A two-year commitment to service can turn into a lifetime's worth of stories that not even the pictures can fully capture.
That was the message Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace Corps acting director, delivered Monday during a visit to the University of Florida to speak to students about how the Peace Corps can enhance their lives and future careers.
“As a Peace Corps volunteer, you never really know what your impact is going to be,” she said. “It is a life-changing experience for both you and your community. Most volunteers will say they got more than they gave, but every single one of us gave more than we realize.”
Hessler-Radelet, who comes from four generations of Peace Corps volunteers, said UF has been one of the organization's most valued partners and Gainesville is home to one of the most active recruiting locations.
“There is a trail of Gator fans that crosses the world,” she said. “Right now, University of Florida alumni are teaching Nepalese farmers how to improve their crop fields.”
UF has consistently been ranked as one of the top colleges and universities in the country for Peace Corps undergraduate and graduate school recruits. In 2013, UF tied for the top spot in the nation with the University of Washington.
David Sammons, former dean of UF's International Center, said that more than 1,200 UF alumni have served as volunteers. He served in the Philippines and worked in elementary science education, mainly doing teacher training.
Reference
- http://www.gainesville.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment