Crystal Lake native accepted in Peace Corp

Bethany Lynn Arnold of Crystal Lake has been accepted into the Peace Corps.

The 23-year-old departed for Senegal on March 10, to begin pre-service training as a health education Peace Corps volunteer.

Upon graduation from volunteer training in June, Arnold will be working with community members to implement health education programs and promote health awareness, including HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health.

Arnold is the daughter of James and Christine Arnold and a graduate of Crystal Lake South High School. She went on to attend American University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree in international studies and French translation, graduating in 2007. Arnold previously worked at Women for Women International in Washington, D.C.

"The Peace Corps offers service, adventure, travel, language skills, and many other things that I am looking for in a job," Arnold said. "A big determinant for me was the opportunity to become part of a community abroad and to develop greater cross-cultural awareness and understanding."

During the first three months of her service, Arnold will live with a host family in Senegal to become fully immersed in the country's language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Arnold will serve for two years in Senegal, living in a manner similar to people in her host country.

Arnold joins the 367 Illinois residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 7,287 Illinois residents have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.

The Peace Corps began work in Senegal in 1963. Since then, more than 2,813 volunteers have worked in the country. Volunteers focus their efforts in the areas of agriculture, business development, environment, and health. Volunteers train health-care workers in disease prevention, work to create sustainable agricultural techniques, teach environmental awareness, and help to develop effective marketing information systems and improve organizational and financial management practices for small businesses.

Currently, there are 177 Peace Corps volunteers serving in Senegal.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are 8,000 volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where volunteers have served.

Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, visit the Web site www.peacecorps.gov.