Mary B.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

Ever since I was little, I’ve always had the desire to travel and support communities overseas. When considering what to do after I graduated university, I discovered Peace Corps but viewed it as an unreachable dream. After a decade of teaching, that dream was still there in the back of my mind. I decided to at least apply and see where it would take me. Now I am here in Guyana, which has led me to an experience I never could’ve imagined.

2. What projects are you working on?

My community is undergoing various changes with regard to expanding its primary school. To help support the school once completed, I have arranged to have the Darien Book Aid Plan donate books to enhance classroom libraries and am assembling parent kits to provide students with books to read at home. As we eagerly wait for the expansion to be completed, my main goal is to continue to share my time and insight, and listen to people's perspectives in the community before my close of service.

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

I knew once it would take time to integrate effectively. My community is quite reserved, so I gave myself grace from feeling as if I needed to establish relationships quickly. I focused on the thing that I loved to do, which was running. As I ran throughout the community more people would see me. When I encountered people, they would mention to me that they had seen me running. Just from doing what I loved, it created a connection that allowed people to be more receiving of me.

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

A highlight has been getting the opportunity to go to Suriname with some of my community. I felt so honored to be a part of it; it was a great experience to have with them.

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

My community reminds me so much of my hometown in Texas. Everybody knows everyone and I feel the protection and love they have for me.

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

Things take time to develop, everything is a process, there is no need to get stressed.

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

I thrive in creating a routine for myself. When I am not assisting at school or with community members, I am either reading/listening to a book/podcast, practicing yoga/Pilates, or running.

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

Creating many more memories with my community; it is my goal to cherish the moments that I have with them. Whether that is discovering other regions together or having a nice picnic on the hill or by the lake.

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

Take situations I encounter with more ease and absorb the beauty of nature around me.

Learn more about volunteering with the Peace Corps in Guyana.