Meet Shannon, a passionate host mom and Aspect Manager who’s been making a difference for over 10 years! Since welcoming her first student in 2015, Shannon has hosted 6 students and supervised over 70, always going above and beyond to support students, host families, and coordinators across multiple states. We’re so lucky to have her in the Aspect family and to celebrate her incredible journey of making lasting connections!
What motivated you to become an International Coordinator and Manager?
I did not know that it would be my next step until it happened. I’ve had a great passion for working with international students since my first hosting experience 10 years ago. I’ve had a real natural progression within the organization from host parent to International Coordinator to Community Manager to Team Manager. When I accepted a role as a coordinator when I was hosting my first year, it was mainly because I figured I had value to bring to the table in a way that the coordinator I was working with at that time was lacking.
Some people excel at the recruitment role while others excel at supervising and mentoring students, which I feel is really my strength. This is why I feel it’s a team family atmosphere at Aspect where we all can help one another to be successful. When I relocated from the Midwest to the East Coast, I was unsure about my future because I was now starting from the bottom with networking in my new area.
Coincidentally, it was at a time when my predecessor was stepping back from their role, which paved the way for me to take the next step into Team Manager over several states from the Midwest to the East Coast. I’m continually motivated by the thought of how I would want my loved ones supported if they were half a world away from home, and I am thankful to be with an organization like Aspect that provides great support.
What is your favorite memory as an Aspect Manager?
I’m only one year in on being a Team Manager and plan to play the rookie card as long as possible. It is very satisfying when, as a team, we are able to turn a bad experience into something good. Sometimes students and families need a fresh start, and when you help them find that happy place, it makes it all worth it.
From left to right: Polina from Khazakstan, Sara from Italy, Volodmyr from Ukraine, Big John, Khackic from Armenia, Shannon
What do you love about being an Aspect Manager?
I really enjoy reading the monthly reports for my region. As a manager, often your day-to-day involves troubleshooting problems, so it is really nice when you get to go through the reports and read about all of the great memories that are being made between students and host families thanks to the local coordinators on my team.
Do you still keep in touch with the students you previously supervised?
Yes, there are a lot I am connected with in various ways. Some just through social media and others I hear from periodically. I try to keep everything in perspective that they also have busy lives, but regardless of how much time has passed, I will always welcome their correspondence.
From left to right: Veronika from Kosovo, Mariam from Georgia, Najmina from Azerbaijan, Eileen from Aspect Headquarters, Camelia from Moldova
Do you have any advice for someone who’s considering becoming a coordinator?
You have to be able to take the bad with the good. Just like hosting, if you only have the bare minimum to offer, then you cannot expect more in return. Remember that these students are depending on you to be their support system, advocate, and mentor. If you can do that successfully, then you can have an international connection for life, and that truly does MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
Would you also like to work with students from across the world? Join the Aspect team as an International Coordinator! We are always looking for great candidates in many communities, large and small, across the U.S. For more information about the International Coordinator position and how to apply check out our website!
