Meet Nakita Naik '17, Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia
- Feb 22, 2018
For Nakita Naik, everything about being in Peace Corps is new. "I still feel like a newbie...every day brings about something new whether that be a new fruit, a new word in Spanish, a new person to meet," she explained when we reached out to her to learn more about her service in Colombia.
Originally from Plano, Texas, Naik started her service in October 2017 after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with degrees in Marketing and Psychology in May. She is working as a business advisor as part of Peace Corps' community economic development program until her service concludes in 2019.
Why did you decide to join Peace Corps?
For as long as I can remember joining the Peace Corps has been a lingering thought in the back of my mind.
I joined for a plethora of reasons. However, the most compelling, yet cheesy one, was that I felt in a prime position after graduating to use my educational background and expertise for something important and bigger than myself.
Describe your community and location.
I live in a small pueblo called Soplaviento. It is located in the northern Bolivar which is the coast of Colombia. It has a population of about 8000 people and is only accessible by canoe. The majority of the Soplavientero men are modest fishermen as we are surrounded by the Ciénaga and it is the most profitable industry in the area. Most of the women attend to the house and capitalize on informal economic opportunities such as selling sweets and fried foods out of their houses.
They value family and are an incredibly close-knit community where everyone knows each other. They express their love through food, and I subsequently have not stopped eating since coming here.
Tell us about your job.
My job is to help stimulate the local economic activity and increase the capacity of community members. In the context of Colombia, our service here means working with local businesses and teaching entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills and practices to those who need and want it.
What is your favorite part of being a Peace Corps Volunteer?
My favorite part about being a Peace Corps volunteer is how I’ve been so warmly welcomed into this country. Colombian people have demonstrated an unbelievable amount of kindness, patience, and curiosity and I feel very fortunate to be living here for two years.
It is amazing to see how open people are and how willing they are to share their culture, house, food, and stories with you. Although it is not always easy being a volunteer I think a lot about this.
What is the hardest part of being a Peace Corps Volunteer?
One of the hardest parts is remembering that progress is slow. As with anything, sustainable change takes time and it is sometimes difficult to remember that.
I would also be lying if I said I did not miss American food at all!
What is the most surprising thing about being a Peace Corps Volunteer that you did not expect?
From a program standpoint, I did not expect to have so much freedom. This program is really what you make of it and there are very little limiting factors in the work you do at your site.
What have you learned about yourself through your service?
They often say during service you experience your “highest highs” and “lowest lows” and I could not agree more with that statement. I’ve learned that I’m stronger and full of potential to impact other peoples’ lives. I have also realized that I have many things to improve while I work to create that impact.
How will your service impact your career goals?
It has reaffirmed that I do want to pursue a career path in the social sector, and it has reminded me to maintain a "people first" philosophy in everything that I do.
What are your plans after COS?
My plans include going to Chik-Fil-A and potentially applying to MBA programs that offer concentrations in Marketing or Non-Profit Management. I am interested in the potential that the private sector yields in terms of effective corporate social responsibility and hope to work towards this in some capacity before working in the public sector.
What have you gained through your experience in Peace Corps?
I have gained an appreciation for many things I took for granted. I have also gained the deepest sense of gratitude for countless people here in Colombia who have made this experience so transformative.
What would you say to current UT students considering applying to Peace Corps?
Do your research! Two years is a lot of time to devote to something you’re not 100% invested in. You want to make sure Peace Corps fits into your personal and professional goals. It is “the toughest job you’ll ever love,” and an incredible opportunity.
Learn more about becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer
