About J&M

J&M met in graduate school in Colorado in 2009. They shared a love of education, community, the outdoors, food, and ultimately fell in love with one another. They both had dreamt of serving in the Peace Corps as individual, single folk. They made a promise to each other to live out that dream together. Both were invited to serve in South Africa to teach English in 4th-6th grade classrooms, departing July 1, 2014.

Joe:

J was born and raised in Lorain, OH (30 miles West of Cleveland).  During his senior year in college, J had the opportunity to study away in Ecuador.  The time spent there showed J the possibility of living internationally while at the same time the chance to serve others.  Looking for a way to combine these two elements, J discovered Peace Corps.  Peace Corps' mission spoke to him.  From then on, the desire to serve with the Peace Corps rested in back of J's mind.  Now, J has the opportunity to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer with his partner, Michelle.

Having a love of adventure, meeting new people, and exploring new places, J is looking forward to meeting and building relationships with the people of South Africa and making a life there.

J will miss his family, friends, the ability to stream music, ice cream, rock climbing, and tasty ales.

Michelle:

M grew up as an Air Force "brat," having the privilege of experiencing mobility and travel at a very young age. Her favorite class in elementary school was "Host Nation," where she learned more about the culture of the country where her family was stationed. M and her mom used to volunteer together in the community through church and Girl Scouts. This passion for service and cultural exchange created a trajectory towards working in service-learning and joining the Peace Corps.

M is most looking forward to expanding her understanding of the culture of her host community, learning isiZulu, and teaching in a classroom again.

M will most miss her family and friends, hot showers, and microbreweries.