This has been an exciting year for Go Global. We are thrilled to have added Kelsey and Michael to our team! It’s important to us to get to know each of you, so we want to make sure you get to know us, too.
Michael went abroad with Go Global as a student in 2011 and has been involved ever since. He began working part-time for Go Global in fall 2013 where he supported the marketing and sales team. We’re excited to announce that he has now joined us full-time!
His primary role in the Go Global team is to help execute outreach efforts on college campuses during the recruiting season. You may have received a text from Michael — he works extra hard to communicate with our students and encourage them to meet with our awesome team when we are on campus! This summer, he’ll be in Atlanta getting ready for summer 2016.
Want to learn more? Just check out this awesome interview with Michael!
GG: What are you most excited about as you start working with Go Global?
Michael: “I am so excited to give back to the organization that has given me so much in terms of personal growth and development since my Cape Town experience in 2011. I can’t wait to get to know the staff on a deeper level and work together with everyone to not only deliver transformative experiences abroad but also to help the company grow to reach more students across the country!”
GG: What has been your favorite travel experience?
Michael: “This is a tough one. I have to go with my trip to Ecuador in 2011 with Go Global staff, friends and former students. That trip was just weeks after I got back from my LEAD Cape Town experience, so I was clearly infected with the travel bug. Courtney Doran led our group throughout the country where we had the chance to go whitewater rafting, mountain biking around an active volcano, hiking in the jungle and, of course, serve in the local communities of Quito. It was an incredible adventure with a great group of inspiring people.”
GG: What are three unique facts about you?
Michael:
“1. I’m an AmeriCorps VISTA alum.
2. I’m an only child.
3. I’ve traveled to 5 continents. Only Asia and Antarctica left!”
GG: What is a “can’t miss” aspect of your hometown?
Michael: “I grew up in Woodstock, GA, a suburb north of Atlanta. Over the last few years, the downtown district has transformed into a walkable space with restaurants and shops. It’s a unique development in a region known for its geography of suburban sprawl. Grab a coffee at Copper Coin or walk across the street to Cupcakelicious and indulge!
Since I’m living in Atlanta now, I’ll also throw out a few of my favorite spots around town: Amelie’s French Bakery (pastries/coffee shop), Folk Art (brunch!), Terminal West (music venue) and the BeltLine (biking/walking trail). Also, if you see rainbow umbrellas scattered around Atlanta, stop and grab a delicious King of Pops!”
GG: What are you reading now?
Michael: “I actually just picked up It Happened on the Way to War by Rye Barcott thanks to a friend’s recommendation. From Amazon: “In 2000, Rye Barcott was a student on an ROTC scholarship when he first visited the Kibera slum of Nairobi, Kenya. He wanted to understand the ethnic violence he expected to face in uniform. Once there, Barcott befriended a widowed nurse and a community organizer, and together they built Carolina for Kibera (CFK), an NGO that breaks cycles of violence and develops young leaders in one of Africa’s largest slums. Barcott continued his work with CFK while leading Marines in Iraq, Bosnia, and the Horn of Africa. He waged peace while fighting war, and struggled to compartmentalize the experiences and resist darker forces. It Happened on the Way to War is a true story about the powerful melding of military and humanitarian service. It’s a story of what America’s role in the world could be.”
GG: What words do you live by?
Michael: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
You may hear from Michael as you take the last steps of preparing for your trip, submitting forms, payments, and additional information. Be sure to introduce yourself! He is excited to meet the Go Global extended family, so give him a big welcome!
-Anna and the Go Global team
