Andrew L.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps, specifically the VSP program?

As a first generation Ukrainian American, I felt fortunate to be posted in the country of my parents and ancestors during my service in 2017-18, and I maintained many close connections after I returned to the U.S. When the opportunity arose to continue my Peace Corps service with the Virtual Service Pilot (VSP), my interest was immediately piqued. For my first service, I had originally applied to be in the Youth in Development sector, but Ukraine had a need in Community Economic Development (although I was able to get involved with several youth activities while in country). The VSP position was in Youth in Development, so I was finally able to work in the area of my greatest passion. Finally, I had worked with Oksana S., the Peace Corps regional manager in Ukraine, previously, and I can’t say enough about Oksana’s enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism. Having the opportunity to work with her again was a huge incentive for me as well.

2. What projects did you work on?

My job description was to “Support Ukrainian youth to set life goals and improve communication.” This broad description gave me the latitude and flexibility to use several techniques and methods to accomplish these goals.

First, I understood that the students and teacher I would be working with lived in “hot zone” with several military bases close by, and were subjected to constant air raid sirens and drone attacks. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the first need was to survive, and we touched upon that without making our meetings only about the war. The first goal for me was to establish trusting friendships, and we did that through a variety of icebreaking activities.

Once we had a wonderful group dynamic established, we moved on to a general discussion of what types of goals people have in their lives—educational, personal, financial, etc. We spoke also of the changing nature of goals depending on one’s age and stage of life.

Once we developed friendships and an understanding of goal setting, I began to bring in people I knew from different professions to give the students a chance to hear about careers they might want to pursue. This process also established wonderful friendships and connections between my class in Ukraine and the fantastic guest speakers we were able to line up, especially the connection between an American high school in Boulder and the lyceum in a small city in western Ukraine.

Of course, these sessions also helped the students improve their English language skills, and particularly conversational and vernacular language as opposed to the academic English most Ukrainians have been taught. This was an approach I used in English clubs I ran while in the Peace Corps and after I returned.

3. What were the results of your collaborative work with the community?

First of all, wonderful and lasting friendships were developed, not only between me and the students and teacher, but with all of our guest speakers. Many speakers offered their contact information and an offer of help or advice as the students, who were all graduating at the end of the semester, pursued academic and professional goals and dreams.

Second, there was a marked improvement in language skills, and equally important for me, in self confidence and self esteem.

This approach evolved naturally and organically, and apparently was successful to the point that I was asked to return to work with the next class in the fall semester. I couldn’t be more pleased.

4. What was a highlight of your VSP experience?

There are more highlights than I can begin to mention, all recorded on the Zoom library containing every one of our meetings, but if there is a highlight, it’s in the comparison of our first and last meetings, and in the tears of parting and the real love we all felt for each other by the time our sessions ended.

5. What strategies did you use to meet the challenges of a short-term and remote experience?

Most of the strategies I used are those that have been successful for me in my professional and personal life. Quite simply, anything that makes a person feel heard, validated, cared about and worthwhile can be used to establish trust and accomplish common goals. My experience running a Zoom English club was immediately transferable to the VSPP model as well. My personal desire to be of service to the world, and my love of Ukraine and Ukrainians certainly helped.

6. What did you bring away from your experience as a VSP Participant?

I gained an appreciation of our ability to change lives virtually, especially in a country actively at war. I also came to see the similarities of young people around the world—their hopes and dreams, and their desire to lead peaceful, productive lives. The resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian youth was absolutely inspiring and will motivate me for the rest of my own life.

7. How did the VSP experience compare to your previous Peace Corps service?

While there were some similarities, the simple fact that my VSPP service occurred in the midst of a brutal invasion and ongoing war made the experience drastically different, and the need for me to be as effective as possible even more crucial. The cultural knowledge that I gained during my in-country service (even though I have been immersed in it since birth), is very valuable to bring to a remote program.

8. What would you say to someone considering the Virtual Service Pilot?

If you were lucky enough to have been born with a desire to serve, or have found how rewarding such a life can be, do it. The commitment is really minimal compared to other opportunities, and the impact you can have is immeasurable. I’m so happy that the Peace Corps has developed such a program to continue the agency’s goals.