Blog Archives

Meet Shawna, Malala, & Lenard from the United States!

Shawna Invited Her Fellow Cast Mates to Join Her In
A Special Presentation She Created In Honor of Black History Month. 
Because Of The Great Work They Did, We Wanted To
Feature A Few Individuals Who Participated.

The Up with People cast is a diversified group of young adults from various countries all over the world who travel, volunteer, and perform as an international cast. The first event they participated in this semester was the Martin Luther King Jr. Marade in Denver, Colorado (view the video recap here!). We believe that in order for people to learn about the history and cultures of other individuals, it requires more than just reading from a book. 

Shawna, a first semester cast member from the United States, wanted to do something special for Black History Month to help educate her fellow cast mates and to start opening their mind by viewing this historical month from the perspective of a dozen or so participants in the program. 

This week, we wanted to feature three students from the United States who participated and ask them why Black History Month is significant to them specifically, but also how diversity in the Up with People program has impacted them so far.

What does Black History Month mean to you and why is it important for you specifically?

SHAWNA: To me, Black History Month means that we all can take a moment to learn more about and be reminded of the African American culture. We have the chance of sharing our history with the world and all stand together to realize that the current world issues have an affect on each of us.

MALALA: Black History Month has always been a way to create social change in the Black community. It allows the opportunity for us to celebrate each other and unite all of us across the African Diaspora. Ever since Black History Month was declared, it made it possible for the world to be aware of our accomplishments to society. 

LENARD: Black History Month is an opportunity to share and grow the knowledge of people of color and between all people. I love taking this month as an opportunity to teach others and continue to learn myself, through artistic and academic means.

How has being involved in a program with such diversity impacted you thus far?

SHAWNA: I have always considered myself to be surrounded by a pretty diverse group, but to see people from a bunch of different countries come together for a better world really shapes my heart so much on what it truly means to love everyone.

MALALA: My perspective has already completely changed. Having the chance of meeting a person from across the world, yet still having so much in common with one another influenced the way I viewed cultural and political divides. I am really blessed to have been exposed to this early into my adult life. I know it’s something I will carry on throughout the rest of my life.

LENARD:  I feel at home when there is so much diversity. I can truly dive into the personalities of those around me and take the time to understand them.

What are you looking forward to the most this semester in Up with People?

SHAWNA: I’m looking forward to being able to be a part of something bigger than myself, as well as meeting people from all over the world. I have never had the opportunity to travel or see anything other than California, so this is a huge step to me.

MALALA: I am most looking forward to creating more life stories and learning the different cultures and consciousness of the world. I’d love to expand my mind and get use to adapting in places unfamiliar, and I believe traveling is the best way to do that.

LENARD: I am looking forward to being more intentional with my growth and encouraging other people’s hearts. As well as leadership and helping others be the best versions of themselves.

“We are many, we are one,
Brothers and sisters wherever you’re from.
We all dance to a different drum.
We are many, but we are one.”

We Are Many, We Are One © Up with People

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th! A random act of kindness is a non-premeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world. It is a random and unexpected good deed which will surprise those on the receiving end of the act. It’s easy to lose hope in a world full of bad news. Faith in humanity seems to be at an all time low. But we are inspired by the young people Up with People gets to meet and send out into the world every semester. We know first hand that small acts of kindness do matter. Not sure how to get started? Here are some fantastic ideas to help you change the world one small act at a time.

• Wheel Out Your Neighbors Trash Bin
• Pay For a Stranger’s Coffee
• Shovel Snow From Your Neighbors Sidewalk
• Plant a Tree
• Write a Positive Sticky Note To a Coworker to Make Their Day
• Send an Encouraging Email, Text or Letter to Someone You Know Who is Struggling Through a Tough Time
• Add Kindness to Your Curriculum (It’s an important part of our curriculum here at Up with People!)
• Top Off Someone’s Parking Meter
• Be Polite While You Drive
• Let Someone Cut in Front Of You in Line
• Leave a Big Tip and a Kind Note to a Particularly Good Server
• Ask a Senior About Their Past
• Pick Up Litter at The Beach or in the Forest
• Buy a Movie Ticket For the Person Behind You
• Thank an Old Teacher With a Gift
• Pay For a Stranger’s Gas
• Pay For a Stranger’s Dinner
• Hold the Elevator
• Bring in Food or Snacks For Your Office Mates
• Ride Your Bike or Walk to Work (the gift of clean air benefits us all)
• Learn How to Say Hello in a New Language and Use Your New Phrase to Welcome People to Your Neighborhood
• Help a Teacher Get The Supplies They Need For Class
• Pay For Someone’s Shopping Cart At A Thrift Store
• After a Wedding or Party, Donate the Flowers to a Nursing Home
• Listen. Don’t Interrupt.
• Take Five Minutes to Send Cards to Sick Children Who are Fighting Serious Illnesses and Want to Receive Mail. Send mail to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, which delivers the cards to children in US hospitals.
• Compliment Someone

