From Transactional to Transformational: A Reflection of Peace Corps Service.

Towards the conclusion of my Peace Corps Response volunteer service, I was tasked with reflecting on my experiences and the factors that contributed to my success as a volunteer, with the possibility of having an article published by the Peace Corps. While the article never made it to publication, I distinctly recall feeling uneasy about highlighting my personal achievements and instead chose to delve into the introspective aspects of my journey. Below is the reflection I submitted:

Growing up in a refugee camp in Eastern Sudan, I gained a deep understanding of the development project and its impact on my life. This experience shaped my journey as an American and as a development practitioner. However, I've come to realize that the development project often operates in a transactional manner, reinforcing power imbalances and neglecting the agency of those it aims to help. To truly make a difference, we need to shift our perspective from viewing development as transactional projects to embracing transformational engagements that empower individuals and drive positive systemic and social change.

During my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia from 2008 to 2011, I approached development with a well-intentioned mindset. I saw the projects that brought me new opportunities as a gift but failed to recognize the historical context and underlying inequity embedded within them. It was only when I started working with the incredible individuals and communities in Mongolia that my perspective underwent a profound transformation. Their agency and determination shattered my transactional view of development and highlighted the need to connect individual actions to support systemic change.

This transformation continued during my service as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) in Mongolia in the summer of 2011. I was assigned to the first state orphanage, where my task was to build systems and create opportunities for the young residents based on the principles of positive youth development. It quickly became clear that traditional transactional approaches to development would not be enough to bring about the necessary changes. In fact, I was brought in not just to implement development initiatives, but also to catalyze a comprehensive transformation of the entire system. The individuals who invited me understood the importance of not only achieving goals, but also effecting positive change in the lives of those involved by engaging in co-creation that centered them as agents in their own lives.

In this context, I fully embraced the concept of servant leadership, as coined by Greenleaf. I realized that my role was not to impose my ideas or solutions, but rather to serve the community and facilitate the transformation as a partner. By adopting this approach, I aimed to engage individuals in a way that would foster a sense of ownership and agency. Through these experiences, I've learned that effective development work goes beyond simple transactions and outputs. It requires a paradigm shift towards transformational interactions that prioritize the agency of individuals and aligns intent with impact, ultimately leading to sustainable and systemic change.

My time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia profoundly influenced my career path and fostered a profound appreciation for approaching development work with intercultural competency and a systems thinking lens. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity and the ways in which this experience has not only shaped my professional trajectory but also transformed the way I approach my work. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Mongolian counterparts and students for being an integral part of my journey and for their enduring love and support. Wishing everyone a joyous Peace Corps Week.