Jackson D.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

Stories of cross-cultural immersion and adventure from Returned Volunteers I knew through friends and family connections, as well as a yearning for exploration.

2. What projects are you working on?

I teach 7th and 8th grade math, as well as some English. We also received grants for a computer lab and training at our school and a STEAM Camp (STEM + art). I work with other Volunteers across Guinea as well as their students and counterparts.

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

I engage in conversation with local people at the market, the schoolyard, local shops, the café, even just walking down the road or in someone’s yard. These conversations often involve a mini-Susu lesson as I try to pick up new words, as Susu is the main spoken language in rural southern Guinea, where I was assigned.

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

Extra hours evening math classes with students who are motivated enough to come to school twice a day!

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

The students are an inspiration to me. They face many challenges and often must work and study all day, but they maintain a youthful and playful energy nonetheless.

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

To always prioritize giving and respect, even (and perhaps especially) when we ourselves are lacking.

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

Teaching, biking, learning, running, biking, reading, dining, biking.

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

Seeing students advance to the next grade and high school.

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

Call people “brother” and “sister” more often.