Sharece Bunn, MS ’10 (magazine)

Peace Corps location: Lypovets, Ukraine and Trenopil, Ukraine

Current location: Seattle, WA

Current position: Assistant Director of International Student Advising at University of Washington

I was inspired to join the Peace Corps for two reasons: one, because of the combined stories from my two aunts who had served in the 60s and two, because as I prepared to graduate, I felt as if my college experience had been selfish, solely focused on me and my future. I wanted to do something for the community, so when I came back from my semester studying abroad in London, I submitted my application to serve.

My first stint in the Peace Corps began in 2005 and took place in Lypovets, Ukraine, but my second occurred after my time at the UO. While I was studying at the UO, the Corps was sending me a lot of recruitment information about Peace Corps Response, a short-term service program (formerly Crisis Corps) which would allow me to continue to serve. I remember discussing Peace Corps Response with classmates in the SOJC and one of them said, "Sharece, if you decide to go do that, you won't ever regret it." I ended up leaving for my second stint with the Corps the summer after I earned my degree at the UO.

My second service was in Trenopil, Ukraine, where I’m particularly proud of being a part of programming to empower young girls who needed inspiration and support. While there, I learned how to love people from all different backgrounds and cultures. Ukraine has a very divided past, but the way the people truly cared about sustainability, humanity, and engagement has inspired me to this day. If you are considering joining the Peace Corps, please do it. I truly believe that the Peace Corps is one of those organizations that helps change the world and will change you during your time in the service.