Arthi S.

1. What inspired you to apply for this Peace Corps position?

I was inspired to apply to the Peace Corps because I was looking for an immersive service experience. I wanted a program that truly connected with the community and gave Volunteers the tools to make a difference. I knew that there was more to life than what is contained in a resume, that there was a whole world out there to explore beyond academic and professional experiences. This was my chance at a unique opportunity that would expand my horizons and a chance to dedicate myself to service.

2. What projects are you working on?

I work as a Secondary English Teacher in Cambodia. Aside from teaching, I work with students on public speaking, writing pen pal letters, and career development activities. Additionally, I collaborated with my host sister, an information and communications technology (ICT) and English teacher, to obtain a grant to purchase 25 computers, a projector, and Wi-Fi installation for 446 students. Previously, students who attended computer literacy classes learned using a whiteboard, pen, and paper because there were no computers. I was impressed to see the school work together to meticulously plan for this project. My host sister and I collaborated to develop a more structured curriculum using typing programs and cloud-based software. The students were so excited to see the computers that they became more active in class. Through the addition of computers, students now have access to a higher quality curriculum and additional online resources that has improved problem-solving skills and expanded career options.

3. What strategies have you used to integrate into your community?

Food is an integral part of how I connect with my host family and community. Since beginning my service, my host family has introduced me to various Khmer foods. At first, they were nervous I wouldn’t like the food, so they started with less spice and more noodle-based foods. The cuisine is similar to Indian food, so I had an easy adjustment period and found that I enjoyed Khmer cuisine early on in service. When my host family realized that I could eat everything, they introduced me to spicier soups and rice-based food. I have noticed that my host family feels proud that I can eat most Khmer food and always share with the people who come to visit how much I enjoy Khmer food. It has been an integral way of connecting with the community.

4. What is a highlight of your time in service so far?

In the first couple of weeks the students felt self-conscious about speaking English. I found that it was difficult to get students engaged because they were nervous about speaking with a native English speaker. I discussed with my counterpart the possibility of incorporating public speaking sessions into our lessons. We began by working on writing speeches and then reading them aloud to the class.

Eventually, we worked up their confidence, and I proposed the idea of presenting their speeches at the afternoon ceremony. I was expecting all the students to oppose this idea, but to my surprise, some students volunteered. For the next couple of weeks, the students memorized their speeches and practiced presenting them.

Finally, the day arrived, and the students were ready to present their speeches. Minutes before going up in front of the whole school, I could feel them buzzing with nerves. Despite their nerves, they stepped up, spoke smoothly and confidently, and it was one of the most meaningful moments I've ever witnessed.

This event was the moment when I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself. The students went from refusing to speak in class to confidently speaking in front of the whole school in a second language. I was beyond proud of them, and their confidence carried on into our classroom dynamic. I feel so lucky to witness these kids face their fears and grow into confident versions of themselves, which I know they will carry with them throughout their lives.

5. What have you enjoyed most about the community where you are serving?

I have enjoyed attending Cambodian weddings, which have been a great way to meet new people and connect with others through dance and food. Cambodian weddings take months of preparation, leading to a big celebration. The venue is grandly decorated, and there’s a variety of food for all the guests. Everyone is dressed in traditional Khmer outfits for the morning ceremony and a nice dress in the evening. For about four months, I attended weddings every weekend. I love dancing, so my aunts taught me traditional Khmer dances. My host sisters are also around my age and love introducing me to new Khmer dances and new music. At every wedding, my host family and I end up staying the whole night and are some of the last people to leave the venue. So many of my favorite memories with my host family have been at weddings.

6. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from your community?

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that community is the key to fulfillment. I live in a full house with about 14 people. I live with my host parents, some of their siblings, their kids, and grandchildren. Living in a house with that many people is chaotic, but in the best way. There is always someone to hang out with, and everyone is very involved in everyone's lives. No matter how busy my family is, they always make it home for dinner, and we eat together and share the latest community news. Our dinners always last a couple of hours because we update each other on our days, play games with the kids, and clean up together. It’s the highlight of my day!

7. What are you looking forward to in your remaining time as a Volunteer?

I am looking forward to staying present and soaking up the last couple of months. Lately, my students have been asking if I could stay to teach another year. It has also been hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that in a couple of months, I won’t be living in Cambodia anymore. Leaving is probably one of the hardest parts of service. I am so grateful to my community, which welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family.

8. Tell us your favorite phrase in the local language.

My favorite phrase in the local language is “susu!” It is used to encourage someone to do their best; basically, it means “good luck.” When students are feeling nervous about tests, or before we start team games, I always use this phrase with them. When I get to class and we shout the phrase together it usually brings a smile to their faces.

9. What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Peace Corps?

If you’re thinking about joining the Peace Corps, I can guarantee it will be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. Peace Corps will definitely test you in so many different ways, physically and emotionally. My daily life looked entirely different, from the way I dressed to the language I spoke, to what I ate and who I lived with. Everything was new and seemed daunting, but the change felt exhilarating. There were many moments when I would stress about doing or saying the wrong thing, but my community members have been so understanding. They welcomed me with open arms and helped me integrate into the community. My Peace Corps experience has had its ups and downs, but all the downs were worth it for those highs.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cambodia.