By Fatima Magana '22

ALBANIA- While some students attend college solely to prepare for a professional career--building a skillset in and outside the classroom at internship sites, others like Haley Hunt '23, nursing alumna, are highly involved in and outside the classroom, networking with faculty and staff, and befriending students from distinct programs of study.

Hunt unknowingly prepared herself at the University of Mount Union for the once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunity with the Peace Corps. Beginning her freshman year, Hunt developed a love for traveling when she went to the U.S. Virgin Islands to carry out a service project through the University. She then traveled to Louisiana, the United States, and the Dominican Republic with Dr. Paul Tidman's social responsibility class.

"My fascination with traveling arose from wanting to learn more about the world and other cultures," said Hunt.

Andrea Corbisello, director of laboratory and clinical experience and Hunt's advisor, explained that Hunt is the first nursing alumna from Mount Union to volunteer with the Corps. Corbisello expressed pride that Hunt's compassionate soul will allow her to impact people's lives and represent the Purple Raiders while abroad.

Hunt embarked on a journey to Albania a year ago, where she currently serves as a health education volunteer. Nestled between Greece and the Adriatic Sea, she educates students in grades 1-12 about environmental health, mental, physical, and wellness health, personal hygiene, and decision-making about health prevention.

"Traveling allows you to open your mind to something you have never experienced before which you cannot just get through the screen of your phone because you must live it to enjoy it," explained Hunt.

Peace Corps, which was created in 1960 by former president John F. Kennedy, allows people with a care-taking and warm nature to help others in their own country or travel the world to experience a new culture and language.

"Once you get to your assigned country, the first two and a half months are spent in training; you have one week to meet everyone and are introduced to the language and culture," said Hunt. "We then get spread out in groups to smaller communities throughout the country where we are in training six days a week, learning to speak the language, learning about our jobs, and supporting one another through the transition time."