I am currently a Secondary School Math Educator in Peace Corps Guinea. My motivation to join Peace Corps came from different aspects of my life where I was mentored and encouraged to realize my potential. One distinct influence I had was [HS]2 and its amazing staff full of hopeful individuals wanting to make a difference in the lives of teens. I went into [HS]2 slightly timid and curious then left empowered and inspired to accomplish anything my heart desired. There is where Betsy Bingham-Johns the Director of College Counseling, helped me find The College of Wooster where my desire and passion for helping minorities in STEM flourished. I joined Peace Corps because of my passion to help others and learn from people who come from a different background than I do. As a math teacher to 50 bright 8th and 9th graders, I see the immense drive they have to learn and become successful. I have learned French during my time here and am currently learning the local language as I work hand in hand with the community to build up their students and to have the resources to be as successful as possible. There are always ups and downs when working with a community, but the biggest reward is when they become family and you see the growth within them and yourself. The most important lesson I learned at [HS]2 was the importance of community and family to help build each other up.
Reprinted from the 2019 Annual Report