Saludos (Greetings)! My name is Taylor Mattley, but most people in the Dominican Republic call me Tati. I am 24 years old, and I am originally from Sacramento, California. In my free time, I enjoyed reading, hiking, spending time with my sisters, and taking day trips to the beaches or to Lake Tahoe to snowboard. I stayed in California for college, spending my first year at Humboldt State, the first semester of my second year at "La Universidad de Alicante" or University of Alicante in Spain, and finished my degree at the University of California, Sacramento. I studied Social Work and Psychology while working as a behavior technician for children with Autism. I wanted to further develop my Spanish language skills and gain work experience in another country before returning to school for a graduate program. So, I decided to join the Peace Corps!
Now, I am living on a beautiful island where it feels like summer all year round! The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches, lively and welcoming culture, its music, and its viveres (which are root vegetables). I have been living in the province of Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic for a year and a half, teaching children how to read in Spanish and working on youth development projects. I have loved learning about life in the Dominican Republic first hand from my neighbors and my host family and I can't wait to share my new knowledge with all of you!
Hasta la próxima! (Until next time)!
Peace Corps Volunteers like me live and work side by side with community members around the world, collaborating on locally prioritized projects, building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge, and helping transform lives for generations. Learn more by clicking here.
