Route J-1

There are times when certain individuals capture your heart and inspire you. Two young J-1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) participants I recently met at Grand Canyon National Park showed me – in living color – what a can-do, entrepreneurial spirit really looks like, and how lucky we are that such motivated and impressive individuals regularly choose to take part in J-1 programs.

Eliada Miron, a SWT participant from Romania

Eliada Miron is an extraordinary young woman from Romania who spent this summer working in the reception department at the Yavapai Lodge.

I had the privilege of spending some one-on-one time with Eliada and it only took a few minutes to feel the warmth that she naturally exudes. I discovered that she comes from a large family of eight siblings and that she has always dreamed of coming to the U.S. for as long as she could remember. With her parents unable to send her to the U.S. due to their financial constraints, the J-1 SWT program offered Eliada an opportunity to do it on her own. She is the first and only person in her family to have traveled to the United States – and this is her third time!

Eliada chose to return to the Grand Canyon this year because her colleagues became like family to her last year, and because it is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen. She loves that her job puts her in contact with guests from all over the world and allows her to practice English. Eliada cares greatly about communication and connection: “If you speak English, you can communicate with almost everyone from all over the world!” Her host employer showed how much they value Eliada’s hard work and contributions when they awarded her Employee of the Month!

Mamadou Diop, a SWT participant from Senegal, is another exceptional exchange visitor I had the privilege of meeting at the Grand Canyon. Soft spoken and good-humored, Mamadou’s easy-going nature and infectious smile immediately captured my attention when I met him outside the Arizona Room, a bustling restaurant on the South Rim.

This is Mamadou’s second time in the program, and like Eliada, he chose to return to the Canyon because it is a place where he feels welcome and at home. His host employer was so pleased that he returned this year and promoted him to server. Mamadou instituted a team-based approach during the busy hours at the restaurant so that everyone always helps each other to get things done. Based on his leadership abilities and thoughtful approach to his work, Mamadou became quite popular with both American and J-1 colleagues alike. Mamadou told me that this program has meant so much to him, and that he has a great amount of appreciation for American people. He has high aspirations in life and wants to contribute to the development of his country. Mamadou is currently debating whether a focus on finance or conflict resolution would best help him reach his goals. What is not under debate, however, is that this program has changed his life. The J-1 SWT program was lucky to have him!

Mamadou Diop, a SWT participant from Senegal | Mamadou next to a beautiful view of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight