Robert Hudgens, assistant dean of the International Agriculture Program, volunteered in Bolivia from 1967 to 1970
Robert Hudgens, assistant dean of the International Agriculture Program, volunteered in Bolivia from 1967 to 1970
Students broaden horizons in Peace Corps
by Lory Stone Kansas State Collegain
Peace Corps volunteers, including K-State graduates and faculty, said the experiences they gained in the Corps were meaningful and insightful.
Since its inception in 1961 by President Kennedy, the Peace Corps has had more than 150,000 Americans in 132 different countries volunteer. Thirty K-State graduates are now volunteering.
Robert Hudgens, assistant dean of the International Agriculture Program, volunteered in Bolivia from 1967 to 1970.
"I wanted to expand my horizons and learn experiences first hand," Hudgens said. "I had been in classrooms all my life."
Hudgens worked in agriculture extension and taught people how to shear sheep, instructed them about the proper diet for sheep and worked to control parasites.
He said his involvement was an important event in his life.
"It was probably the best thing I did up to that point in my life," he said. "It was a tremendously maturing experience."
Hudgens said that upon his return, he recognized a change within himself.
"I got back together with some college friends and found that we had different values," he said. "I had a lot more direction in what I wanted to do."
He found himself appreciating basic things such as good roads, telephones and American food. With a new perspective, he said he was shocked to see everything Americans take for granted.
Hudgens said he would like to see more K-State students become interested, because of what the Peace Corps did for him.
"It instills a sense of adventure, a seriousness about ourselves and a responsibility. I would like to recruit more students," Hudgens said.
Nationally, the number of Peace Corps recruits is increasing. Jeff Martin, public affairs specialist for the Peace Corps, said 1996 was a peak year with about 7,000 volunteers.
"The 1990s is an idealistic bunch. It is comparable to the 1960s," Martin said.
He said the 1980s was the "me" decade, a time when volunteering declined, and the 1990s generation is full of hope and optimism.
"The Peace Corps is popular again," he said.
He said there are now 6,500 volunteers in 85 countries, serving in areas varying from education to business. Most are in their late 20s, and 97 percent have at least an undergraduate degree.
Brad Roberts falls into this Corps demographic. Roberts graduated from K-State in spring 1988 with a geophysics major. After graduation, he decided to apply for the Peace Corps.
"There are minimal requirements, such as an educational background," Roberts said. He credited his involvement in the Future Farmers of America while in high school for helping him in the application process.
Hudgens said when he applied in the late 1960s, the application process was similar to the current process. Agriculture, community development and medicine were some of the areas that needed volunteers.
Roberts volunteered in Costa Rica, working in a rural area near the Pacific Coast. He was involved with farm management and helped small farmers to learn record-keeping practices.
Roberts said he decided to join because he would get to see a different country and the lifestyles there.
Roberts also said he was moved by the experience.
"It definitely changed my perspective on American society and the world cultural setting," Roberts said.
Hudgens said he often explains the experience to prospective volunteers by comparing it to a journey up a mountain.
"It is like climbing a mountain and watching everyone else scurry around down below," he said. "When you come back down, you have a whole new perspective."
