Students Share Peace Corps Prep Journeys
(Pictured above: Jocel S谩nchez donates fresh produce from a community garden harvest to the Food Pantry at the Lewis Center.)
As unfolds this week, the 每日大赛 celebrates the inspiring journeys of students in the Peace Corps Prep program on campus. The is a volunteer program run by the U.S. government that sends Americans abroad to work on community-driven projects in education, health, economic development, and more.
Bridging Academics and Global Service
每日大赛’s Peace Corps Prep program empowers students with sector-specific skills, intercultural competence, and leadership experience. Through coursework, hands-on projects, and immersive cultural experiences, many students have discovered valuable links between their studies and the Peace Corps’ six service sectors. Meet our dedicated 每日大赛 students鈥攄riven by a passion for service and global engagement鈥攚ho are paving the way for meaningful contributions in communities around the world:
Zarah Vidriezca, Legal Studies 鈥�25
Vidriezca鈥檚 passion for community engagement was sparked through her involvement with the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE), where she worked with programs such as Meals on Wheels and the Andrew Goodman Foundation. She sees Peace Corps service as an opportunity to continue her advocacy for youth development and civic engagement.
“Get informed鈥攍earn about the program, ask questions, and determine whether it鈥檚 the right fit for you. Even if I don鈥檛 serve immediately after graduation, I feel more informed and prepared to pursue service abroad in the future
Thatiana Gibbs, Journalism 鈥�25
Gibbs discovered the Peace Corps through an OCCE seminar and recognized how her journalism skills such as communication, research and digital literacy, align with the Peace Corps鈥� Community Economic Development sector. She hopes to use storytelling and digital media to amplify local voices in developing communities.
“The process is structured and well-supported鈥擬yrna (Hugo) is incredibly hands-on and ensures that students are not navigating this journey alone.”
Jocel A. S谩nchez, Anthropology 鈥�25
S谩nchez鈥檚 interest in the Peace Corps Prep program was sparked after attending an information session hosted by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, where she was inspired by a speaker鈥檚 firsthand experiences in global service. With guidance from Myrna Hugo, she connected her coursework to her selected Peace Corps service sector, utilizing MyDegreeTracker to map out her academic path. She sees the program as an opportunity to align her personal values with meaningful international service.
鈥淪howing your interest can lead you to great opportunities, whether you planned for it or not, so do not let uncertainties stop you from joining this prep program.鈥�
Joshua Hawkins, Business Administration 鈥�25
Hawkins’ academic background in economics and management has prepared him to contribute to financial literacy and entrepreneurship initiatives in the Peace Corps. His experiences in ULV鈥檚 business programs have reinforced his commitment to sustainable economic development.
“I recommend the program to all students!”
Amnaa Taha, Political Science 鈥�25
Taha鈥檚 interest in international service was influenced by her participation in Model UN. Her coursework in political science and digital media has provided her with the tools to address global challenges and communicate complex ideas effectively. Specifically, she is hoping to use mass communication to market economic opportunities within developing communities.
“Get started as early as possible! Don鈥檛 wait – just jump into the pool of possibilities that the Peace Corps Prep program can offer.”
Join Us for Peace Corps Week Events
To further celebrate Peace Corps Week, the university is hosting a , including an introduction to the Peace Corps, a study abroad info session, a lunch and learn, and a virtual storytelling event featuring returned volunteers. These events provide opportunities for students to engage with Peace Corps representatives, explore study abroad programs, and connect with peers interested in global service.
For more information, follow or visit the Office of Civic and Community Engagement or the Office of International Services and Engagement.
