The most important thing I learned during my service was how to redefine success. In the beginning, I felt I needed to achieve the objectives of my program quickly and work on big projects to be successful. However, I learned that success doesn’t come very quickly, so I found joy in smaller things, like seeing a family boiling their water consistently or having a good conversation.

In 2016, my husband Clint and I left our jobs and our home of almost 25 years behind in California to serve for the first time as Peace Corps Volunteers in Guatemala.

In Peru, food is love. Cooking, a large part of the culture, is a favorite pastime in many families and is a way to show respect and camaraderie.

Peace Corps Response sends Volunteers on highly specialized assignments for 12 months or less. If you have a background in teaching English as a foreign language, special education, or developing training materials, these might be the positions for you!

Each and every day is a chance to protect and better our planet. Whether they’re an educator, agriculturalist, or environmentalist, Peace Corps Volunteers strive to make a positive environmental impact in their countries of service.

It was the Spring of 2013 and I had just accepted the offer to serve as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Philadelphia.

Peace Corps Response offers volunteer opportunities for experienced professionals to serve in communities around the world. 

Growing up, I always said I wanted to help people.