Hannah L.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I was always interested in serving in the Peace Corps as a way to experience new cultures, communities, and languages. I talked with recruiters throughout college, but didn’t decide until my college professor brought in a previous student who shared her experience in the Peace Corps with our class. From her stories and the way she lit up talking about her community I knew that I wanted to have the same experience. The idea of meeting completely new groups of people and living alongside them sounded amazing.

2. What projects are you working on?

One project is a farmers’ market that includes local artisans and producers in my district while promoting eco-friendly practices. Another project is a youth group with the children in my community that focuses on simple practices to care for the local watershed and resources to help youth educate their community as well. Along with this group, there is an environmental group in the community working on a reforestation project along the banks of the main river in town. We are using local, native species that will help local runoff filter into the ground. Lastly, I have started a twice-weekly Zumba club in my community where we meet to dance our hearts out. This is a healthy intergenerational space to move around and learn dances from the U.S. and Panama.

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

I have relied heavily on three main strategies in my community. My first is what we call “pasearing,” which is walking around and visiting my neighbors’ houses. This is a perfect way to integrate, as people invite you into their homes with open arms, a plate of food, a fresh juice from whatever fruit is in season, and a lot of stories. I have also started a morning walking group with women in my neighborhood. We wake up every morning and share the daily gossip. This helps me understand what’s happening (and where) in the community. Lastly, working with kids is a great way to integrate into the community, as kids are always willing to play, talk, and show you around. I work with them in the local schools, play in the soccer field, and organize community events with them.

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

When I first came to Panama, I did not know Spanish and it was taxing for me to carry out conversations with host families and neighbors. Now, halfway through my service, I am able to have full conversations for hours with my walking group, at the farmers market, and with neighbors and friends. I have real relationships with individuals in my community and it has been an ongoing highlight to have these relationships grow into friendships.

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

My region in Panama is known for its coffee, and I love coffee. My community is full of coffee farms and roasteries, everywhere I look. My host family owns their own coffee farm and I have luckily been able to experience firsthand every step of coffee production. Aside from coffee, my community is full of people who are educated in the local flora and fauna, always willing to share their knowledge, and I am always happy to learn about it.

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

My community has taught me the importance of dedication and persistence. I have seen this through the groups I’ve formed and the groups of others. When they have their heart set on something, they work fast and hard to get it done. I have witnessed the community rally and stand up for what they believe in; it is truly awe inspiring. They have also taught me the importance of family and community; they have made me feel a part of it as well. They care for each other like family and I know I will take these values back to the States with me.

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

I have found it best to establish a daily routine for myself. I walk with my group in the morning and practice yoga in my home. I love to experiment with food and recipes in the kitchen, both local recipes and my own. I have roped some community members into my cookie baking endeavors and they all love it. I also have a home garden and plants that I care for, most of which have been gifted to me from neighbors and homes I visited. Reading in my hammock is a great pastime, especially with my Kindle. I am serving in the Peace Corps with my partner, and we like to spend time together playing games and going on runs in the community when we are not focused on projects.

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

I am looking forward to seeing how my current groups will grow and thrive. A few of my projects are newer and I look forward to seeing how they grow into something bigger and better next year. I am currently waiting to hear back about a grant to build a new soccer field in my community.

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

I will live at a slower pace. I used to always be on the run and constantly have things to do and work on in the U.S. I never made time to relax and enjoy life. Through the Peace Corps, I have learned to live peacefully and slow down. I will slow down, talk to people, and see the beauty of the day. I am also planning on using conversational skills I have developed here and apply them in my next job to emphasize the importance of relationships and human interactions.