These are just a few ideas to get you started but let’s all spread some good around the world on Random Acts of Kindness Day this year! Share with us your kind deed!

“When the well runs dry I’m gonna be there for you

cause if everyone helps someone there’s so much we can do.

If you wanna make the world a better place

you gotta stand up, speak out and today, make a change.”

Make A Change © Up with People

 

Meet Up with People Cast Member, Andreas From Germany!

“I found out about Up with People through my mom.
She saw a show in 1992 and always kept it in her mind.
When they went to Hamburg a year ago,
I went to see the show and could imagine myself doing it.”

 What’s something you hope to gain out of this semester?

“I want to work on having a stronger personality because I’ve always wanted to work on that since middle school, but I also try to become a better person through all the things we’re doing. I’m also excited to get to know more people.” 

What’s your favorite part of the show?

“I’m between The Footsteps of a Girl and Keep Hope Alive. I’d say Footsteps of a Girl especially because of the music and woman in the cast look really strong singing about the message. Keep Hope Alive is the finale of the show and it’s cool when everything comes together; it’s a great feeling. Both are truly powerful songs.” 

How will you keep hope alive?

“I think it’s important to never stop believing in hope. We should never stop having hope in people or hope for people. We should never stop until we reach all the goals that we’ve set out for each other to make this world a better place.” 

What did arrival day feel like in comparison to how you feel now?

“I was very uncomfortable. I’m not the who is really open to other people so I was a bit introverted at first. That changed once the people in the cast around me showed me that I can be something different. Everyone would ask who I was and where I was from. Being the only one from Germany, it made me interesting to some of them.”

Is this the first time you’re staying in a host family?

“Yes, it’s my first time to The States too. It’s been a positive and pleasant surprise. I thought we’d be helping them in every aspect of life just to kind of “pay them back” for everything they’re doing for us, but they welcomed us in like their own family and have given us a great time. I really like my first host family a lot. We’ve gotten to have some great conversations and show each other the differences in our cultures. They also see how exhausting our schedule can be and make sure we get the rest we need to stay healthy which is very caring.” 
What’s something you’re looking forward to as we’re about to hit the road?

“There’s a lot, but I really do like traveling by bus. I’m excited to be able to have those moments, even though some people would disagree that spending 11 hours on the bus is fun. I just really  like it because it’s so communicative since it’s a great time to get to know whoever you sit next to. I’m also really excited to see all the cities like Sacramento. I’ve always heard about Vegas and knew I wanted to visit eventually. I’ve never been to Mexico so I’m excited to see their lifestyle.”

“I will be the change I wanna see,
Shout ‘love’ for all to hear.
Yeah, I will open doors, shatter ceilings,
Tear down walls of fear.””

Keep Hope Alive © Up with People

The cast of Up with People has officially hit the road to begin their tour! They’ll begin the tour in the United States with their first stop in Greeley, Colorado. Tickets are still available so if you don’t have yours yet, click here to reserve your seats before they sell out!

To kick off the tour, Up with People is hosting a Giveaway Contest on our Instagram page!

We believe that in order to be stronger, we must do it together. Help us reach 10,000 followers on Instagram by participating in our #StrongerTogether10K contest for your chance to win a FREE Up with People “Stronger Together” t-shirt.

Here are the rules:

1. Follow Up with People on Instagram @upwithpeople (www.instagram.com/upwithpeople if you are using a desktop).
2. Comment ???? on the giveaway photo that will be posted on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM (MT) and tag 3 people in your #StrongerTogether10K tribe.
3. Entries will be accepted from 2 PM (MT) on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 through 12 PM (MT) on Friday, February 22, 2019.

The winner will be randomly selected using a random generator. We will announce the winner on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 2:00 PM (MT). We will contact the winner directly through a private message on their Instagram profile to arrange delivery of the shirt so make sure to stay tuned and check your messages!  

Disclosure:

*All giveaway contests promoted on Instagram are not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

*The winner randomly selected must be over the age of 13.

* View Up with People’s Privacy Policy Here.

Taking time to travel and experience a semester or gap year on the road can be scary. For over 50 years young people from across the globe have taken that leap. Up with People now has over 22,000 alumni scattered around the world. The benefits of this formative time are many and blend together across multiple areas including soft skills that are in demand in the worldwide job market. In our new ongoing blog series, we interviewed Up with People Alumna Celiana Dolovitz to gain insight about what she gained from her time on the road and where she is now.

When did you travel in UWP? What was your role?

I traveled in UWP in 1997 as a participant, then I had the opportunity to travel for many years in different roles in the Marketing Department. Event coordinator, Finance administrator, Business Manager, Tour Manager.

What is your current position now?

I am the co-founder of Soul Trips.

What does that entail?

I plan wellness retreats to empower women through volunteerism, personal growth workshops and the practice of disciplines like yoga, meditation, pilates.

How did traveling with UWP prepare you for this position?

Up with People gave me the opportunity to see the world and explore other cultures while traveling with people from many different countries and backgrounds. That made me a much more aware person of the needs of the people and communities around me. I fell in love with volunteerism and I discovered that many people need a platform to travel, disconnect, help communities and find connections with others. That’s why we started Soul Trips.

How did UWP impact your life both personally and professionally?

Well, my husband traveled with me in the same group in 1997. We were dance partners for the Festival Show of Up with People and never thought we would end up together, but, here we are.

Professionally, Up with People taught me to be creative and adaptable. To work well with all different kinds of people and to make the best of the resources I have. Soul Trips would have never come true if it wasn’t for my training in Up with People.

What advice would you give our youth in pursuing their passion/career?

Go for it! You will never be ready or fully prepared for what your life throws at you. Time flies and if you keep waiting for the “perfect” moment to start, that moment might never come. Just trust that your life has given you the tools to confront any challenges. It’s ok to fail because it’s only a sign that you are growing as person, as a professional, and as a business owner.

Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?

Not always, dreams and goals change through time until you find the right for you. Once I started Soul Trips I knew this is what I wanted to find, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

What was your favorite moment when you traveled in Up with People?

How can I pick one favorite moment? I can tell you that every day in Up with People had a special kind of magic. But if I have to choose one… January 1997 when I arrived in Denver, going to my host mom’s truck, dragging my suitcase under a snowstorm. It was my first time seeing snow! Who knew that was going to be the beginning of a whole different life for me.

What would you tell someone who was considering traveling in UWP?

Up with People was the best decision of my life. It shaped me into who I am today. There are many cultural exchange programs nowadays, I don’t think any as complete and thought through as Up with People. The education component of Up with People is a powerful tool that you can use in your future, and the size of the network you automatically gain when you join the program is second to none. If you are considering it, congrats, you are halfway there, just go for it!

What are the top 3 things you learned during your experience in UWP?

1. I learned to respect everyone for exactly who they are, without seeing the color of their skin, their culture, background, sexual orientation, or religion.
2. I learned to see the world through the eyes of others. The community service aspect of the program taught me to be grateful for what I have, and showed me the reality of so many around the world not as lucky as I am. I learned to help communities and people without shame or fear.
3. I learned an unlimited amount of tools for my future on a personal and professional level through workshops, internships, Cultural awareness sessions, meeting influential people around the world, etc.

How do you keep hope alive?

Keeping hope alive has to start from home. I am grateful for what I have and for the life I get to live everyday, for the opportunity to share my talents and gifts with others. I keep hope alive by giving women the opportunity to raise their sense of gratitude by empowering themselves through workshops, volunteerism and the practice of wellness disciplines.

“And all our children can see the day

When battlefields are fields of play

And it lies yes it lies within our reach.”

