Princess N.

1. What were your primary responsibilities during service?

I worked as a health educator at the Ministry of Health and the West Demerara Regional Hospital. I trained the trainers through seminars in data collection and data entry related to chronic and communicable diseases, computer literacy, growth charting and monitoring, and nutrition.

2. What projects did you collaborate on with your community?

I partnered with HIV/AIDS support groups and a juvenile diabetes support group. I secured additional funding through PEPFAR grants, Friends of Guyana (FROG) grants, and local community in-kind donations. I provided literacy training for the HIV/AIDS support group and created a curriculum to teach basic computer and typing skills. For the juvenile diabetes group, I helped establish a public/private partnership to secure supplies, hold educational seminars, and conduct family health education retreats.

3. How did Peace Corps service influence your professional development?

Peace Corps is the hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever had. Peace Corps provided valuable training and hands-on experience that cannot be replicated. I used my non-competitive eligibility status to obtain my position as a health science specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In hindsight I now understand that technical skills can be taught to anyone. Peace Corps service enhances Volunteers’ intangible skills like optimism, integrity, empathy, self awareness, curiosity, and most importantly, resilience. It is these intangible skills that serve Returned Peace Corps Volunteers throughout their lives.

4. How do you use some of the skills you honed during service in your current job?

As a principal investigator, I continue to use my grant writing skills to conduct health services research focused on women veterans. Project management skills gained in the Peace Corps are integrated in my daily work. 

5. How have you shared your experience to help those at home understand the value of Peace Corps service and communities abroad?

I regularly participate in Peace Corps recruitment sessions held at the University of Alabama.

6. What Peace Corps benefits have been useful to you?

Immediately upon return, I used my readjustment allowance to travel to every state in the U.S. on a motorcycle. I used non-competitive eligibility to secure my current position.

7. How have your remained involved with the Peace Corps community following service?

I have kept in touch with many RPCVs from my cohort; one friend from Peace Corps Guyana moved to Alabama upon her return and became my roommate; five years later she purchased a house two doors down from mine. My best friend from Guyana came to the U.S. and was a bridesmaid in my wedding and I traveled back to Guyana to be a bridesmaid in her wedding.

I am an active member of the National Peace Corps Association and the Greater Birmingham Returned Peace Corps Volunteer organization. I have donated to the Friends of Guyana (FROG) RPCV funding initiative. I try to visit Guyana every other year, I truly love the country and all the people that make it what it is.

8. What advice do you have for Volunteers just returning from their service?

Prior to joining the typical 9-5 hustle, explore something you’ve always wanted to do. Perhaps travel more, explore different hobbies—something that brings you joy outside of work. American work culture doesn’t accommodate extensive time off once you become entrenched in a career. The transition from Peace Corps service back to the U.S. is the perfect time to focus on your passions.