, career change or starting a new hobby. Try. Laugh. Learn. Repeat.
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