Within Our Reach © Up with People



It’s been an incredible month for Up with People in Denver, Colorado. Over the past few weeks, the Spring 2019 cast has dedicated themselves

night and day preparing for Live on Tour to begin. The international performance at the Denver premiere was lively, heart warming, and thought provoking. The energy of the show infected the audience with laughter and love as the everyone sang along to Up with People original music and a selection of pop medleys.

Over 100 cast members represented 15 different countries as they performed their first live show for families, friends, community members, host families, sponsors, and alumni. Aside from singing and dancing on stage, there is so much more that goes into creating the Up with People show than meets the eye.

What Can You Gain From Traveling in Up with People?

Going on tour with Up with People is more than just being a cast member that performs a weekly show. Participants gain knowledge and hands on experience in technical production, operations, marketing, and promotions. Youth in our program also develop soft skills that enable individuals to grow both personally and professionally that are applicable to future careers in a wide range of fields.

Young adults traveling in Up with People get to act as interns and assistants in different departments throughout the semester, learning the ins and outs of what it takes to put on an international show. With all hands on deck, every cast member has an opportunity to participate in various roles in addition to their rehearsal and volunteer time throughout the week.

What Roles Make the Up with People Tour Possible?

• Lighting, Staging, and Technical Production
• Musical, Vocal, and Band Instruction
• Dance Captains
• Operations Managers
• Admissions Representatives
• Promotion Representatives
• Merchandise Team
• Marketing Team
• Education Coordinators
• Front of House Coordinators

This is just the tip of the iceberg! As a member in our Up with People gap year program, you’ll surprise yourself at the amount you’ll grow your confidence and network in just a few short months.

Want to know the best part? Up with People is now accepting applications for our Summer 2019 tour! The next semester begins in July of 2019. Spend your fall semester traveling abroad, volunteering in local communities, developing yourself into a global citizen, immersing yourself in different cultures, and performing in a show for thousands of people.

To apply and schedule your interview, visit https://apply.upwithpeople.org.

All I have to give
I can bring hope and live for others
I’m not afraid to start
I can do something, right now
With what I’m feeling now

What I’m Feeling Now © Up with People

Meet Katelyn! She’s an Up with People Cast Member from Canada!

Let’s See What Katelyn’s Experience in Up with People Has Been Like For Her.

Why did you decide to join Up with People?

I initially heard about Up with People through my mom and hearing stories about it growing up, because she travelled in 1989. Once I joined, it became so much more about a journey of personal growth, and I think that’s really been the main focus of me being in Up with People. Just getting all the different connections that we do with the performance, connecting with people and the cast, it’s really been great.

How does it feel being the only representative of your country and community?

It’s been really interesting actually. I was hoping to have another Canadian because I think it’s nice to have someone you can connect with, on that cultural level. It’s been fun for me to be the representative of Canada, not only because I think I’m a walking stereotype of a Canadian, but it’s been kind of a cool having a little bit of a responsibility to tell people what it’s actually like to be Canadian. For example, a lot of people think that our accent is so strong that we say “aboot” for “about”. People think that Canadiens speak in a certain way so, it’s cool to break down those stereotypes. The one disadvantage is that people who are getting their first exposure to a Canadian is through me, soI feel like the assumed stereotype sometimes.

What do you miss from your country?

I miss the culture and being in my hometown. Small things like having Poutine. It’s been fun making poutine, the traditional dish in Canada that is just fries, gravy and cheese curds, or even the maple syrup. It feels like home. I have also made Toutins which is part of the more eastern Canadian culture. Toutins is fried bread, with which you can eat Malassas and maple syrup. Another very traditional dish I have also made are Denymo bars. It is like a desert with a vanilla custard and a vanilla brownie. It’s been fun.

Do you feel that having already completed a college degree has impacted your experience, learning and growth in up with people?

Yes 100%, I think I’m able to take everything that we do in Up with People so much more calmly. I feel more grounded because I am 24. I think there’s a strength in who I am that maybe someone that’s just coming out of high school might not necessarily have yet.

What would be the passion you want to follow or a dream of yours that you want to accomplish in life?

Actually, traveling has made me realize that I am very passionate about self-care, taking care of your body, your mind and your soul. I think those are so important things, that people don’t do enough of. It’s so unfortunate because in our society people think that if you’re taking care of yourself it’s egotistical or egocentric of you, but it’s not at all. It’s okay to be selfish, because you have to take care of yourself. So, doing research in natural wellness self-care areas would be really nice. I would also love to be a psychologist, or even a professor. There are so many different routes that I want to take. So, I might do a little bit of everything, but I’ll see where it takes me.

