Matt M.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps, specifically the Virtual Service Pilot?

I’ve had an insatiable curiosity for discovering our world since the day I was born. Growing up, I developed a strong commitment to serving my country. The Peace Corps provided an opportunity to do both. My first in-person service in Macedonia changed my life in so many ways; the rest of my life has been dedicated to giving back to the people of Macedonia as much as I could as an appreciation for the love and beauty they brought into my world.

One of my former language instructors from Peace Corps Macedonia told me about the Virtual Service Pilot and I could not wait to participate and join her again to collaborate with the people of Macedonia. I’ve been able to continue using my Macedonian language skills since my service, but this time around, I am able to bring everything I’ve learned from the private sector around business, entrepreneurship, and innovation to enhance what I teach with more real-life applications.

2. What projects are you working on?

I co-facilitate conversational and critical-thinking opportunities for 14 students once a week, but I’d also like to think that I’m encouraging curiosity through our discussions. During my decades of work in global education, social entrepreneurship, and publishing, I noticed how curiosity fuels innovation. Being a curious reader and learner boosts engagement, sharpens critical thinking, and nurtures personal growth. When you actively question things, you discover fresh perspectives and solutions, transforming learning into a lifelong, rewarding journey instead of a passive chore.

I will soon be collaborating with educators in Macedonia to incorporate curiosity-based thinking in their lessons.  A great start is to simply ask "What if...?" open-ended questions at the start of lessons. For instance, they could ask "What if gravity stopped working for a day?" in a physics class or "What if you lived in a world without books?" in literature sessions. This sparks personal curiosity and invites students to brainstorm, setting the stage for deeper engagement without needing extra resources.

3. What is a highlight of your VSP experience so far?

The biggest highlight of my VSP experience so far is being able to reconnect and form new ties with Macedonia and the Macedonian people. An unexpected highlight has been how much I’ve been enjoying reconnecting with my former profession of teacher. I almost forgot how energizing it is to engage with the raw curiosity of others so directly. Occasionally, my 5-year-old son wakes up early and makes a guest appearance on our calls, so that’s been an added bonus for everyone. I can’t think of a better way to start my day than coffee and VSP once a week!

4. What strategies have you used to meet the challenges of a short-term, remote experience?

Patience and enthusiasm. Observed holidays, flu seasons, sick kids, and spotty internet connections occur on both ends, so being prepared comes in handy. Honestly, we haven’t faced many challenges so far.

I can’t thank my counterpart and her students enough for what they have brought to the VSP experience. The key to my counterpart and I getting along so well is our flexibility and respect for each other’s time. We meet occasionally outside of our classes to make sure we’re on the same page. I’m fortunate because she does a lot of work with the students outside of our conversation club, so they show up engaged and enthusiastic.

5. What benefits are you gaining from your participation?

I get to keep doing Peace Corps’ goals 2 and 3! The constant exchange and learning back and forth between two or more cultures all the time, all at once was the greatest benefit of my initial Peace Corps Service and remains the greatest benefit of my VSP experience. We share how we celebrate our different holidays.

6. How has your previous Peace Corps experience influenced your VSP experience?

Life has been one long continuation of my Peace Corps service in Macedonia ever since I completed my service in 2001. While I would support any country through VSP, I am so thankful I have the opportunity to support my previous country of service. This virtual experience has allowed me to continue my commitment to the Peace Corps mission while expanding my knowledge on how best to collaborate and create with Macedonian teachers and students. One of the easiest tips for collaborating with Macedonian teachers and students is to ask them about their tasty food. Anytime I can turn a topic back toward food, magic happens!

I am interested in participating in VSP again. I think the VSP program is a fantastic opportunity for not only Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, but anyone who been curious about becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer.

7. What will you bring away from your experience as a VSP Participant?

The biggest takeaway from my VSP participation, after my gratitude for being reconnected with Macedonia, is how impressed I am with the Peace Corps for their willingness to innovate and seek new ways to be even more effective at making the world a better place.

The curiosity of its people is the strength of any nation; and America is no different. What’s great about curiosity is that it leads directly to action, so Americans who are more curious about the world are way more likely to serve the world. When genuine curiosity takes root, peace blossoms.