Gabriella V.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

My mom is the inspiration for my decision to join the Peace Corps. Growing up she used to travel to amazing countries while working for the State Department and USAID. Although my sisters and I always missed her when she was away, we always looked forward to seeing the pictures she took, hearing about the people she met, and of course, receiving souvenirs. Whether she was gone for a week or a month, my mom got to know each culture she came into contact with, made friends with every local she met, and always spoke fondly of her work in international development. This was something I always wanted for myself. It wasn’t until I was in high school preparing for college and thinking of possible career paths when she introduced me to her close friend Danna, who volunteered for the Peace Corps in Armenia. Danna told me that if I wanted to follow in my mom’s footsteps, Peace Corps was the way to go and ever since, the Peace Corps became goal of mine.

2. What projects are you working on?

Local teachers identified bullying, low self-esteem and drug/alcohol use as growing problems in my community. To address this issue I created weekly guidance counseling workshops for different age groups. Most of the workshops focus on life skills for students at the elementary and high school level, including better communication, improved self-esteem, making healthy choices, and learning how to resolve conflicts.

Additionally, because both youth and adults felt that there were few arts and recreation opportunities for youth, I teach beginner violin classes to kids at and beyond my site, and helped create an elementary school band.

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

A strategy that helped me integrate into my community, especially during my first year of service, was saying “yes” to any invitations to social gatherings, meet-ups, and events. Costa Ricans are some of the friendliest people I have ever met and are always willing to help Volunteers learn more about their country and culture. By saying “yes” to these invitations, I discovered new places and made close friends.

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

The highlight of my service so far has been getting to know the kids. They all have unique and funny interests and personalities, making it a blast to work with them. It is also especially heartwarming when students get excited to see me around school and ask, “When are we going to work with you again? We miss you!” It reminds me of how much of an impact I am making in my community.

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

There are three things that I love the most about my site. The first is that there is always something going on in my site, whether it's soccer games, band practice, zumba classes, or bingo. The second thing I love about my community is that everyone knows each other. Everyone is somehow a second cousin of someone else and overall, this has made it so fun and interesting to integrate into my community. Lastly, I love that my site is surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills and mountains.

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

The most important thing I’ve learned in my community is that “pura vida” (pure life) isn’t just a phrase but a lifestyle. My coworkers have helped me realize that while it is important to do your job and be productive, it also is important to not let work consume you. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Some things will figure themselves out in their own time and in their own way. In other words, I’ve learned that sometimes it is better to be a more type B than type A personality.

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

When I am not working at the elementary or high school in my community, I am usually playing volleyball. I play with a group that consists of over 20 members (6th grade students and up, as well as parents and other community members), usually three times a week. This has been my favorite way of being active at site and it has been a wonderful way of meeting people, making friends, and growing closer to students I work with. Additionally, it has been a great outlet for students to let off steam, build confidence, and learn how to work as a team. Overall, I take so much pride in being my students’ biggest cheerleader and watching them grow as they play the sport.

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

I most look forward to continuing the projects that my students have enjoyed during our time together, as well as continuing to build on the relationships that I have created during my time in my community. While I have been a support system to many of my students, they along with school staff have been my support as well. I look forward to just living in the moment and cherishing every last moment with everyone.

9. What will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

When I return to the U.S. I plan to practice more gratitude and optimism. While service can be difficult and lonely at times, I have learned to be gracious, patient, and optimistic with myself and all of my experiences because I have worked hard to fulfill my dream as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and the needs of my community. My goal is to apply that mindset in everything I do once I am back home.

I also aim to have more appreciation for basic things such as human connection, wildlife/nature, and resources such as electricity and transportation. Lastly, I plan to take with me the habits I’ve developed at site, such as carrying reusable grocery bags with me at all times, and making a simple cup of pour-over coffee.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica.