Jordan F.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

Growing up in Arizona, I had no idea what the Peace Corps was until I got to college, and even then it wasn’t talked about a lot. I got interested in it through a professor who talked about his service during his introduction on the first day of class. It sounded like something I would be good at, but it wasn’t until after college that I seriously looked into it as an option. I realized that it was a perfect fit. I wanted to get out into the world and experience something new. I also love supporting and interacting with people. Also career-wise it seemed like an amazing opportunity. Peace Corps checked all my boxes, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.

2. What projects are you working on?

I am working on many projects, big and small, in a village in Benin. My counterparts and I repaired the handwashing stations at the health center and provided education around handwashing and soapmaking. Out in the community, my counterpart and I created a village savings and loans group with 30 women, who attend weekly meetings. The community also nominated 10 women to participate in a care group that meets biweekly after the savings and loans group. The goal is to teach 10 women important skills and information regarding good health practices, that they will then pass along to other women in the community. I am also currently working with a program called Amour et Vie to promote peer education in my community. My team and I give at least two health talks per month to youth throughout the community. At the schools, I am currently co-facilitating English clubs and a girls’ club, which I hope my counterparts at the school will continue after I leave. My all-time favorite project was hosting a girls’ camp during winter break. Girls ages 14 to 20 participated in learning about topics such as menstrual, sexual, and reproductive health and gender equality. Truly such a special opportunity for me to work with these girls.

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

Language has to be the biggest challenge. Although language is the most challenging aspect of integrating into a community, it is the most important and therefore my main focus. After getting comfortable in the language, you can start to focus on relationships. Making friends can be hard, no matter where you are, but I realized that it just takes time. If you are adaptable and stay open-minded, with time things tend to get easier.

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

Hosting a girls’ camp was a pretty big highlight of my service, but when I look back on my experience that’s not the first thing that pops into my head. For me, it’s all the little things. Like coming home to hugs from my neighbor kiddos or saying “Bonjour” to the same mamas on my walk into town every morning or laughing with my language tutor. Those are the highlights of my service.

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

The thing I have enjoyed most about serving in my Beninese community is the people, especially the women. I absolutely love the traditional welcome songs that show true solidarity among the women. I see so much strength in them and feel so blessed to work with them.

Living here has truly given me a sense of what it feels like to live in a community-based culture. The people have truly changed me for the better.

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

Everything takes time, every culture shows love in their own way, and language can open so many doors. I’ve learned how to be more patient and open-minded towards others. I also discovered that friendships can blossom in the most unexpected moments. Everything that I have learned here has made me a better person.

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

When I am not working on projects, I normally spend time at home recharging. I like to go on walks with my dog, read, or watch TV. Whenever I am home, my door is always open, and my neighbors always check in to see how my day is or ask to borrow something. I don’t mind this, as it makes me feel connected to the community. Often while I’m at home my neighbor's kids are running in and out of my home playing with my dog. It brings me joy to spend time with them. If I'm not home, I am normally out in the community visiting friends or grabbing a bite to eat. My schedule is very flexible, so every day is a new adventure.

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

During my last 6 months of service, I am looking forward to strengthening the relationships I have already made. I also hope to work on the sustainability of my projects. I look forward to seeing my counterparts shine on their own as we prepare for them to take over the projects. Overall I just hope to continue to grow and experience all Benin has to offer. I know I will be sad at the end because this community has given me so much.

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

I will definitely share my experience with all my friends and family. I want to educate them on how people in Benin live their lives. I want to show them how I see Benin. It’s really important that we Americans stop believing the “one story” that is presented to us by the media. Overall I just want to be a better person, and more open minded and accepting of others.

Want to learn more about serving as a Volunteer in Benin? Connect with a recruiter today.