I think, therefore I SERVE
Meet Communication (’13) Alum Christy Eubank.
In Cambodia with the Peace Corps, Christy is putting the skills she learned in the College of Arts & Science’s Department of Communication to work. With a big heart and a level head, plus experience through a service learning course in Belize and great mentors in A&S, she hopes to build a lasting educational program as a Peace Corps volunteer that will enrich lives and the community.
She know that it takes a village to make a difference, and she encourages others to join in.
Degree & Graduation Year: BS, Communication, 2013
Job Title: Peace Corps Volunteer, Education
Employer: Peace Corps
How did your educational experience in the College of Arts & Sciences and Department of Communication prepare you for the Peace Corps? The classes and professors helped inspire me to see the world as a global community. Participating in the Belize service learning class deepened my desire to engage with other cultures.
What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? I have always had a heart for people. I love helping others, it’s part of my calling. I am very passionate about learning about other cultures.
Did you have any key mentors or people at UofL who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them. Prof. John Ferré (Communication) was a huge influence on my decision to apply for the Peace Corps. He reinforced the educational, career, and personal benefits that I could gain by serving.
Prof. Katherine Taylor (Communication) helped me see that my dreams were worth chasing and that I could do anything I set my mind to. And Prof. Joy Hart (Communication) was also committed to helping prepare students to serve in Belize. The skills I learned from that experience affected my outlook on so many of life's situations.
When talking about key mentors I have to mention my parents and my family. They have always supported me and let me chase after my dreams. I know I will face challenges while volunteering for the Peace Corps, but I am inspired to make a difference in the community and in the lives of people. I simply have a heart to love others and I will show that no matter where I am.
Studying and learning about different cultures has always been a passion of mine. I love the human spirit and believe there is something that you can learn from everyone. I hope to live a life where I am constantly exploring new cultures and learning from them.
What was the best meal you’ve ever had? Why? That's a hard question. I love food and I love trying new food. But, if I had to pick, I would say my grandmother’s pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving is one of my favorites.
Book you're currently reading or recently finished? Why did you pick it up? I just finished "Living Buddha Living Christ.” I picked it because with the Peace Corps I will be living in Cambodia and it is a predominately Buddhist country. I wanted to understand more about Buddhism, especially coming from a Christian background.
What do you hope to accomplish as a Peace Corps member? There are so many things I want to accomplish. Just to name a few, I hope to make an impact on my community and students, develop a sustainable program, establish lasting relationships, share our culture and learn the Cambodian culture, and represent our country and myself to the fullest that I can.
Advice for current students in the College of Arts & Sciences? Do an internship and study abroad! I was an intern at Asia Institute-Crane House. My internship turned into a full-time job after graduation. Working at AICH, I grew personally and professionally.
