BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — After crossing the Illinois Wesleyan commencement stage to receive a degree in environmental studies this spring, Chrishana Simon '25 is headed to Nepal to serve as a member of the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run through the United States government. Its official mission is to
provide support for social and economic development abroad. The service opportunity allows motivated activists to immerse themselves in communities around the globe, working side-by-side with local leaders to tackle the area’s most pressing challenges.
Simon, who is from New Orleans, will be stationed in Nepal assisting in the agricultural sector. In addition to completing farm work and beekeeping, Simon will work with women and youth in the community, empowering them and helping provide a better understanding of agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Joining the Peace Corps was not originally part of the post-college plans, said Simon, but when the opportunity arose, she realized that it “felt entirely in alignment with my short-term and long-term career goals.” Simon’s tentative plan after serving in the Peace Corps is to attend graduate school to study urban planning with a focus on environmental planning.
“Throughout my life, growth through new experiences, travel, purpose and connection have always been important to me. Through the Peace Corps, those foundational values are directly stimulated,” she said.
As a Peace Corps volunteer, Simon intends to gain professional skills, take time for introspection and become “a more effective community member.”
As a student, Simon was involved with numerous IWU groups such as Black Student Union, Women of Color and Student Senate. During the college experience, Simon said she faced everything from feeling both loved and irritated to feeling truly seen and challenged.
“This melting pot of experiences has given me an intimate understanding of community and relationships, as well as how I relate to and maneuver within connection. The relational skills that I cultivated and polished at IWU will be absolutely vital for being successful within my Peace Corps Assignment,” said Simon. “I’m excited to embark on this journey. It’s going to mean so much to me.”