Emily F.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I was in my final year of university looking at grad schools and in my gut, it didn’t feel like the correct next move to make. One day I was talking with a trusted professor about not knowing what I really wanted to do after university. She had a friend who served in the Peace Corps in the early 2000s and she remembered how much she enjoyed it. We sat in her office and looked up the Peace Corps website, and it just felt right.

2. What projects are you working on?

I teach health education for grades 2-4 and personal development for grades 5 and 6. In grades 2-4 we focus on personal hygiene and in classes 5-6 we talk about reproductive health.

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

My students! My school has about 200 students so I get to see and talk with all of them throughout the week, even though I only teach about 100 of them. Because all the students know who I am, they like to greet me when I’m in the community! They usually are with their parents or family members and happily introduce me to them.

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

With all my students, we’ve talked about the importance of coughing and sneezing into your elbow and not into your hand to stop the spread of germs. One day in my health club, a boy sneezed into his hand and from across the room I saw four of his friends remind him to sneeze into his elbow.

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

My school: the students, my Peace Corps teacher partners, the other teachers, and the administration! The whole school community has made me feel welcome as I adjust to life in Moldova.

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

There is a very strong sense of community and camaraderie at my site. Moldovans are very hospitable as well. It creates a team- oriented atmosphere where everyone is willing to help each other out.

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

I usually spend time with my host family or explore the community.

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

I’m looking forward to spring in Moldova. The winters here can be long and dreary and spring brings a liveliness back into the community. It’s like everyone is waking up from a deep sleep. Everyone spends more time outside, working in their gardens, going for walks, or just socializing in the fresh air. The days grow longer and add a spring to everyone’s step.

9. Once you finish your service, what will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

Coming from the Midwest, I can be very task oriented. Being here in Moldova, most people are community oriented. When I return to the U.S., I’ll try to make more time to socialize with friends and family.