Candice Thielen ’14, Rice, joins the U.S. Peace Corps in Cameroon, Africa.
Candice Thielen ’14 is expanding her view on the world and pushing her own boundaries by joining the U.S. Peace Corps in Cameroon, Africa.
“St. Cloud State helped prepare me for this adventure by teaching me what it means to apply yourself to something you want to succeed in,” said Thielen.
The Rice native earned her bachelor’s degree in English and looks to use her degree as an English education volunteer upon arrival.
Thielen will live and work at the community level, teaching conversational and content-based English in middle and high schools.
During her first three months, Thielen will live with a host family to learn the local language and integrate into the culture. After, she will be sworn into service and assigned to a community in Cameroon where she will serve for two years.
She will work with local people and organizations on sustainable, community-based development projects that improve the lives of people in Cameroon.
Thielen previously volunteered as a classroom assistant at Hands Across the World, a nonprofit that assists refugees and immigrant families in Central Minnesota.
“My goals include communicating successfully and creating lasting bonds with people of diverse countries, cultures and backgrounds,” Thielen said. “I want to be more aware of the world and the ways of life around me.”
Six St. Cloud State graduates are currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 309 alumni have served as volunteers since 1961.
She will depart for Cameroon May 26.
