Sophia S.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I’m fortunate to have grown up in a family that champions service to others. Since high school, I've focused my volunteer and professional efforts on food justice and education. I’ve developed class plans, art projects, and training schedules through varied teaching opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Peace Corps Belize was a wonderful opportunity to leverage my education, volunteer experience, and passion for health justice to positively impact and learn from a community abroad.

2. What projects are you working on?

I work as a youth development coordinator on the YES (Youth Empowered by Sports) project in Belize. The project’s mission is to use sports and life skills to encourage Belizean youth to lead healthy, empowered lives and help them reach their full potential into adulthood.

My secondary project is a program my principal and I started in our school, the Healthy Habits Club. The program includes various health-focused clubs led by school staff. Our clubs promote healthy living habits, address unhealthy behaviors, and teach life skills. They include gardening, cooking, and a variety of sports as well as extracurricular opportunities for our community.

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

I approach integration into my community with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. In addition to my main projects, I volunteer with the special education class and the scouts.

Additionally, I make an effort to connect with my community by speaking Spanish, the predominant language in my area, and by attending as many school and cultural events as I can. I’m a curious person and I’ve genuinely enjoyed connecting with many new people of different cultures and backgrounds.

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

One of the highlights of my service has been forming relationships with my school counterparts. My most memorable experience was my school's graduation last spring. The day was filled with celebrations for our Standard 6 and preschool classes' achievements. I helped the Standard 6 classes prepare their songs for the day, including “Long Live” by Taylor Swift! We organized a class prom with dance competitions, dinner, and a photo backdrop. As the school year ended, I felt fortunate to participate in the graduation traditions surrounded by welcoming staff and the students who inspired me to bring my best self to this job.

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

I most enjoy connecting with the people and culture in my community. Belizeans are warm and have a great sense of humor. Belizeans love to share their stories, advice, and food. They’ve taught me to be more open in everyday conversation. From engaging with community members, I’ve learned everything from Belizean history to life advice.

I've also enjoyed the local cuisine, such as escabeche, relleno, stew chicken, rice and beans, and fresh corn and flour tortillas (all with Marie Sharp’s hot sauce of course!). Sharing conversations over homemade food is one of my favorite ways to spend an evening here.

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

Patience—sometimes things take time to get going here! In Belize, time as a concept is less strict than in the United States. I’ve learned to be more present in the current moment.

The power of greeting: I’ve learned the power of greeting people and recognizing the presence of others. Bidding the time of day in local languages is a wonderful Belizean custom. It’s a small but important way to connect with others.

Flexibility: When things go wrong, people here commiserate with the saying, "Asi es la vida," (such is life). Life is unpredictable! I’ve gotten better at adapting to and overcoming unexpected situations since arriving here. Service has strengthened my capacity for resilience. I try to approach each problem with an open mind and positive attitude.

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

When I’m not working on a project, I’m usually enjoying the outdoors or spending time with friends. I am currently training for a triathlon and a half marathon. Swimming, biking, and running are three ways I recharge and explore Belize’s beautiful nature.

My friends and I enjoy spending time by the bay on the weekends. We love trying new foods, baking, hanging out by our favorite park on the water, and going to community events.

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

I look forward to strengthening the YES and Healthy Habits Club programs to ensure their sustainability when I leave. I want to spend as much time as possible at school and community events to savor time with my students, my friends, and my wonderful coworkers. 

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

My Peace Corps service has taught me to embrace challenges and problem-solving. I have found that the most uncomfortable moments in my service have prompted my best breakthroughs and personal growth. I want to carry those lessons back to the U.S.

My service has also taught me to be a more community-minded individual. I consider my Peace Corps service a success because of the community I've found here. In my professional life, I want to continue approaching problem-solving with teamwork and community input. In my personal life, I want to continue prioritizing my family, friends, and community. I am a better person because of the people around me, both near and far.

A small practice I will continue is bidding the time of day to people on the street and acknowledging everyone I encounter. People appreciate a moment of recognition and exchange, especially at a time when the world can feel so disconnected.

Want to learn more about serving in Belize? Connect with a recruiter today.