As a student at SUNY Oneonta, Class of 2022 alumna Nicole Bausenwein became interested in international development, learned how to write a grant and conduct research, and participated in the SUNY COIL Global Commons summer program, which allowed her to collaborate with a Non-Government Organization in Nigeria.
Now, she’s putting these skills and experiences to use as one of the first Peace Corps volunteers to return overseas after the agency’s unprecedented suspension of operations in March 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Serving as a youth in development volunteer in Guatemala, Nicole is working alongside community members to support urgent development efforts, build critical connections, and engage in COVID-19 response and recovery work. She arrived in Guatemala on Oct. 4 and will be stationed there until December 2024.
How did you decide to join the Peace Corps?
Studying abroad was something I really wanted to do, but unfortunately I didn’t get the chance due to the pandemic. I did participate in the SUNY COIL Global Commons summer program, which allowed me to collaborate with a Non-Government Organization in Nigeria virtually. Through this program, I learned about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and became more interested in international development.
In January, I had volunteered at a special needs facility in Costa Rica for two weeks through IVHQ/ Maximo Nivel. Two weeks was not long enough in my opinion. I began to research long-term volunteer positions. I was inspired by Peace Corps’ mission to promote world peace and friendship.
What is a typical day like for you in Guatemala?
Typically I wake up at 6 a.m. My host mom makes me breakfast, usually consisting of eggs, beans and pancakes. Then I walk to the Peace Corps office for training. Training takes place from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Our training consists of language classes, technical classes and seminars about safety and health. I am in the youth development sector. After 11 weeks of training, I will be working in public middle schools as a program coordinator.
After training, I go home and have dinner with my host family. My host family has two young nephews and a niece that visit every day. Usually I play “escondite” or hide and seek with them. I also play hair salon with my host niece who enjoys braiding hair. I go to bed around 11 p.m. each night and look forward to my classes the next day.
Best parts and hardest challenges?
The best parts are the people and the food. During my time here I have met some of the most welcoming and friendly people. I view the other volunteers as a little family. My host family has accepted me as one of their own. My host mom is an amazing chef. I am always offered delicious food.
I would say one of the biggest challenges so far has been accepting that I may not see my U.S. friends or family in person for two years. (Peace Corps volunteers commit 27 months – three months of in-country training and two years of service). Keeping in touch through FaceTime helps with homesickness. The training is also intense. However, I enjoy the challenge and thinking outside the box.
Why did you choose to attend SUNY Oneonta?
My mom, Christine Buggeln, graduated from Oneonta in 1990. Growing up, I heard lots of stories about her time in Oneonta. While I didn’t intend to be legacy, I fell in love with the campus. I loved that it was small and had a “home” feeling to it.
What did you like about your major/s?
I chose psychology and sociology because of how versatile they are. I enjoyed the small class sizes. I also feel that my coursework prepared me for the Peace Corps. During my time at Oneonta, I learned how to write a grant and conduct my own research. I have found both of these skills to be invaluable for my Peace Corps service.
What would be your dream job?
I don’t have a set “dream job.” I enjoy travel, learning about other cultures, working with kids and international development. I am hoping that my future job involves some or all of these components.