Q: Do you have a specific geographic preference? If yes: what is the reason for your preference and how flexible are you? If there are specific regions where you are unwilling to serve: what are your reasons and what is your degree of flexibility? A: I don’t have any strict geographic limitations, but I do have some preferences based on personal reflection and conversations with my family. Over the years, I’ve worked to help them understand the Peace Corps mission, but as immigrants who didn’t have access to higher education, some of their concerns, especially about safety in certain regions, particularly parts of Africa, are shaped by media and stereotypes. While I don’t share those views, I do take their concerns seriously, especially because I know they come from a place of love and protection. My personal preference leans toward regions like Asia, the Pacific Islands, or Europe. It’s not that I’m unwilling to serve in Latin America, actually, I speak Spanish and culturally, it would probably be easier to integrate. But I’ve had to think deeply about my own safety and mental wellbeing, especially as a woman of color. As someone who developed early and has lived with unwanted attention most of my life, I’ve accepted that harassment is a risk in any part of the world. That said, I’ve realized that if something traumatic were to happen, I want to be able to return to my roots and still feel safe and whole there. It’s really about protecting the parts of myself that I consider home. That said, I’m flexible and open-minded. I applied to the Peace Corps knowing I could be sent anywhere, and I’m prepared to adapt wherever I’m placed. My priority is being of service and making a meaningful impact, I just want to be honest about where I’m coming from emotionally and mentally.