What makes you the happiest?

When I can help others find their happiness. With my psychology degree, I’ve just learnt how to be a good friend and listener for others. Just being that shoulder that people can cry on, or a listening ear. I think some of those experiences are some of my highlights in UWP. Like going on a walk with one of my roommates or going for a little coffee date with a friend or my host families. That has been a really nice part, and I feel fulfilled when I can have that more one on one connection with people, because UWP is a huge group so it’s tough to get one on one.

What is the most positive thing about our generation?

We are a generation of young people that refuse to be ignorant to the things going on around us. We want to take a stand for what we believe in and fight for what we think is right. Being in UWP I see that so much, and it lights my own fire inside. I just look around and I see 100 really passionate excited people that want to change the world and that want to make a difference. I think that’s one of the most inspiring things for me to witness.  Before joining UWP I felt that in some ways I was a bit embarrassed of my generation, because we had this reputation of being a snowflake generation. We take everything so personally, we are so sensitive, everyone has to tiptoe around everything that they say. It is such a negative idea to have for a generation. Something I’m also really big on is respect and I think sometimes I looked around and I saw a lot of disrespect, like a lot of kids not caring. When I see people in UWP, it has totally changed my view of how our generation actually is, everyone is so amazing, and they are just so excited. In that sense it’s really helped change my perspective.

Why did you choose to do a second semester?

I decided to join and do a second semester for wanting to gain personal growth. I was so happy with how last semester went, and I felt like I had made so many really great connections. It opened my mind to so many things, and I felt like I finally knew how to express my voice in the ways that I wanted to and share what I was passionate about in constructive ways. I felt that doing a second semester, would solidify all the benefits that I’ve gotten from my first semester as a person. So this was my goal.

You can stand in the back
Or you can stand on the side,
You can stand on your principles
Or stand on your pride.
But no-one’s gonna stand for long any more
If we don’t stand together.

Stand Together © Up with People

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

It’s that time of the year again. Costume season! Halloween, which is celebrated in many countries like Ireland, the United States and Canada, is only a few days away. This isn’t the only excuse to get dressed up though. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—which honors deceased loved ones and ancestors is also just around the corner too.

Costumes can also represent your home country no matter the time of year and we thought it would be fun to share our top 10 costumes from around the world, with a little help from Up with People participants who are currently on the road.

Up with People Participant National Costume – Ya from China

Up with People Participant National Costume – Samson from Madagascar

Unicorn

According to Google’s Frightgeist tool which calculates the most popular costume searches and compiles a list of the most popular costumes each year, the Unicorn has consistently been in the top 3 for most of 2018.

Sugar Skull Costumes

The image of a brightly decorated sugar skull has become the de facto icon of Día de los Muertos. The popular custom comes from Calavera Catrina which began as an image drawn by Jose Guadalupe Posada around 1910 as a political satire. The image of the fancy lady skeleton in a fancy hat poked fun at the upper class, letting them know that they, too, will die. Fast forward to today and La Catrina is the principal symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Superhero

Another top costume for 2018 according to Google’s Frightgeist is a superhero. The Up with People cast currently traveling just had their Halloween dress rehearsal and look who showed up…

Fortnite

This online video game released in 2017 has become quite the phenomenon. It’s no wonder that in the United States this is the #1 most popular Halloween costume choice for 2018.

Clown

A classic that just won’t go away, clown costumes also top the list of costume searches for 2018 in the United States.

Tourist

In the spirit of travel a popular couples’ costume this year is the tourist. Dressing up as a tourist has so many creative ways of coming together!

Masks at The “Carnevale di Venezia” in Venice, Italy

Halloween isn’t the only time of year to dress up! The “Carnevale di Venezia” is famous for its elaborate masks and costumes. The festival’s origins are believed to go as far back as the 12th century.

Lunar New Year Costumes in China

The biggest festival in China – and in Chinatowns the world over – is the Lunar New Year. It’s celebrated from the last day of the last month to the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar and dragon dances with elaborate costumes are common.

“Come on let’s do it now,

we wanna make you smile

Let Up with People bring

the party all around the world”

Party ‘Round The World © Up with People