Peyton W.

1. What inspired you to apply for this Peace Corps position?

After finishing my undergraduate degree at Howard University, I knew I wanted to try something radically different from college. I was a part of the Spanish and Afro-Latino society on campus and getting to experience all the different cultures around D.C. made me want to explore the world. My mom was a Peace Corps Volunteer and encouraged me to apply to a position involving working with kids because I had experience in that field.

2. Tell us about a moment that sticks with you from the first week at your site.

My host mom brought me to the market and I remember feeling incredibly overwhelmed but she made sure to tell me the prices of everything so I wouldn’t get up-charged. She made sure I was comfortable going out by myself and she took me around the smaller communities that she knew were safe.

3. What projects are you working on?

I teach 13-17 year olds life skills and soft skills to take with them into adulthood. I am currently teaching at two different schools and I teach English at a preschool on the side two days a week. It’s my job to make sure the students are prepared to give presentations and to overcome their fear of public speaking and embarrassment.

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

During recess at school, I share coffee and bread with the teachers and get to talk and hang out with them. I also use the same vendor to buy from at the market every week, so before I even say anything they know exactly what I need and start pulling it together. Finally, I made friends with the man at the corner store and we always have a good conversation.

5. What’s a typical day like for you?

I wake up and enjoy a cup of tea before prepping my materials for the day. I then read or hang out with my host family or take a walk before getting ready for classes in the afternoon. I teach, come home for dinner, and call my family back home.

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

Celebrating Carnival with my students at school and getting covered in confetti and flour. It took ages to get the confetti out of my pockets but the fun I had was worth it.

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

Getting to develop relationships with my students and seeing them around town and hearing them shout my name on their motos. I love the tight-knit community where I live. Everybody is related to somebody I know, so I always feel safe and known here. The community knows me and what I do so they help keep me and my site mate safe.

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

Take your time. There is always time for talking to someone and starting your activity a few minutes late.

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

Guatemala is a small country, so I like to travel and spend time with other Volunteers. A neighbor is always around to go adventuring. I also love to craft and read in my spare time, or sit on my roof and take in the sun when it isn’t raining cats and dogs.

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

Soaking up my time with my students. They make my time here worth every minute. I also want to make sure I see all I can see in this beautiful country. Finally, I want to spend time with the Volunteers here because they are one of the best parts of service.

11. Tell us your favorite phrase in the local language.

“Matyox chawe” means “thank you very much” in Chichewa. I like this phrase because I get smiles every time I use it at the market.

12. What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Peace Corps?

If you think you have the skillset and the mindset to be a Volunteer, apply. There are so many different opportunities to see and do in whatever country you are placed in, so if you like to travel and experience new cultures, Peace Corps is for you. Be open-minded to different people as you never know who will be in your cohort. You might meet your new best friend through service. Service is hard work, but it’s good work.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala.