Sarah Johnston, PCV in Gambia, was introduced to Peace Corps opportunities by her father, who spent time volunteering in Brazil in the 1960s
She comes in peace
New UW Peace Corps representative seeks to recruit
Emily Dixon
Contributing Writer
Sitting in front of the HUB, at a table covered with literature, Sarah Johnston smiles at passers-by. She's waiting for someone to visit her display.
Johnston, a graduate student in the UW School of Social Work, is the new Peace Corps representative for the University.
The Peace Corps is a volunteer service program that helps countries in need around the world. Volunteers are sent abroad to put their education, experience and skills to use where they are needed.
Last year, after returning from volunteering for the Peace Corps in west Africa, Johnston chose to become a representative for the organization.
"I needed work at the same time, and so I thought the Peace Corps would be a great way to share my experiences," she said.
Johnston spent two years overseas in a small village in Gambia where she taught health education to mothers and their children. Although most volunteers spend two years overseas, Johnston enjoyed her experience so much that she extended her stay a third year. She spent that year in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.
Johnston was first introduced to Peace Corps opportunities by her father, who spent time volunteering in Brazil in the 1960s.
His experience inspired her to join after finishing her undergraduate degree.
"He used to tell the most amazing stories," she recalled, "so it was something I always dreamed about."
Like Johnston, many UW students choose to join the Peace Corps after finishing their undergraduate work. The UW recruits an average of 100 students each year - the third largest recruitment in the country.
In the Peace Corps, volunteers are sent to a country and given three months of training, including language education.
The next two years are spent being involved with a community by helping women increase job skills, teaching elementary-school children, helping prevent floods, etc.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit, although most students join after graduating from college.
Some college loans can be either deferred or canceled while students are overseas volunteering for the Peace Corps.
For students who cannot decide between graduate school and serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, there is a master's program that gives them credit toward their master's degree while they complete their service.
For information, call Johnston at 206-534-5258 or send e-mail to sarahj@u.washington.edu.