Zoe Lefebvre, senior, hopes to attend Northwestern University, but instead of getting a job afterwards, her plan is to join the Peace Corps.
Lefebvre’s desire in wanting to join the Peace Corps evolved over time with her research of current events and from watching the news. From her knowledge of worldly issues, Lefebvre said she wanted to make a positive influence by helping the lives of others that reside in less fortunate societies.
“I usually have a hard time deciding what I want to do but joining the Peace Corps is something that I’m positive I want to do. I’ve never been surer about anything else,” Lefebvre said.
Lefebvre said that she would like to help countries in Africa by teaching and is planning to major in French in case she finds herself in French speaking African countries.
Although Lefebvre is devoted to joining the Peace Corps, her parents aren’t so sure about her decision.
“My mom is scared about me wanting to join the Peace Corps. She is always telling me that what those people go through is hard and that she doesn’t want me to go through it, but I ask her why should they?”
Lefebvre wants to make an impact and said she feels that she would do so best by getting involved with teaching others.
The Peace Corps was established in 1961. Volunteers serve in 77 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Peace Corps Volunteers live, learn, and work with a community overseas for 27 months, providing technical assistance in six program areas: education, youth and community development, health, business and information and communications technology, agriculture, and environment, according to the Peace Corps website.
“There is a person out there that needs help, why not help them,” Lefebvre said.
Maya Murali, senior, and close friend of Lefebvre, supports her decision.
“I understand why she feels the inclination to join the Peace Corps because she cares about people and likes helping them out. She is interested in the greater good of mankind,” Murali said.
Liam Leslie, senior, and friend of Lefebvre’s, supports her decision as well.
“I think she’d do well working in the Peace Corps because she cares about people, Leslie said. She cares about people and it suits her personality well. I’m not at all surprised by her decision. Wanting to help others is very much like something she’d do.”
