Spreading the Peace
Written by Eli Matola
The Peace Corps is a volunteer service through the United States government. Helping to promote peace and friendship throughout the world with three goals: to train people in countries in which they are interested, to provide people of different cultures a better understanding of America, and to promote a better understand other cultures from the viewpoint of Americans. There are six different programs available for people join in the Peace Corps: Youth Development, Education, Health, Community Economic Development, Agriculture, and the Environment. Participating in the Corps usually involves spending an extended amount of time overseas volunteering, but other opportunities are offered.
Olivia Throssell tabling at Campus Center Plaza for the Peace Corps. Photo courtesy of www.alex-online.org.
Olivia Throssell is a Philosophy major at University of Hawaii at Hilo and the school's Peace Corps Ambassadress. After graduation she plans on joining the Peace Corps next fall. From the way Throssell has been talking about The Peace Corps you can tell she is very excited. She says, “I took this position because joining the Peace Corps has always been a dream of mine and I knew [being an Ambassadress] would be a great way to get my foot in the door... I think the Peace Corps is a wonderful program. One of my favorite philosophers, William James, quotes ‘Act is if what you do makes a difference. It does.’ And that is how I feel about the Peace Corps. Many criticize it because they feel America is ambushing these countries unnecessarily but in reality, they're building a beautiful relationship with the world through understanding of culture and through knowledge.”
Olivia Throssell explaining the program. Photo courtesy of www.alex-online.com.
Olivia has gotten ready for the Corps by taking part in the University's TESOL(Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages) She says, “All of my classes for the TESOL certificate were perfect because it has helped me build confidence to talk to others and present to a classroom. Especially English 422 which was the Teaching Practicum.” Throssell hopes to teach while with The Peace Corps saying as a philosophy major she plans on “bringing wonder to the children I hope to work with. I feel no matter where you are from, everyone is wondering the same thing.” Currently, Throssell is getting ready to graduate this fall in Philosophy, till then you will see her around, behind the Peace Corp booth spreading the word.
All you need to join the Peace Corps is to be an American Citizen and be over the age of 18. There is no upper age limit. To learn more about the Peace Corps visit the Peace Corps website.
