Gessell worked in the highlands of Fiji in the Naqelewaij village. With an average rainfall of 180 inches a year, Gessell learned the Naqelewaij words for "mud" and "slip" quickly. After losing a few pair of flip flops in the mud, Gessell got used to the rainy environment and learned the advantages of bamboo housing. Working as a rural community development volunteer, Gessell focused on health and sanitation education. Her time was also spent creating a library for the school, fixing sewing machines and teaching the community tasks like opening a checking account and competitive bidding for town goods. Gessell remembered the sense of community that lived within the heart of the Naqelewaij people. "Relationships were so important," Gessell said. "I had to learn a new set of Naqelewaij words just for relationships."
When asked how the Peace Corp affected her life after Fiji, Dr. Dona Gessell said the Peace Corps taught her how to be "adaptable and flexible" and "how to communicate in small and large groups
North Georgia Volunteers Observe Peace Corps' 50th
Nick Reed
Issue date: 2/25/11 Section: News
[Excerpt]
Gessell volunteered in 1979. During her senior year of high school, Gessell met a former student of the Peace Corps and saw the great impact it had on his life.
"Peace Corps volunteers were his teachers. I saw the impact and was moved," Gessell said.
Gessell worked in the highlands of Fiji in the Naqelewaij village. With an average rainfall of 180 inches a year, Gessell learned the Naqelewaij words for "mud" and "slip" quickly. After losing a few pair of flip flops in the mud, Gessell got used to the rainy environment and learned the advantages of bamboo housing.
Working as a rural community development volunteer, Gessell focused on health and sanitation education. Her time was also spent creating a library for the school, fixing sewing machines and teaching the community tasks like opening a checking account and competitive bidding for town goods.
Gessell remembered the sense of community that lived within the heart of the Naqelewaij people.
"Relationships were so important," Gessell said. "I had to learn a new set of Naqelewaij words just for relationships."
[Excerpt]
Gessell taught the young girls how to crochet booties for the harsh winters and how to take time off from work to play.
One day, the Quiche girls convinced Ditchfield into teaching a lesson on how to paint their fingernails.
"It was a good eye-opening experience. The time there influenced every job I've had since then," said Ditchfield.
When asked how the Peace Corp affected her life after Fiji, Gessell said the Peace Corps taught her how to be "adaptable and flexible" and "how to communicate in small and large groups."
"You learn to deal with ambiguity and learn leadership skills so you don't let failure get you down."
Since her return from Fiji, Gessell worked to promote the Peace Corps and influenced alumna of North Georgia to join.
[Excerpt]
Gessell's work with Fiji isn't finished. She will return this June, the first time in 27 years.
"I've heard everything is the same, but everything is completely different," she said.
Gessell asked students thinking of joining the Peace Corps to visit the event on Tuesday.
"If you have been curious, it is a good chance to meet people and ask questions."
"Open yourself to the possibility and opportunity to serve others. It's the toughest job ever and so satisfying with all the relationships you make," Gessell said. "It is a service to our country and the world."
In conjunction with Tuesday's 50th anniversary celebration, the library will display items from Ditchfield, Gessell and NGCSU alumna Peace Corps locations.
