Teresa Padgett ’15
By Holly Gonzalez ’15
Upon graduating from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in May, senior Teresa Padgett will head to Botswana, Africa to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer. Padgett, a public policy major with three minors— environmental studies, philosophy and political science— will serve for 27 months as a life skills volunteer, addressing HIV/AIDS prevention needs for young people in schools and local communities.
Padgett credits her experiences as a student at St. Mary’s College, namely a trip to The Gambia, West Africa through the college’s PEACE Program, for cultivating her passion for service. Courses in environmental ethics, feminism and philosophy, she says, have also given her a perspective of global community.
“I am so incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity. I know that my time at St. Mary’s College of Maryland has prepared me with leadership skills and a passion for service that will guide me throughout my time abroad. I’m thrilled to begin this journey,” Padgett said.
Since the Peace Corps was established in 1961, more than 120 St. Mary’s College of Maryland graduates have traveled abroad to serve as volunteers. Peace Corps volunteers live and work at the community level and promote a better understanding between cultures. When they return home, volunteers bring knowledge and experiences that give them a competitive edge for 21st century jobs and advanced educational opportunities.