Staci P.

“Living and working in a different culture has made me more aware of how hard it is to not know, and how much courage it takes to keep showing up anyway.”

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

Coming from a bicultural background, I’ve always been interested in how different people live, communicate, and make meaning in their communities. When I found out about the Peace Corps, it just felt like the right fit—an opportunity to learn a new language, live in a different culture, and broaden my understanding of the world in a really immersive way. I didn’t want a surface-level experience. I wanted something that would challenge me, push me to grow, and help me see things from a different perspective.

2. What projects are you working on?

My main focus is youth development, but I also work with a variety of local NGOs and municipal partners. I help bridge connections between organizations so we can collaborate more effectively and reach more people. That might look like co-leading youth leadership clubs, running a summer camp, supporting creative writing workshops, or helping NGOs strengthen their grant-writing and project management skills.

Lately, I’ve been part of a few larger initiatives where we’re developing more sustainable systems—projects that go beyond one-time events and support long-term capacity. I like to think of my role as part facilitator, part connector, and part cheerleader. It’s about seeing what’s already working and helping amplify it.

Staci teaches a workshop on graphic design to a Red Cross youth club in North Macedonia.

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

I try to say yes to everything—even if I don’t fully understand what’s going on at first! I show up, ask questions, observe, and stay curious. Whether it’s attending local events, joining school activities, or helping at a community celebration, just being present goes a long way.

Learning the language has been a huge part of integration for me. Even when I make mistakes (which I still do!), it shows people I’m trying. Over time, I’ve built trust just by showing up consistently and being open.

Staci helped organize an event where kids made water bottle rockets to learn about space and space exploration. — Staci helped organize an event where kids made water bottle rockets to learn about space exploration.

4. What has been a highlight of your service so far?

The summer camp, hands down. We created a multi-day experience that brought together kids from different backgrounds and age groups, and it was so rewarding to see the community respond. People came—parents, teachers, high school volunteers—and everyone pitched in.

What stood out most was watching the high school students take on leadership roles. They weren’t just helping; they were leading sessions, managing younger kids, and stepping up in ways I don’t think they realized they were capable of. Seeing their confidence and compassion grow over a few days was honestly incredible.

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

I’ve really appreciated how welcoming people have been. In the beginning, folks were understandably cautious—they were trying to understand who I was, why I was here, and what I was really about. But over time, that shifted. I started getting invited to holiday celebrations, family dinners, slavas, kids' birthday parties. People opened their homes and their lives to me, and that’s something I don’t take lightly. It’s a real honor to be invited into those moments. I’m very proud of the friendships I have built here--they are some of the most amazing, hardworking, compassionate people I’ve ever had the honor of meeting.

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

That change doesn’t require perfection—it just requires people who care enough to show up. Local leaders and volunteers are doing incredible things with very limited resources because they believe in the work and the people they serve. It’s taught me that passion, consistency, and showing up matter more than having everything figured out.

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

I love cooking and going out for coffee with friends—both have been great ways to connect across cultures. I also started running during my service, and I ran my first 5K here, which is something I never thought I’d do!

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

I’d love to explore more projects focused on older generations—especially around movement, storytelling, and intergenerational connection. There’s so much value in creating space for elders to share their life experiences, and I think youth can benefit a lot from that wisdom too. I’m hoping to pilot something small in that area before I leave.

9. What do you think you'll do differently when you return to the U.S.?

I think I’ll have a lot more gratitude for the things I used to take for granted—like being able to navigate systems in my own language or understanding the social cues and expectations in a room without second-guessing. Living and working in a different culture has made me more aware of how hard it is to not know, and how much courage it takes to keep showing up anyway. I want to carry that empathy with me, wherever I go next.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in North Macedonia.