NAME: Armando Williams
AGE: 28
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles
ALMA MATER: UC Santa Barbara, Class of 2008 (History)
COUNTRY OF SERVICE: Jordan
ASSIGNMENT: Special Education
DEPARTURE DATE: October 2011
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER? I had read an article in Men’s Health magazine by a well-know travel writer who stated that he had joined the Peace Corps, and that was the beginning of a life long career. Right after reading the article I spent a week in Yosemite. It snowed and rained, and it was freezing and beautiful, and it dawned on me, that there is so much more to this life than the rat race of LA. Plus, I had a decent amount of experience working with kids.
I have worked in the special education and special needs field for over five years. I have worked with children with moderate to severe autism. I’ve worked with teens that were at high risk for violent and criminal activities. I have tutored and taught children with various disabilities and setbacks, and I have worked in a residential program for adults with mental deficits.
I have a creative streak, and if you catch me at the right time, I will probably be playing a musical instrument, painting with acryics on a treated canvas, or writing a short story about the people I know or wish I knew.
ABOUT THE PEACE CORPS:
In 2011, the Peace Corps celebrates 50 years of international service. More than 200,000 Americans have served as Peace Corps volunteers in 139 countries since President John F. Kennedy established the agency in 1961.
Through their service, volunteers increase awareness of America around the world and help our country gain an understanding of other cultures beyond our borders. Currently, 8,655 Peace Corps volunteers serve in 77 countries – the largest number of volunteers in 40 years.
Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Volunteers live and work with a community overseas to reach goals in education, health, business, agriculture, the environment, youth development and more.
Peace Corps volunteers spend their first three months of service in training, living with a host family and studying the local language and culture.
Volunteers receive many benefits, including transportation, a living stipend, medical care, graduate school opportunities, student loan deferment, $7,425 upon completion and much more. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens, at least 18-years old, and in good health. There is no upper age limit and no cost to participate. Apply online.
For more information and online applications, please visit www.peacecorps.gov.
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Media Contact: Kate Kuykendall of Peace Corps, 310.356.1106 or kkuykendall@peacecorps.gov
