A knock at the door

Up to then, my life unfolded in a simple and predictable manner. I grew up in Agadir, a bustling coastal city, and earned a degree in English literature at a university there. I found joy in studying English, but I yearned to be pushed beyond my comfort zone.

Meeting Imane

I first met Imane (“Amy” was her American name) at a weekly drama club in university. One afternoon I was pouring my heart into Mercutio’s passionate lines from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. At the end of the rehearsal, Imane approached me, introduced herself, and asked if I would be her Tashlehit language tutor. I accepted without hesitation.

I didn’t just tutor her. Over the following months I also worked with Imane on a radio program about the dangers of dehydration among children. Our completed project was broadcast for several weeks and successfully raised awareness in the community.

Through our work together, Imane saw my ability to teach and inspire. She saw a talent for breaking down complex ideas into accessible bits of information, and a passion for making a difference. She noticed I captivated an audience and connected with people. I had never appreciated these qualities in myself, but I began to see myself through Imane's eyes—as someone capable of leading, teaching, and inspiring others.

A knock at the door

One day, Imane paid me an evening visit. The sun was setting, casting long shadows and painting the sky with hues of orange and red. It was Ramadan, and my family had just broken our fast when there was a knock. My little sister rushed to the door, then called, "Rachid, Rachid, Imane is here!"

Imane was not alone. Khalid, the administrative assistant for Peace Corps, was with her. They sat down with us to enjoy green tea and cookies. I still remember the sweet taste of the tea. As we savored the last sips and the final crumbs of cookies, Khalid leaned in with a smile and said, "We would like to offer you a summer job as a Tashlehit language instructor with the Peace Corps.” I was taken aback. Me, a language instructor for the Peace Corps? The idea seemed surreal, yet I felt a spark of excitement.

First job with the Peace Corps

So, that summer of 1990, I embarked on my first solo journey outside my hometown to teach with the Peace Corps in Mehdia. To get to the pre-service training center, I traveled by bus, train, and taxi for a day and a half, each leg of the trip revealing a new facet of Morocco’s diverse landscape. The pre-service training center stood as a beacon of new beginnings, and I stepped into this new chapter with a heart full of excitement. I taught for six years.

Working with Peace Corps Volunteers was not just about teaching and learning; it was a cultural exchange. Volunteers embraced Moroccan traditions with open hearts and minds, eager to immerse themselves in the culture and make a positive impact. They came from various parts of the U.S., each with a unique perspective and story. Teaching them gave me insights into different American sub-cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Hooked on public health

Over time, I found that the Health Volunteers' work in hygiene and sanitation captivated me. I was drawn to their training technical sessions, so I facilitated field practicums. Soon public health turned from an interest to a passion.

In 1995, some Volunteer friends encouraged me to study public health in the U.S. I dismissed the idea. I didn’t have a science background. I didn’t believe I could get accepted into, or afford, a public health program in the U.S. But one Volunteer told me about the Fulbright Program, which was inviting Moroccans interested in studying in the U.S. to apply. She helped me study and guided me through the process, which included the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). In September of 1996, I learned I was one of seven Moroccans selected to study in the U.S. I was overwhelmed with joy and disbelief.

Studying public health in the U.S.

Leaving Morocco for the U.S. was monumental. Once again, I was stepping into the unknown. Everything in the United States looked big. The pace of life was fast. I remember the orderly queues and punctuality of public transportation. In 1999 I received my master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That moment was a culmination of years of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of Peace Corps Volunteers who believed in me.

My first public health job

After earning the degree, I moved from the lushness of North Carolina to the arid terrain of El Paso, Texas. I worked as a trauma research coordinator at a hospital. The two states had vastly different climates, cultures, and lifestyles, but it was an enriching experience. I learned to adapt to the new environment and embrace the culture, but my goal was to return to Morocco. At that time, there was no clear path to a job there. The public health sector was still evolving, and opportunities for specialized roles were limited.

Then, a virtual knock came in the form of an email from Peace Corps Morocco. The Health sector program manager asked about my interest in a program assistant position. I applied for the position, eager to bring my skills and experiences back to Morocco.

Return to Peace Corps Morocco

I returned home with a degree, a wealth of knowledge, and a deepened commitment to serving my country through the Peace Corps. Looking back, I am still in awe of the power of those knocks at the door. If it were not for Imane and the countless other Peace Corps Volunteers who encouraged me and pushed me to challenge my limits, I would not be where I am today. The Peace Corps altered my career path and broadened my horizons. It instilled in me confidence that has carried me through many challenges.

To all of you out there, eager to make a difference and to open a world of possibilities, I invite you to begin a transformative journey with the Peace Corps. This is the knock at your door.

Rachid's story was selected as a winning entry in "Tales of Transformation," a Peace Corps Week 2025 storytelling contest that showcases the changes individuals and communities can experience when the power of human connection is shared worldwide.