Special motivations and circumstances can arise when first-generations citizens of the United States aspire to Peace Corps service.

Listen to the recording of the call, May 15th, which shared the insights of guests Sheldon Gen, a returned Volunteer, and Roshan Devaraj, an invitee, about the special role of first generation Americans in the Peace Corps.

“My parents are immigrants from China, and it definitely took time for them to warm up to the idea of Peace Corps, but now it has been a benefit for my whole family,” says Sheldon (Peace Corps Kenya, 1990-1992).

“When I was eight years old, I immigrated to America with my family from Singapore. I grew up in a bi-racial family where three languages are spoken and [I] enjoy exploring different languages and cultures,” explains Roshan (who will leave this year for Peace Corps Kazakhstan). “Being a first-generation American was one of the central issues which Continue reading →