Rachel Beatty

Class of 2006

Sociology Major with Anthropology Minor

“All is well here in St. Lucia. I find out this coming Monday what island I will be assigned to. I am hoping to be in a more urban area (of which there are few) … originally I had hoped for rural, but the rural culture is very conservative here and I find the social environment to be rather stifling to my independent (American) nature. However, I will be happy anywhere. And anywhere I go adjustments will always need to be made.”

“So, this community-based training is rather intense, but very helpful and informative. They are working with us on community assessment, mapping, and strategic planning strategies. We are visiting community organizations and meeting with community leaders in various communities throughout St Lucia to talk to them about issues they face, etc.

My family situation here is good—I am now much more adjusted than when I sent out the last e-mail. Plus, this is not a permanent situation.”

“As you said, the Peace Corps volunteers are all very awesome people. I am loving the time I am spending with them, and I am going to miss many people when we disperse to our islands. We are already very close. However, one of the things that is great about the Eastern Caribbean area is that you are always pretty close to another volunteer - as the islands are tiny.”