WASHINGTON, PA (April 18, 2019)—The Peace Corps selected Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) political science major Abby Peace ’19 to volunteer as a community health facilitator in The Gambia.
Abby first experienced African culture through international learning opportunities at W&J. She traveled to The Gambia on an intersession trip with Dr. Buba Misawa, then completed a Magellan Project studying healthcare in the country after her junior year. During her time in The Gambia, locals asked Abby if she was a member of the Peace Corps, which ultimately inspired her to apply.
A daughter of two physicians, Abby initially thought she would pursue the same career path as her parents. While studying at W&J, however, she found a passion for the administrative side of healthcare.
As a community health facilitator, Abby will serve a network of villages in The Gambia, providing health and hygiene education with a focus on women’s health.
“I want to work for a non-profit and help underdeveloped populations have access to the resources they need,” Abby said. “Joining the Peace Corps is a good stepping stone for what I want to do.”
Abby is excited to return to The Gambia, and she credits W&J with preparing her for the opportunity.
“I don’t think this is something I would’ve done without help from W&J. Dr. Misawa was very influential, and he has always been very encouraging of me joining the Peace Corps,” Abby said. “It just goes to show how much W&J pushes you to reach your full potential to go outside your comfort zone, and beyond southwestern Pennsylvania, to become a global citizen.”
Following her time in the Peace Corps, Abby plans to attend graduate school.
Abby is one of three W&J students joining the Peace Corps following graduation. Richard Habgood ’19 will serve as a community development facilitator in Moldova, while Lucero Lopez ’19 will serve as an English teacher in Cambodia.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
