Today we’d like to introduce you to Anneka Schweizer.
Anneka, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve gotten to where I am today because I said yes. Said yes to the unknown and getting out of my comfort zone by deciding to go to Uganda, Africa at 16 years old and then again every year for the next three years to bring clean water to villages, to build a school, to play with the village kids, and most importantly to learn from the beautiful people of Uganda. This trip sparked something in me that I’ll forever be grateful for: my passion for learning, not in the traditional way but, learning from people and their stories because it is so humbling being able to experience cultures so vastly different than my own. Since my trips to Africa, it sparked this never-ending drive to learn more about people and help in any way that I could. So, in college, I went to El Salvador three times with a friend’s nonprofit to bring clean water to a beach town in El Salvador. Since then, I’ve always continued to feel this need to stay out of my comfort zone, I felt like the only way to grow personally and challenge myself was to do things that aren’t typical (like go to Africa for the first time at 16 without my parents). So, a year ago, I decided I wanted to move to Spain to teach English for a year. I had never been to Spain, never even lived outside of San Diego but got a great opportunity and once again decided to say yes. It’s then that I decided to launch The Weekend Club, which is just a simple expression of who I am and what I’m passionate about, in hopes that it encourages whoever it may be to explore and learn about a new place one weekend at a time. Whether that be the new neighborhood coffee shop or a famous European city, it’ll always be worth it!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve definitely had some bumps in the road to say the least, however in those bumpy patches that is where you learn the most about yourself. That is where you are forced to be strong, that is where you are changed and that is when you dust yourself off and tell yourself that it’s still possible. You might have to take it day by day or even minute by minute but in the end, it’s worth it to keep going and say yes. Over the years, I’ve gotten parasites, ringworm from playing with the village kids, food poisoning, and my personal favorite was the most recent, eye surgery in Spain (completely in Spanish and completely alone). So, there have been challenges along the way, to say the least, but what I’ve learned is no matter what is going on, don’t give up. Keep striving for growth, keep the romance alive when it comes to your passions because that is what will help you overcome those obstacles.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Weekend Club – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Still in the process of figuring it all out, but for now, I want to be known for my passion for people and learning about other cultures. This world is so big and beautiful and it’s such a humbling experience to be able to walk alongside village kids in Uganda or learn from a beach local in El Salvador. The Weekend Club was created to be a space for that; where I jot down thoughts, post pictures and write down my favorite gems of each place. These gems range from my favorite garden to favorite coffee shops! I also decided that along with the name of each place I would add an adjective that I felt encompassed that place, in hopes that when others go out and explore new spots they truly reflect on what made it special for them. Nowadays, it’s so easy to just snap pictures and post them on Instagram and miss the true character of a city, so hopefully this inspires somebody, anybody really, to take time to reflect on the special qualities a place can have next time they visit!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Put yourself out there. Be curious & don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theweekendclub.net
- Email: anneka.schweizer@gmail.com
- Instagram: theweekendclub_
Image Credit:
Philip Tran
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