1. What do you do?
As a Peace Corps volunteer, my job is based on the needs of my village. My work thus far has centered on improving maternal and newborn health. I help with prenatal consultations and vaccinations at the health center and teach topics like malaria and nutrition at my women's group or the villagers' homes. Outside of health work, I have set up a couple of community gardens and host an English club for middle school students.
2. What's the coolest part of your job?
The best part about being a Peace Corps volunteer is how much of your work is about integrating into the community. There's no immediate gratification when it comes to integration, either. It takes time and a lot of misunderstandings, but slowly, you'll feel things click into place. Then, you start to notice that people in your community have come to care for you and become enthusiastic about your work.
3. Why are you passionate about it?
My time here is centered around service, and I enjoy being a community steward. I take joy in seeing the people I work with become enthusiastic about improving their livelihood and working to implement what we've talked about.
4. Which skills from your IAC degree have helped you be successful in this career?
Language learning techniques are so important for my work. It started off as me improving my French to a professional level. It continues every day as I learn the local Yoruba dialect. Effective learning means I can interact with more people who don't speak French, which has expanded my capability of working with women and youth in the community.
5. What's your #1 tip for students and alumni interested in your field?
You can't learn everything by studying, especially when it comes to culture. There are so many nuances that you would only realize if you spend time and truly immerse yourself in an international environment.
