2010 NC Candidate - Ann Sweet
From AFSWiki
Ann Sweet
Hometown: Williamsville, NY
Reason For Running: The AFS experience has changed my life exponentially, and I would like to find new and creative ways to ”pay it forward” to future generations.
Three Key Issues: 1) We need to recruit new volunteers and be open to new suggestions. 2) We need try and enlighten kids at the middle school age about AFS sending and hosting opportunities. 3) Expand our liaison training to better prepare them so potential problems do not escalade.
Education: Associates Degree in Applied Sciences
My AFS journey began in 2002 when we hosted our first of 9 students.
- 2002-03 Peter Kristensen Greenland
- 2003-04 Gretchen Zamora Costa Rica
- 2005-06 Luca Mirabella Italy
- 2006-07 Sanna Jacobsen Faroe Islands
- 2007-08 Victoria Hammarstom Norway & Muhammad Fikri Indonesia
- 2008-09 Arthur Degraeve Belgium & Abdul Cyrrol Madsid Philippines
- 2009-10 Isabella Righi Brazil
Relevant Experience:
Over the past 8 years I have had the opportunity to experience many different positions with my
team.
2002-2004: Assistant to Orientations Coordinator, Group leader for orientations
2005 to present: My official title is Support / Event Coordinator. In 2005 the new position of Event
Coordinator was created on our team for me in an effort to unify our team. Prior to this, our
team was split into two groups when we gathered for our orientations and holiday party. The students
were rarely together as a whole group during their year here in Western New York. Now I plan monthly
events for everyone in Western New York which has definitely enriched our students and families
hosting experience. In addition, the students also have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC in
the fall and Disney World in the spring. I plan both of these trips, make all of the arrangements, and
also travel with them to these destinations as the lead chaperone.
This year I have officially added Support Coordinator to my title in Western New York. It was a natural transition
for me as I have helped out with support cases over the last few years. I generally have a very good rapport
with the kids and many of them have confided in me when problems arose in the past, because I see them
very frequently and am very approachable.
Two years ago our Hosting Coordinator became ill and I have been acting as our Orientations Coordinator for
our 4 orientations during the year. Additionally, I have been a liaison to many students through the years, overnight chaperone for orientations,
interviewed host families, coordinated and provided transportation for students during arrivals in August, been
a welcome family for arriving students and housed students in transition.
Other Relevant experience:
2002-2004: Co-President of Williamsville South Football Booster Club. During this time our members
built a concession stand. We worked with the architect, local and state school officials, and contractors
from conception to completion to make this dream become a reality. Once completed, our efforts that
were valued at $30,000 were donated to the school district.
2003-2008 Chaperone for Williamsville South AFS Club trips to Disneyworld (6 consecutive years).
2007&2008 Chaperone for two overnight senior class trips with 150 students to Cedar Point, Ohio.
See also: For personal contact information or to see a photo if available please see the user account page at User:ASweet
