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A bell-ringing ceremony for several ���ϲ����� students signaled their completion this year of the Peace Corps Prep Program, which prepares undergraduates for potential service through coursework, intercultural competence, and leadership development.

The afternoon ceremony on April 30, 2026, in the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center closely followed a similar Peace Corps tradition where volunteers ring bells as they conclude two years of service in their assigned countries.

The Peace Corps Prep Program equips students with critical competencies across four essential areas: sector-specific training, foreign language proficiency, intercultural competence, and professional leadership development.

Skills align with all six Peace Corps service sectors: Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth in Development.

The program is directed at ���ϲ����� by Jennifer Eidum, an associate professor of English who previously taught English in Ukraine as a Peace Corps volunteer. More than 60 students have completed the requirements of the Peace Corps Prep Program since its inception.

Eidum said the moment connects students to a global community committed to making the world better.

“���ϲ�����’s students are always so engaged, and they’re so active, and they do so many things on campus,” Eidum said. “It’s really nice for them to have an opportunity to be recognized for the work they’ve done. Having the sound of a bell, that very physical experience, makes it a moment to remember and celebrate.”

Students Who Recently Completed the Peace Corps Prep Program

• Azul Bellot ’26 (Education)
• MacKenzie Brown ’27 (Youth in Development)
• Virginia Campbell ’27 (Environment)
• Gia Coleman ’26 (Education)
• Emily Ecker ’26 (Health)
• Rose Fyffe ’27 (Youth in Development)
• Caden Halberg ’26 (Environment)
• Maya Katz ’27 (Youth in Development)
• Olivia Levy ’26 (Environment)
• Eliza Menser ’26 (Environment)
• Nivea Millner ’26 (Environment)
• Sam Montgomery ’27 (Environment)
• Mia O’Brien ’27 (Youth in Development)
• Corinne Pavel ’26 (Environment)
• Kate Rutledge ’27 (Youth in Development)
• Jenna Toms ’26 (Health)

Reflections and Advice from Participants

• “Do more than what fits your sector. Many sectors overlap in many ways and so I think it’s important to understand each one and how they work together. It also is important to make sure to not focus on only one sector’s issues … it’s best to get exposure to as many as you can through classes and service.” – Nivea Millner ’26
• “Take opportunities that come your way! If they see an interesting volunteer or work position that allows you to engage with different communities, this might be a chance to build soft skills that are transferable to the Peace Corps. Engaging deeply in one activity or form of service may also be more valuable than contributing in small ways to a lot of organizations — follow your passion and stick with it!” – Eliza Menser ’26
• “I would encourage future students interested in this program to study abroad. During my junior year J-Term trip to Italy, I met so many kind people, both from ���ϲ����� and through the experience abroad. Studying in Italy also helped me realize that after graduation, I could pursue opportunities beyond the United States and even consider working internationally.” – Caden Halberg ’26
• “Do the program even if you are unsure if you want to apply post-grad. Many of the classes I took already qualified for the program and I appreciated connecting with some advising mentors who shared my similar interests.” – Kate Rutledge ’27
• “Step outside your comfort zone and explore every opportunity ���ϲ����� has to offer. As a freshman, I was often overwhelmed and unsure about a lot of the amazing opportunities ���ϲ����� and the broader community of Alamance have to offer. It’s important to remember you don’t need to do everything sent your way but instead take the time to really understand and weigh your options, ultimately choosing what seems best for you. More importantly, learn to be ok with uncertainty, as I’ve learned that when I have grown the most. “ – Mia O’Brien ’27
• “If I could give advice to future Peace Corps Prep students, it would be to take advantage of any opportunities you have available to you, whether that be volunteer opportunities, work experience, networking, and more.” – Virginia Campbell ’27

Visit the ���ϲ����� Peace Corps Prep Program website or contact Associate Professor Jennifer Eidum (jeidum@elon.edu) for more information about the program.