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Meet Celeste, a Sweden native who travels in the current cast of Up with People!

We got a chance to sit down and ask her a few questions about her experience so far on tour. Here’s what she had to say.

If you could spend a day in the life of a cast member who would it be?

“I would like to see what a day in the life would be like if I were Elliot… I think he sees the world very differently from the way that I see it. Not just culturally, but personality wise too, and having a better insight into what he actually sees.”

What was it like arriving on the first day?

“I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, but I was also very excited because it was instantly such a warm welcome from the staff members and everyone. It was a big moment for me to finally arrive because I had been preparing for so long.”

What’s been your favorite moment that you’ve experienced so far?

“For me, I think all the CAs [community actions] have been very powerful and have left such a big impact on me because we get to meet the people that we actually help. Getting to do what I love with the people I love is a very emotionally powerful moment because we get to instantly see how we help. The joy on their faces is something I never had before. Also, I really enjoy the times after the shows where we get to mingle with the audience and see the difference between when they first arrive, and how they look and feel when they’re leaving.”

What does it mean for you to be a part of this international cast?

“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had because we have friends now from all over the world from so many places that I’ve never visited before, and now very excited to visit. It’s been such an eye opener to experience everyday life with people of different cultures. How they view the things we do and how sometimes misunderstandings happen since we’re from so many different backgrounds and speak different languages. That learning experience is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.”

What are you looking forward to contributing in when you return home?

“There are so many areas that I want to help in. especially with the refugee situation we have back home in Sweden. Leaving Up with People, I feel much more secure in myself in reaching out to people of different cultures who may not speak the same languages I do, but I have so much more knowledge now on what I can do to help despite all those obstacles. That’s definitely an area I’m looking forward to getting more involved in… all the children who need to be more active that I feel like I can help with too.

What do you want to say to future participants who can inspire and influence?

“I would definitely recommend traveling in Up with People. I would do it again in a heartbeat because I’ve been given so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have been given otherwise, and the amount of people we meet in one day is more than what I would normally meet in one week. You make so many new connections and life long friends who become your new family. I’ve grown so much both in a professional and personal way. It’s the coolest thing.”

How will you keep hope alive?

“By spreading as much love and hope as I can to everyone I meet.”

“Cause there’s magic in the moment
When someone understands somebody else.
Let’s sit right down and talk about it,
Wearin’ no disguise,
‘Cause everything looks different
Sharin’ someone else’s eyes.”

Someone Else’s Eyes © Up with People