Brynn S.

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

I was initially drawn to the Peace Corps after taking a sociology course on "The Sociology of Peace" during my freshman year of university. The class and its professor had a profound impact on me, shifting the trajectory of my career and personal life. I realized that peace is not just an abstract concept but something that can be achieved through everyday actions. The Peace Corps mission aligned perfectly with my passion for sustainable development and education. The Peace Corps Response program, in particular, appealed to me because it offered an opportunity to utilize my skills and experiences in a targeted and impactful way.

2. What projects are you working on with your community?

I am currently working in Belize in partnership with the Ministry of Education. My primary focus is on strengthening the capacity of lower division teachers to provide small-group literacy intervention to children who are reading below grade level. I serve as a literacy coach in three assigned schools and also work at the District Education Centre. My role involves demonstrating lessons to teachers, providing instructional support, facilitating collaborative workshops, and helping interpret assessment data. By working closely with the local community and education stakeholders, I aim to contribute to the goal of ensuring that all students in Belize are reading at or above grade level.

3. How have you leveraged your previous professional experience and skills in your service?

Prior to joining the Peace Corps, I interned at my university’s Center for Sustainable Development and volunteered with multiple nonprofits focused on sustainable development and education. After graduation, I served as an Education Volunteer in Colombia before being evacuated early due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I spent the next two years home in South Carolina teaching a 7th grade geography and world cultures class. These experiences helped me develop skills in project management, community engagement, teaching and curriculum design.

In my Response role as a literacy coach, I draw upon these skills to design and implement effective literacy interventions, collaborate with teachers and community members, and assess the impact of our efforts. For example, I have used my project management skills to coordinate and implement workshops on campus during my university years, and now I apply those skills to facilitate teacher workshops implementing effective literacy interventions. My classroom experience both in the States and in Colombia also has helped me to relate and work alongside Belizean educators in their classrooms.

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

I have always been very passionate about language. I became fluent in Spanish during my service in Colombia, and although English is the official language of Belize, I have also been learning the basics of Belizean Kriol, the Garifuna language, and Q’eqchi’ Maya.

My time serving in Colombia also gave me an opportunity to connect my passion for language to peace. I believe that peace is about listening and being heard, so teaching a language to others and learning a new language myself had a strong connection to peace.

As I focus on literacy development in Belize, I see a connection to peace as well. I feel that the ability for all to be able to read and write their own stories is what allows us to connect with one another across the globe, and I’m honored help the next generation of Belizeans share their stories with the world.

Another highlight has been the relationships that I have formed. I am still in touch with my host families and friends in Colombia and have no doubt that my relationships in Belize will be just as lasting. These relationships have enriched my understanding of the local context and allowed me to make a more significant impact. The bonds I have formed and friendships I have made in my community have been incredibly rewarding.

5. What strategies have you used to meet the challenges of a Response Volunteer experience?

Being a Peace Corps Volunteer comes with its own unique set of challenges. To overcome these challenges, I have leaned on various strategies.

For language barriers, I have dedicated time and effort to learning the local languages to enhance my communication and integration. I have approached cultural differences with an open mind, embracing the local customs and traditions while also sharing my own background and staying true to my own customs and values. Adapting to new environments has involved being flexible and resilient, embracing change, and seeking support from fellow Volunteers and community members. To manage the emotional challenges of being away from home, I have thankfully been able to stay connected with loved ones through regular phone communication. Some of my friends and family were even able to visit me over the holidays!

6. How will the skills you are developing help you in the future?

Through my Peace Corps service, I am developing a range of skills that will be valuable in my future endeavors. These skills include project management, community engagement, intercultural communication, curriculum design, and data analysis. The ability to work effectively in diverse and challenging environments, adapt to new situations, and collaborate with various stakeholders will be essential in any future professional role. Additionally, the experience of serving as a literacy coach and implementing data-driven interventions will enhance my expertise in the fields of education and sustainable development. These skills will not only benefit me personally but also enable me to make a positive impact in my future career, whether in the education sector or other areas aligned with my passions.

Want to learn more about serving in Peace Corps Response? Connect with a recruiter today.