Just Say Yes: How One Volunteer’s Journey Sparked a Ripple of Impact
It started with a nudge. Then another. And then—what felt less like coincidence and more like the universe gently, but unmistakably, saying: “Go.”
Kathleen wasn’t searching for a new chapter. But one began to write itself anyway—first through a colleague who shared stories of her own time volunteering at SEGA, then again when a friend introduced Kathleen to Nurturing Minds’ Executive Director, Laura DeDominicis.
Something about that encounter—the timing, the location, the ease of connection—stuck with her. “It felt less like coincidence,” Kathleen says, “and more like faith, a call to action.” What started as curiosity quickly became conviction.
And so, just weeks after sending her youngest off to college and stepping into the stillness of an empty nest, Kathleen answered that call. What she didn’t know then was that her “yes” would echo far beyond a single moment. It would grow into community, and a ripple effect of generosity and connection that continues today.
The decision to volunteer at SEGA was both exhilarating and terrifying. Kathleen had never traveled alone, never been to Africa—and just two days before her flight, she found herself wondering, “What am I doing?” But something deeper told her this was the right step.
This Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re honored to celebrate volunteers like Kathleen—not just for the impact they have at SEGA, but also because of what their journeys reveal: that saying yes, even when it scares you, can unlock a life of deeper meaning.
In her own words, here’s how Kathleen’s journey unfolded.
Where the Spark Began
When I first stepped onto the SEGA campus, I didn’t know what to expect. Within fifteen minutes into my volunteer experience, I found myself sitting in a school assembly surrounded by more than 260 girls—students in matching uniforms, bright-eyed, and full of energy. That morning, I listened as staff members and student leaders addressed the crowd with messages I wish every girl in the world could hear: You are safe here. You belong here. You are loved. You can do anything. I knew then that I was exactly where I needed to be!
As a nurse who spent 12 years in a middle school health office, I’ve seen firsthand how self-doubt and low self-esteem creep in during adolescence, especially for girls. I spent those years doing everything I could to advocate for health and hygiene access, quietly providing black leggings and sanitary products so girls wouldn’t miss class. So when I heard SEGA staff and students affirming those same messages—you are seen, you are safe, you matter—I knew that I had found my Mecca.
Volunteering at SEGA
I was lucky to work with a group of Pre-Form girls—young students beginning their SEGA journeys, eager to improve their English skills. From day one, their enthusiasm blew me away. These girls ran to class in wool sweaters under the blazing African sun, never once complaining. They showed up every day with joy, curiosity, and a hunger to learn. I’d come from a school system where students often took education for granted. At SEGA, it was sacred.
I was assigned to teach a group of seven intermediate English learners alongside two other volunteers. We weren’t ESL specialists, but we brought music, games, rhythm, and joy into the classroom. We taught geography and math through movement, sang “Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?” and watched the girls grow bolder in their voices and brighter in their confidence each day.
One moment I’ll never forget: A shy student politely raised her hand and walked to the board to correct a spelling error I had made. I was so proud of her bravery. We celebrated her, and used that moment to talk about how mistakes are part of learning. In another moment, I watched a bright girl mentally translate Swahili into English, her eyes lighting up with every “aha” moment. It felt like watching her mind bloom in real time.
Each evening, we’d gather for team debriefs, swapping lesson ideas, flops, and wins. We weren’t just teaching—we were building community. And the camaraderie among volunteers was magical.
Keeping the Connection Alive
The spirit of SEGA is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It lives in the way the girls support one another, lifting each other up without hesitation. It lives in the teachers and staff who pour love and belief into every child. And it lives in the quiet courage of every volunteer who says “yes” to showing up, even without knowing exactly what they’re stepping into.
With SEGA Graduates Uweza and Maggie at a House Party I hosted for Nurturing Minds and SEGA!
I came to SEGA hoping to teach. But I left feeling like I had received far more than I gave. So it is no surprise that leaving SEGA wasn’t easy. I boarded the plane home with a full heart, and a deep desire to stay connected. I had seen firsthand the power of SEGA’s mission and the brilliance of the girls—and I knew I wanted to stay part of their journey. Becoming a scholarship supporter for a student felt like a natural next step.
For me, supporting a SEGA scholarship wasn’t just about financial support—it was about continuity. It was another way to say yes to SEGA’s girls. Another way to say, “I still see you. I still believe in you.”
It allowed me to stay connected to a place and a purpose that had moved me deeply. Even from thousands of miles away, knowing I can play a role, however small, in helping a girl access opportunity, education, and safety—it’s a gift.
Just Say Yes!
I went to SEGA thinking it would be good for me—a new experience, a chance to do some good in the world. What I didn’t expect was the gift I would bring home: a renewed sense of self-confidence and possibility. What can’t I do? I just went to Africa by myself!
This experience reminded me that growth lives just on the other side of discomfort. You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable—embrace the unknown, even when it’s scary. Because that’s where transformation happens.
At SEGA, I watched girls take control of their destinies. Yes, they have to put in the work—but the path is theirs to walk. Their voice. Their education. Their future. And witnessing that kind of power? It changes you.
SEGA brought out the best in me. It reminded me of the strength in connection, the beauty of vulnerability, and the importance of showing up—even when you’re not entirely sure how.
I came back full. Lit up. Hopeful.
If I had to sum it all up in three words? Just say yes.
Ready to Say Yes?
This fall, we invite you to experience SEGA for yourself. Whether you’re an educator, lifelong learner, or simply someone looking to give back in a meaningful way, volunteering through the English Fluency Program might be your next great yes.
