For those readers that are considering joining Peace Corps after completing a Master’s degree, Sameera would be a great contact for you!
Read on to hear about her life in Belize!
1. Please introduce yourself.
I’m Sameera, I’m 25 years old and I love travel. I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to an African American mother and a Somali immigrant father. Since I was very young, my mother heavily believed in experiences abroad for my younger sister and I, so after many trips as a family the passion has stuck with me. I have a bachelors degree in International Politics & World Affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and plan to pursue a Masters in Public Health (Global Health concentration) after Peace Corps Service.
2. What sparked your interest in joining the Peace Corps?
Peace Corps is one of those things that you do for no other reason than your desire to help others. I had a rough beginning to university life, and found myself ever grateful for the people who pushed me and exposed me to the resources I needed to succeed. As a result, I went on to do internships, study abroad, and a whole array of other opportunities I never thought I would have. I knew that after graduation I wanted to dedicate significant time to being a resource for others in the best capacity I could. That, along with my love for travel and cultural exchange made Peace Corps a no-brainer!
3. As black American traveler, what advice would you give to others inspired to join the Peace Corps but afraid to take the first step?
There are certainly places in the world where Black travelers have a difficult time being accepted. My advice is to stay open-minded. For many countries, the Black Peace Corps Volunteer may be the only black person residents have ever seen. Understand that apprehension doesn’t always come from a hateful place. Use your position as a BPCV to show them positivity, giving them the chance to change their mindsets through firsthand experience, and prove wrong what they may have heard through stereotyping/media portrayal.
4. What are some foods you like to cook/eat in Belize?
The Belizean diet is delicious but not the most healthy. So, when I cook its usually health-conscious and similar to what I would cook back home. I like experimenting with new recipes. I just tried a non-dairy, sugar-free whole-wheat banana pancake recipe that turned out amazing. My favorite Belizean dish is without a doubt rice and beans with stew chicken, the staple dish of Belize.
5. How do people (in Belize) react when you tell them you were a Peace Corps Volunteer.
They usually nod and say “thats good.” Peace Corps is no stranger in Belize. Volunteers have been sent here since 1962, one year after Peace Corps’ founding, so we’ve been around this country for a long time. Occasionally there are people who have not heard of Peace Corps, so I explain why I’m here. Overall though, I don’t get too many unusual reactions
6. What was your Pre-Service Training like?…can you sum it up in one sentence?
One of the most difficult, exhausting and rewarding times of my life that I would never go through a second time.
7. In your free time, what do you like to do?
I love to do yoga and exercise on a daily basis. I also like to cook, read, and of course, travel!
8. Where can people get in touch with you if they have any questions (Leave your social media info and blog link if you’d like!)
Find me on:
Twitter: @sahassan
Instagram: @sahassan
Email me: hassan.sameera.pcbz@gmail.com
Email me: hassan.sameera.pcbz@gmail.com