In Ecuador, I studied abroad, where I learned about indigenous cultures, coffee and banana agriculture, and lived with a host family. My experience in Ecuador led me to pursue a research project on fair trade in the coffee and banana markets of Ecuador and Colombia. In this context, fair-trade means that coffee or bananas are sold at a price that allows their farmers to live more sustainably. I studied how fair trade is practiced differently between Ecuador and Colombia and why.
My travels, studies, and the people I met in college were the primary drivers that led me to choose a career abroad. Further, a handful of my professors suggested I join the Peace Corps after graduation. The Peace Corps is a U.S. agency that sends American citizens to other countries to help them with various needs and, most importantly, to build meaningful relationships with others. I started preparing to join the Peace Corps as early as my 2nd year in college, and I applied as soon as I was eligible -- my last semester. Once I was accepted, I was given a list of countries I could select to serve in, one of which was Colombia! I felt so lucky that Colombia was an option and that I’d get the opportunity to experience what I studied for my research, in person! I left to join the Peace Corps the September after I graduated from college in 2024.
This leads us to the present, where I live in a small town named Plato, which is located in Colombia along the Magdalena River. I work as a volunteer English teacher at a local public school. I also work with the local community on building girls’ empowerment and other small projects.
