Devin R.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I was finishing up with my graduate degree and searching for opportunities that would directly reflect my field of study. My B.A. is in sports and recreation management and I came across the Peace Corps during my job search. I did some research about the organization and duties and determined this would be an exciting experience. I was intrigued by the location, the culture, and the opportunity to serve the country in a different way after serving in the Air Force.

2. What projects are you working on?

The main project I’m working on is the YES project, which stands for youth empowered by sports. Being able to show the youth of Belize the importance of sports along with incorporating life skills is very fulfilling. I work in collaboration with the sports council, counterparts at my school, village members, and other local organizations to achieve the goal of keeping youth active in sports. I’ve helped to establish a sports club at my school alongside my counterparts in the community.

In addition to the sports initiative, I also help with an afterschool literacy program which aims to improve the reading, writing, and spelling ability of the youth. I try to stay as busy as possible so that I’m able to provide help and assistance in the community on a daily basis.

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

The main strategy is just making myself visible and available. I try to attend as many community events and meetings as possible. I’m always asking my counterparts if there’s anything else I can do to help. I want them to know that I’m here to serve and not to be afraid to ask me for help. I’m always willing to adjust my schedule or plans to try and meet the needs of the community. The kids know I’m always available and willing to play sports. As long as you make yourself known and state your purpose and intentions early on you should have no problem integrating into the community and making a positive impact.

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

My whole service has been a highlight. Going to school and seeing smiles on kids’ faces is something I look forward to every week. Working alongside community members with sports and other activities is something I enjoy doing. I’ve also had the privilege of working two summer basketball camps run by an NBA player, which was an awesome experience. I was able to learn new things and build new connections that I will take into the future.

One of the biggest highlights has to be the graduation for the primary school in the village. It was nice seeing the kids that I worked with all year take that next step in their lives. I was also awarded a certificate of appreciation at the graduation ceremony, which really took me by surprise and made my day.

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

The thing I’ve enjoyed most about the community is the importance they put on being a family. Everybody in the village knows one another so I feel like I’m one of them. Every person greets me with respect and trusts me with the youth of the community. My counterparts have shown me around the village and introduced me to all the parents and people so that I am not a stranger. One of my counterparts even tells me she looks at me as her son. That means a lot to me because it lets me know I’m integrating well and have been embraced by the community.

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

I have learned to be more patient than I already am. When people say “right now,” they don’t actually mean at this very second. It takes time to get things done so just relax and don’t panic or stress over time. Things run on “Belizean time” as people like to say out here, so just learning how to adapt from a very punctual military lifestyle into a much more relaxed work environment and community was the biggest change I had to deal with.

7. How do you spend time when you are not working on a project?

When not working on a project I like to do a few different things. I enjoy playing sports with locals, traveling and exploring new locations, hanging with fellow Volunteers, drawing, and eating new foods. Most of all I like to spend time with my girlfriend and her family. I’m currently dating a host country national and have been with her for almost a year now. I really enjoy being around her and her family and soaking up the culture. Her two little sisters are always teaching me new Kriol words, and her mother makes local Belizean dishes. It’s been a great relationship and I look forward to what the future holds.

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

I’m looking forward to resuming the primary school sports tournaments and watching youth compete. Last school year unfortunately the sports season was cut short and we were not able to complete all the games. The youth were disappointed especially since many of them won’t have the opportunity to compete next year because they have graduated. I’m excited for the boys and girls’ teams to compete in every sport this year, with the ultimate goal of bringing a championship trophy back to the village.

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