Delta Epsilon – University of the Pacific
During the holidays, many of us were rounding up last-minute gifts on our lunch hour, baking festive confections by the dozen and staying up late to wrap presents. Along with abundant cheer, the holidays inevitably bring a hustle and bustle that may monetarily distract us from the true “reason for the season.” Not for Ashby Brown. For the next few weeks, she’ll be preparing to give a very special gift to children in need – a year spent working at an orphanage in Tanzania.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Westport, Connecticut and went to school in Stockton, California. I am now living in New York City and work at BodySCULPT, a plastic surgeon office. I will leave BodySCULPT in January to go to Tanzania.
Tell us about the Rift Valley Children’s Village and why you decided to volunteer there.
The Rift Valley Children’s Village is an orphanage in the Karatu region of Tanzania that is supported by the Tanzanian Children’s Fund. RVCV provides a loving home, family and community for orphaned children. It offers kids the necessary tools to become educated, contributing members of the Tanzanian society and also supplies the local primary school with teachers and resources. RVCV helps a great deal in the community as well, offering support for caregivers of orphaned children and providing the people of Karatu with free, high-quality medical care. RVCV also provides economic growth opportunities through a micro-finance program.
What inspired you to embark on this experience?
After graduating from college, I wanted to do something that, perhaps, I would not get the opportunity to do in the future. I love to travel and wanted to see the world. One day, I was talking with a friend about her time volunteering at RVCV. She was telling me about her experience and what a wonderful place RVCV is. I thought right then and there, “this is what I want to do.” After graduating, I spent three months volunteering at that same orphanage and LOVED IT! Nearly 70 kids lived at the RVCV, and I lived in a house with 12 of the children. This was the beginning of a life-changing experience. I love my life in the city, but not a day has gone by that I have not thought about the children who I got to know so well in Tanzania. When presented with the chance to work as Sponsorship Coordinator at RVCV, I could not turn it down. This was the perfect opportunity to return to a place I love and become part of an unbelievable family.
Changing jobs and moving are two of the most stressful life experiences. How are you preparing yourself to do both at once?
Leaving New York City to move to Tanzania is a huge change, but everyone has been very accommodating in the process. I just have to take it one step at a time, and everything will come together. I love New York City and I love my friends, but New York will always be here… and fortunately, I will be able to stay in touch and up to date with my friends through email, Facebook and Skype. This move to Tanzania is a great way to meet new friends and truly immerse myself in a new culture.
What inspired you to give up a job here in the U.S. to give your time in Africa?
First and foremost, the children – they are wonderful, happy and so inspiring. The happiness is contagious. I can’t wait to get back and see each and every kid there! I feel so blessed to get to be surrounded by so many great people.
Were you always involved in charitable work?
I have always volunteered, participating in a service trip to Costa Rica in high school and serving as vp: Foundation as a Delta Gamma in college. But I have never felt so invested and drawn to an organization as I have toward RCVC.
How has your involvement in Delta Gamma – in college and beyond – influenced you to give back?
Being a part of DG has always reinforced in me the importance of being a part of something bigger than myself.
What are you most nervous abou, as you prepare for your trip?
Moving to Tanzania is a huge change, but, having already spent three months at RVCV, I am mostly at ease. Still, I have a lot of the same nerves as if I were starting a new job in NYC. I want to do an amazing job and prepare as much as possible beforehand.
What do you hope to gain from your year working in Tanzania?
I hope to gain life-long relationships, provide happiness to myself and others, and think of Tanzania as my home. I hope to help and learn, and to look back at this year as the best time of my life.
To all DGs: Please feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about Rift Valley Children’s Village or have an interest in sponsorship. I would be happy to answer any questions!
If you know a DG who should be spotlighted (including you), let us know! Contact Meghan at sisterspotlight@nycdg.com with your nomination.
See all of our sister spotlights here: http://nycdg.com/category/sister-spotlight/