I was born in Manila, Philippines, and my family immigrated to California when I was 11.

What if we taught children with disabilities in Moldova how to be young entrepreneurs? We could teach them skills that would allow them to be financially independent or, at the very least, ease the burden of home-care on their families. But how?

When I accepted my invitation to serve and began preparing to come to Moldova, one of my biggest questions was of course: what am I going to be eating every day?

We each have a unique opportunity to bring hope every day to someone.

When I came to Moldova I made a list of all the things I wanted to experience and learn. Things like: make mamaliga and eat it with my hands, visit the monastery at Orhei Vechi and the Soroca fortress, and learn embroidery.

“Do you have cheerleaders, like in the movies? Can you show us a cheer?”

May is nationally recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month.

Please don’t make me wear my big puffy jacket one more time!”

When I first started my Peace Corps Moldova journey back in June 2017, one thing I kept hearing was that you will have many difficult days, many great days, and few days where you feel truly successful.

Now I can safely say, I feel truly successful.

Sometimes Peace Corps Volunteers touch lives in unexpected places, such as on a dance floor or a basketball court.