More than 30 years after his father joined the Peace Corps in Togo, Jacob Imber will leave later this month to join other members of the Peace Corps in South Africa
Corps connection for KU father, son
By Stephanie Farley
Kansan staff writer
More than 30 years after his father joined the Peace Corps, Jacob Imber will leave later this month to join other members of the Peace Corps in South Africa.
Imber, who graduated in May with a degree in chemical engineering, said the idea of joining the corps had always been in the back of his mind. He decided to apply to the corps after he completed an internship between his junior and senior year with an oil company. He decided chemical engineering was not what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.
“I think it’s the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” Imber said. “After four years of college, I’m ready to do something new. Partying can only go so far.”
Betty Baron, KU Peace Corps coordinator, said she recommended that students start applying early. The application process usually takes 6 to 9 months. Peace Corps volunteers must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen. The oldest person in the corps, Baron said, was 84 years old.
Imber said he liked that the Peace Corps had no hidden agenda. The corps only goes to countries where help has been requested, Imber said. Imber hopes to attend medical school after his two years and three months of service are over. He might like to work for Doctors Without Borders, a nonprofit organization that provides health care to victims of war, disease, disasters and poverty.
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Mickey Imber, Jacob’s father, served in the Peace Corps in the early 1970s.
Mickey, a professor in the department of teaching and leadership, said he spent time in Togo, on the western coast of Africa, organizing services and employment for the blind. He had never met anyone who regretted joining the Peace Corps.
“It gave me a better perspective on the world,” Mickey said.
People have to evaluate their own interests and motives when deciding whether or not to join the Peace Corps, Mickey said.
It’s a good way for people to actually feel like they’re helping someone, Mickey said. He didn’t think the Peace Corps was for everyone.
Mickey said Siou, Togo, was an extremely pleasant village to live in.
When he was there, Togo had one dirt road leading into the village and one store with no more than 10 to 15 items in it at one time. Living in Togo was a very basic existence, but he enjoyed it and is in favor of Jacob going to South Africa.
Baron said the Peace Corps allowed people to see personal benefits, while at the same time helping other people.
At the end of service, the Peace Corps gives $6,075. Members receive two days of vacation every month with all expenses paid. The corps also provides financial help for graduate students.
Baron said she felt the Peace Corps could help people to see where they fit in the world. Peace Corps members helped people learn how to help themselves.
An informational meeting, the “Passport Party,” will be open to anyone Nov. 3. The meeting will be held in the Kansas Union, and will have three past volunteers from the Peace Corps who will talk about their experiences at the meeting. The Peace Corps office is in the University Career Center at 110 Burge.
— Edited by Jon Ralston
