Meet our 2008 Peace Corps Fellows/USA

Andrea L. MS 2010 | Nate S. MS/MBA 2011 | Nick D. MLA 2011  

Andrea L.
South Africa 2005-2007
MS 2010, focus on Behavior, Education and Communication 

As a School and Community Resource Volunteer in South Africa, I worked with teachers in four rural primary schools.  Many South African teachers grew up under the Apartheid system of government and were denied a proper education.  As the country now strives to provide a good education for all of its children, many teachers need a little extra help adjusting to the current methods and standards of education.  I assisted them in many different ways, from computer lessons, and teaching strategies, to starting libraries and painting maps of the world at each school.

Why a Peace Corps Fellow/USA at UM SNRE
I really enjoyed and gained a lot from my Peace Corps experience.  I see the Peace Corps Fellowship as a way to share that experience with my classmates – especially those interested in living or working in a developing country, learning about Southern Africa, or thinking of joining the Peace Corps themselves.   

Nate S.
Paraguay 2000-2002
MS/MBA 2011, focus on Environmental Policy and Planning

Serving two years in Paraguay as an Environmental Education volunteer, I worked with teachers and community members to address local environmental and health issues. Much of my time was spent in three schools co-teaching with teachers and integrating environmental themes into the curriculum. We organized tree planting, school garden, and community clean-up projects with the students to promote environmental responsibility. Local youth helped me lead an environmentally-themed camp and trips to a nearby national park for children during the summer vacation. I also worked extensively with several families to introduce soil conservation methods, especially the use of green manures and cover crops. I taught them soap-making and gardening methods to address sanitation and nutrition concerns.

Why a Peace Corps Fellow/USA at UM SNRE
The Peace Corps offers an unparalleled experience in cross-cultural interaction, community and stakeholder relations, and leadership of diverse groups. Through the Peace Corps Fellows program, I can represent the values of the Peace Corps and share these skills with my peers at UM. The Fellows program is a unique opportunity to fulfill the Peace Corp's third goal of promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Nick D.
Western Samoa 2003-2005
MLA 2011

As a Peace Corps volunteer I provided educational outreach for the Marine Protected Area of Aleipata on the South Pacific island of Samoa.  I teamed with the Samoan Department of Conservation and village governments creating curriculum materials while teaching over 500 secondary and primary students. 

Why a Peace Corps Fellow/USA at UM SNRE
In the classroom I emphasized the importance of marine conservation to the health of Samoans and their island ecosystems.  Now as a graduate student, I hope to provide an equal service to my own country using the tools of a landscape architect.  The USA Peace Corps Fellows program is helping me make that dream a reality.