Different lands, different times North Georgia celebrates global impact of Peace Corps and beginning of new program at the university
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By Edie Rogers
hey traveled to different lands at different times, some even in different decades, but one thread remains constant in the stories shared by those who have volunteered with Peace Corps — it is a life-changing experience. “Peace Corps changed my life. Before I volunteered, I really did not understand community and how important it is in people’s lives. Fiji taught me about community,” said Dr. Donna Gessell, executive director for regional engagement and an English professor at North Georgia College & State University. She served Peace Corps in Fiji from 1979 to 1982. 20
North Georgia Leader
Donna Gessell (left) serv ing Peace Corps in Fiji in the early 1980s.