Hello everyone! My name is Katherine, but you can call me Kat. I was born and raised in North Carolina, where I lived my whole life until recently. I graduated with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology, but after college, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do next. So, I decided to take a big leap and apply to the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is a U.S. volunteer program where Americans work alongside communities around the world on locally driven projects. Volunteers live in their host communities, learn the language, and support work in areas like education, health, and the environment. I applied with an open mind—ready to go anywhere and do anything—and that’s how I ended up in Peru as a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Volunteer.
Coming here was a huge step for me. It was my first time ever leaving the United States, and I didn’t speak a word of Spanish when I arrived. I was definitely nervous, but I knew this experience would challenge me in all the right ways. I arrived in Peru on April 1st, and every day since has been a new adventure.
I’m incredibly excited to share my journey with all of you—from trying wild new foods, to navigating unique modes of transportation, to meeting the amazing people who make Peru such a special place.
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.
