Здраво! (Zdravo) Hello! My name is Lauren Werner, and I am from the town of Latrobe in Northern California. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work in various roles, and my passion for helping others has always been a driving force.
I moved five hours north of my hometown to attend Humboldt State University, where I pursued a degree in International Studies. After completing my studies, I spent a couple of years working in the California Capital, Sacramento, focusing on harm reduction to ensure the safety of individuals in my community. I cherished my role immensely and only decided to leave when another dream beckoned – the dream of exploring the world. If I decide to return to the field of harm reduction, I am confident that there will always be opportunities awaiting me as it is a very busy and progressive field.
Making a bold decision, I sold nearly everything, keeping a few boxes in storage. I had chosen work that took me to the other side of the globe. Currently, I reside in Prilep, the fourth-largest city in North Macedonia. North Macedonia is a small Balkan country in Eastern Europe, and is about six times smaller than California! Here, I am volunteering for the Peace Corps, an American expat program facilitated by the United States. My mission involves working with local youth and focusing on community development, allowing us to learn from and teach one another. I have been living here for 6 months, and have 21 more months left to go!
I am continuously growing and learning about language, culture, and the diverse possibilities of human lifestyles and senses of being. I am thrilled to share these moments with all of you!
