Despite my privilege, I have my own experiences with
inequality.
I was a female educator in all-male work environments during
my jobs in various locations:
a small farming community in Paraguay for Peace Corps;
in Chiapas, Mexico, for INIFAP; and in the fields for the
California Strawberry Commission.
During these experiences, I heard and felt how the opportunity gap of
my participants and friends affected their lives every day.
Hence, I learned that my training’s objectives should be not
only about teaching
best practices, but also increasing participant’s pride and
confidence.
I saw this confidence grow each year
among participants, through increased participation in classes.
Some found upward mobility in their jobs and
this carried into their personal lives.
I am passionate about giving motivation and support to those
who lack my same opportunities.
Peace Corps gave me an awareness of my own culture and
history
stimulating a great deal of self-reflection.
I have been on my own in communities where no one else was
like me.
I had to confront my biases and be curious about
and learn from my communities to effectively respond
to their challenges.
My ability to be adaptable and flexible comes from this
experience as well as my love for outreach.
