Heidi Laws, MEd ’09 (educational leadership)

Date of Peace Corps service: 1991-93

Location of Peace Corps service: Honduras

I joined the Peace Corps prior to entering the UO for my master's degree and served in Honduras. I had always wanted to volunteer and live and work in a community outside of the US but never expected the ways that the Corps would impact my life. I learned Spanish while I lived in Honduras and that proved to be an incredibly valuable skill that helped me land jobs back in the States, specifically in teaching.

My passion for education was cemented in the Corps where one of my proudest moments was helping start a school for students that needed unique support. We trained teachers in special education and invited students that had never stepped foot in a school. The school is still in existence 30 years later with a focus on teaching special education.

However, I learned more than I taught. The Hondurans taught me humility, that you do not need a lavish lifestyle to be happy, and how to enjoy the little things. And for me, the Corps became a second home. I am still drawn to other Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and can always count on them to be flexible thinkers, open to new adventures, and to have a sense of humor. Some of my best friends today are volunteers that I met during my service. So, I cannot recommend joining the Peace Corps enough. It will open your eyes to new experiences and push you out of your comfort bubble. Every day you learn something new about yourself and others.