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.
Domestic Underserved Master's Project Focus
I am working with five other SNRE Master’s students and the United States Forest Service’s (USFS) Urban Connections program to bring a place-based education teacher-training program, entitled a Forest for Every Classroom, to schools in Milwaukee and Chicago. Place-based education encourages teachers to use their local environment as an extension of the classroom in order to teach all subjects, connect students to their neighborhoods, and create environmental stewards along the way. By focusing on underserved urban audiences, we aim to provide resources for developing environmentally literate students in a city setting. http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/ssrs/story?id=4763
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.