Three-time Volunteer has an ongoing impact

My Peace Corps journey started in Uganda and has evolved into three unique chapters, each one building on the lessons learned and growth along the way.

Stepping into the unknown

When I first served in Uganda, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although the prospect of working in such a different community was daunting, it also felt like the right path. The excitement of stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the unknown, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with people from a completely different culture motivated me to embrace the journey wholeheartedly.

Building strong connections

In Uganda, I served for 2 years in the role of Agricultural Business Advisor at an NGO in the resource-limited north. I collaborated closely with local leaders, healthcare providers, and organizations to support underserved families. My work centered on planning, human resources, and developing training programs aimed at empowering women and youth.

Throughout my service, I was deeply inspired by the community's strong sense of unity. One time a local business owner recognized me as a newcomer and generously built a hut for me to live in on his property during my time there. This gesture immediately made me feel welcome and gave me a deep sense of belonging.

Despite the limited resources available, the community’s resilience, cooperation, and generosity in sharing what they had made a significant impact. This collective effort, rooted in mutual support, led to meaningful change and kept me motivated.

The most meaningful part of my experience in Uganda was the relationships I formed. For example, I taught a group of women how to plant “sack” gardens in their village in order to feed their families during the dry winter months. Their success was so impactful that they passed on the knowledge to other villages, empowering more women to do the same.

My age and life experiences also helped me connect with people on a deep level. Relationships, built on respect and community, became the core of my service.

Leaving Uganda

My time in Uganda was unexpectedly cut short by the pandemic; the Peace Corps made the difficult decision to evacuate Volunteers about a year into my service. I left just as I was beginning to truly integrate into the community, a transition that was both challenging and abrupt. Despite the early end to my service, I learned that the true essence of service is not measured by the tasks completed but by the relationships built. For example, after I left, my Ugandan counterpart went on to start her own NGO serving another tribal community, and I continue to collaborate with her and offer support to this day.

Return to service in Grenada

In 2023, my drive to serve led me to Grenada. For a year, I served as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer, collaborating with the Ministry of Education on eLearning, digital literacy, and teachers’ professional development. By supporting teachers and enhancing the learning environment, I helped strengthen the local education system. This experience deepened my passion for creating positive change through education and strengthened my Volunteer skill set in collaboration, flexibility and relationship building.

New challenges in Mongolia

I am currently serving as a 2-year Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia, focusing on English Education and Community Development. In this role, I support local English teachers and contribute to projects that foster community growth and collaboration. The experience has pushed me to adapt to new challenges, such as learning a new language. I’ve improved my language skills by watching local TV shows, listening to Mongolian music, and engaging with locals. I’ve also had to adapt to the extreme cold of Mongolia’s winter by investing in high-quality winter outerwear and footwear, and learning to layer my clothing. These experiences have greatly enhanced my resilience and adaptability.

Lasting impact through service and relationships

Each of these experiences has shaped my approach to service. Through it all, I’ve learned that service is not about completing tasks. It’s about the connections I’ve formed, the communities I’ve served, and the resilience shared with those I’ve worked alongside. The impact of my work is not always immediately apparent, but the small, meaningful actions that build trust and foster growth create long-term impact. It’s a legacy that continues to evolve long after my service ends.