Second Generation Peace Corps Volunteer Departs for Mozambique Tuesday

Vienna resident Sara Greenwood will join 226 Peace Corps volunteers in Mozambique on Tuesday when she begins training as an eduction volunteer. 

Greenwood, 22, is a second-generation Peace Corps volunteer. Her mother, Lisa Greenwood, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic after college. Greenwood was always inspired by her mother's tenure in the Peace Corps and had the desire to serve. Last summer, she decided to apply. 

"I decided to see the world instead of going to school right away," Greenwood said.

Greenwood will live and work in a community teaching biology to high school students. She says she has always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, but is keeping an open mind.

"I could come back and decide I want to do something different," she said.

“I am so excited to integrate myself into a new culture and I hope that I can bring what I learn while I'm there back to the United States,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood is a graduate of James Madison High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Delaware in Newark, Del. 

During the first three months of her service, Greenwood will live with a host family in Mozambique to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Greenwood will be sworn into service and be assigned to a community in Mozambique, where she will live and work for two years with the local people.

According to the Peace Corps, Mozambique volunteers work in the areas of education and health.Volunteers are trained and work in the following languages: Ajaua, Bitonga, Chope, Changane, Elomwe, Emacua, Hiyau, Nhungwe, Nianja, Portuguese, Swahili, Xitswa, Xindau, Xisena, Xichona, Ximanica, Xichuabo, Ximaconde and Xironga.

Greenwood's mom has offered her advice on adjusting to life in the Peace Corps. 

"[My mom] tells me it's going to be very challenging at first, but after a couple of months I will get into the swing of things," Greenwood said.  

Greenwood is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and being a "mercenary of culture."

"I can't wait to share what I learned," she said.

According to the Peace Corps, Greenwood joins the 303 Virginia residents currently serving in the Peace Corps and more than 7,116 Virginia residents who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.