A University of South Florida student is preparing to begin a new chapter abroad after being accepted into the Peace Corps, where she will serve in the Community Economic Development sector in Fiji. The Peace Corps, a federal volunteer program that sends Americans abroad to work alongside communities on projects focused on education, health, economic development, agriculture and environmental sustainability, is a great opportunity for students and graduates looking to gain international experience while making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
The opportunity reflects years of personal growth, academic preparation and a longstanding interest in service and cultural exchange. — Adriana Romo
Adriana Romo, who graduated this past spring with her bachelor’s degree in social work, said the opportunity reflects years of personal growth, academic preparation and a longstanding interest in service and cultural exchange.
“There wasn’t one specific moment that inspired me to apply to the Peace Corps,” she said. “It was something that kept coming back to me over time.”
Although Romo had considered applying before beginning college, she initially felt unqualified. Through volunteer experiences, coursework and internship opportunities at USF, she gained the confidence to pursue the application process.
“I’ve always wanted to help others and learn about different cultures,” she said. “Now felt like the right moment to continue doing meaningful work while taking a break between my undergraduate and graduate degrees.”
In Fiji, Peace Corps volunteers live and work alongside local residents to manage projects, start small businesses and improve literacy, especially among women and children.
Photo: Peace Corps File Photo.
Her assignment in Fiji closely aligns with her background in social work and her future career goals. She said her experiences supporting individuals in need of resources and stability shaped her understanding of the importance of sustainable, community-based support systems.
“What drew me to this sector is its focus on working alongside communities, building relationships, understanding needs and supporting systems that already exist,” she said. “That aligns with how I’ve learned to practice social work.”
She chose Fiji as her top placement preference because of the opportunity to immerse herself in a completely different culture and environment.
“Being from Florida, I feel prepared for the weather,” she said. “But more importantly, I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from other people’s traditions and experiences.”
Romo credits her time at USF with helping prepare her for the challenges and responsibilities of Peace Corps service. Coursework emphasizing empathy, compassion, cultural humility and respect helped shape the perspective she plans to bring abroad.
“The lessons I learned at USF are things I can apply anywhere,” she said. “I think they will serve me very well in Fiji.”
Like many applicants, she described the waiting process as one of the most difficult parts of the journey.
“The lessons I learned at USF are things I can apply anywhere,” she said. “I think they will serve me very well in Fiji.” — Adriana Romo
“There are so many stages of waiting,” she said. “I tend to be an overthinker, so those waiting periods gave me time to second-guess myself.”
Ultimately, the experience reinforced the importance of trusting herself and recognizing the value of her experiences.
“The Peace Corps application process is competitive, especially for a country like Fiji,” she said. “But as I moved through each stage, I started realizing how valuable my experiences really are.”
As she prepares to depart, she hopes the experience will help her grow personally and professionally before pursuing a master’s degree in social work.
“I hope this experience helps me grow into a more confident, resourceful and capable person,” she said. “I also hope it shapes me into a stronger and more well-rounded social worker when I return.”
Her story reflects the transformative impact Peace Corps service has had on generations of volunteers, including USF Peace Corps recruiter David Atteberry, whose own service journey began after graduating from Texas A&M University in 1978.
Following his Peace Corps service in the late 1970s, USF recruiter David Atteberry earned his master’s degree and went on to build a 40-year international development career.
Over the course of his service, Atteberry worked with approximately 50 farmers, helped
construct more than 100 ponds and supported sustainable food production for hundreds
of family members.
Photos courtesy of David Atteberry.
Unsure of his next steps after college and eager to experience another culture, Atteberry applied to the Peace Corps and was assigned to the Central African Republic, where he spent two years teaching subsistence farmers how to build freshwater ponds and raise fish.
Over the course of his service, Atteberry worked with approximately 50 farmers, helped construct more than 100 ponds and supported sustainable food production for hundreds of family members.
“Those two years changed my life,” Atteberry said. “I discovered my passion for international development.”
Following his Peace Corps service, Atteberry earned his master’s degree and went on to build a 40-year international development career, including work with nongovernmental organizations, the United Nations and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“I am fortunate to have found my life’s work through the Peace Corps,” he said.
Students interested in learning more about Peace Corps opportunities can connect with the USF Peace Corps Prep Program, which is open to students of any major. The program helps students develop sector-specific skills, intercultural competence and leadership experience needed for international service. Students can also contact the USF Peace Corps recruiter for guidance on the application process and available opportunities.