[ 2010-11-01 ]

My wife Juliana and I when we were married in June

Memorable story of a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana
Name: Darren Strickland
When did you serve in the Peace Corps?
Sept. 2007 - Nov. 2009

Where did you serve (which country/countries)?
Ghana

What were your main responsibilities as a
volunteer?
I was responsible for developing sustainable
Agroforestry/Agricultural programs at a vocational
school. They were intended to not only help the
school, but also the 2 nearby villages of Praaso
and Dwease. I implemented a variety of programs
consisting of a Moringa Tree plantation, about 2
acres of Maize, and livestock programs consisting
of the rearing of goats, ducks, rabbits, and the
implementation of a snail farm. I was also
presented a variety of HIV/AIDS presentations to
students and community members.

Is there a specific person (or persons) who made a
strong impression on you during that time?
Moses Anumley, he was my counterpart. One of the
most hard working and dedicated people I know.

What was one of the most memorable moments you had
as a volunteer?
I was married in Ghana on June 20, 2009 to a
Ghanian woman I met during my stay.

In what ways did your Peace Corps experience
affect your life and/or career decisions?
It makes me much more thankful for what I have.

In what ways did your U-M education, both inside
and outside the classroom, prepare you for your
Peace Corps experience?
I'm not sure anything could truly prepare me for
the Peace Corps. It's one thing to to talk to
people, read books, and watch programs on the
Discovery Channel about Ghana, but its a
completely different thing to be there. When
you're standing there and it's all around you,
that's when your true learning experience begins.

What advice would you give to others who are
contemplating going into the Peace Corps?
You'll never know if it's in you until you try.
Your experience is largely going to depend on you.
Go with the flow but be firm when you have to.
Have patience, and at times look the other way,
you'll be fine.

What is the value gained from the Peace Corps
experience?
You're going to find out what you're made of.

What lessons did you learn in the Peace Corps that
you carry with you today?
Things could be a whole hell of a lot worse.

Source - An adaptation from Peace Corps

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