Antiguo Spotlight: Michelle Schackmann

Michelle Schackmann
Ohio, USA

It’s important to carry on the spirit of VE Global no matter where you go in life and not forget where you have been. I worked and lived at Domingo Savio from September 2006 – June 2007.  I had always wanted to volunteer abroad and decided to go after graduating undergrad.  I found VE due to my three requirements: I wanted to work with kids, I wanted to learn/better my Spanish, and I wanted to travel. VE allowed me to do this all and without an organizational fee to come, which helped my budget significantly.

When I left Santiago in June of 2007, I was enthused to continue to support VE Global by assisting the administration and by planning a fundraiser. Did I do this? No. Instead, other things took over.  I moved back to Ohio from Chicago, worked 55+ hours a week, and applied to graduate school.  After that, I completed two Master degrees in two years, had school internships, and a part time job that actually paid my bills. Finally, with a true 40 hour a week job as a Licensed Social Worker to work with, I could finally do something for VE and Domingo Savio.

My fundraiser took place on September 29^th, 2011.  I sent out letters to local businesses, restaurants and sports teams in the Columbus area and ended up with 14 donated items for a raffle.  A wine tasting was planned to coincide with the raffle.  Friends and family came out to support the cause at the wine tasting and others had bought raffle tickets beforehand.  I also had general donations from friends and family that were unable to partake in the events.  Grand total: $1,080 to split 50/50 between VE Global and Domingo Savio. For me, the most fulfilling part was telling my experience to my Columbus friends who I did not know at the time I left for Chile. Also, I learned it is never too late to hold a fundraiser.