Heather K.

“There is a lane lined by old mango and cocoa trees, where the breeze blows just right. Sitting there in the shade, listening to the birds and leaves rustling and enjoying the sounds of nature and greeting community members as they pass by is sublime.”

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

Previously I moved to Honduras and in my free time I was volunteering to teach classes in English, literacy and self-reliance. I realized that there was a great need for skills transfer in many parts of the world.

2. What projects are you working on?

I am currently running a reading lab where students can come and work on literacy skills, read, or do other activities. This is also where I do individual pull-outs and small groups, reading club, and a robotics coding club. I have implemented a reading incentive program for students to read outside of the classroom that aims to increase independent reading, called the Reading Lions. I developed and maintain several resource centers for students and staff. I also teach a community class for adults and participate in a book club. In addition, I am also writing and editing our post’s first Volunteer cookbook, which has been challenging.

Heather works one-on-one with students of all abilities to improve reading skills.

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

One of the best strategies is to sit outside, whether on my veranda, the stairs, under a tree, or at a shop. Being outside gives you the opportunity to meet people and for people to become familiar with you. Shopping at small local shops is another way to make integration easier. Shopkeepers become more welcoming and you meet a lot of regular customers that can become friends.

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

The highlight of my service so far has been watching the growth of my students. I have kindergartners who could not read initially who now read whole books on their own. Also, watching my Reading Lions achieve goals and heights I did not think possible. To observe their eagerness to read is inspiring. They have read and reported on over 500 books and we are still counting!

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

There is a lane lined by old mango and cocoa trees, where the breeze blows just right. Sitting there in the shade, listening to the birds and leaves rustling and enjoying the sounds of nature and greeting community members as they pass by is sublime.

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

Resilience, patience, flexibility. Seeing the world from differing perspectives.

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

I often go down to the river to swim or explore old estate ruins. I also enjoy creating things through writing, photography and reading. I’ve recently taken up the Melodica (a handheld keyboard that you blow through to make a sound), and that brings me a lot of enjoyment.

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

Spending time with my Grenadian friends, family and community. Cookouts by the river/ beach and games of dominoes.

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

I think I will have a greater capacity for uncertainty and an enhanced appreciation of the importance of relationships. Here people take top priority, more than schedules, programs or jobs and I think that’s beautiful.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean.