Starting volunteering with ENGin
Carrie Kempner Getz joined ENGin in December 2022, and since then, her involvement has only deepened. She currently meets with two buddies, focusing on conversational English. Together, they read media articles related to their professions and interests, which has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding how English slang permeates culture and politics.
“We will often find topics that organically arise and follow this path,” she shares.
Fashion and Friendship
One of Carrie’s buddies, Mitya, is a shoe and fashion designer. Their relationship blossomed to the point where they met in person at Berlin Fashion Week for Mitya’s runway show. His work, crafted entirely from recycled materials, was showcased by models from Unbroken (Ukrainian National Rehabilitation Center), making the experience incredibly powerful. Carrie notes that Mitya’s confidence and fluency in spoken English have significantly improved, highlighting the impact of their sessions.
Learning and Enriching Experiences
Volunteering with ENGin has been an informative and enriching experience for Carrie. Through her interactions, she has learned about Ukrainian culture, daily life during wartime, and the unwavering spirit of Ukrainian citizens.
“I have made true friendships with my English and yoga buddies,” Carrie shares.
They discuss a wide range of topics, from politics and fashion to travel and recipes, making every conversation enriching.
Yoga Classes with ENGin
In January 2023, Carrie started teaching yoga classes to ENGin students and volunteers. The classes, held twice a week, have formed a core group of regular yogis who are always happy to welcome new faces in their virtual Zoom studio. For Carrie, ENGin Yoga is more than just physical exercise; it’s a way for students to approach self-care in times of tremendous stress. The classes integrate yoga philosophy, anatomy, meditation, and Chakra work, offering a holistic approach to well-being.
Building a Yoga Community
The ENGin yoga group often stays on after class to check in as a Kula, or yoga community. The classes are attended not just by ENGin students but also their beloved pets and children. Carrie’s gentle, non-judgmental approach ensures that everyone feels comfortable, regardless of their yoga experience.
“This practice is about how you feel in your body and breath,” she explains.
It’s not about achieving the perfect pose but about creating safety, strength, and ease for all participants.
Personal Connections
Carrie’s dedication extends beyond group classes. She meets one-on-one with several yoga students, including Amina, who continues to practice despite the challenges of war and power outages. Their friendship has grown, and they hope to meet in a time of peace in Lviv.
One of her students, Olessia, even accompanies the class on her flute, adding a unique musical element to their practice. A memorable moment for Carrie was a weekend in Warsaw, where she met Olessia and another ENGin yogi, Irina.
“We practiced yoga, toured, listened to music, ate, talked, and walked all weekend,” she recalls.
This “crazy idea,” as Olessia called it, turned into a beautiful in-person connection, demonstrating the power of the ENGin community.
Life Outside of Volunteering
Carrie has spent her entire life living just outside New York City, raising two sons and transitioning from a career as a textile designer to fitness and yoga (over the past 20 years). For Carrie, yoga is a way of experiencing, feeling, and interacting in daily life. She is deeply connected to nature and loves being near water.
“Family and friends are primary in my life and my most cherished relationships,” she shared.
Gratitude for ENGin
Gratitude is a continual awareness for Carrie, and she includes the ENGin program high on her gratitude list. Volunteering with ENGin has not only allowed her to give back but has also enriched her life in countless ways, fostering deep connections and friendships that transcend borders and cultures. Carrie’s story is a testament to the power of online volunteering and the meaningful connections it creates. Her journey with ENGin highlights the endless volunteer opportunities available and the profound impact one can make in the lives of others.
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