Heather Peck is fulfilling her life-long dream to help orphan children in Africa. In June 2013 she will begin her six month volunteer adventure to teach and mentor children and young adults at the Heartwood Orphan Home in Liberia. Her positive attitude, hard work ethic, and compassionate heart will inspire children and staff members to believe in themselves, to do their best to achieve success, and to lift others along the way. Read her short bio to get to know this wonderful volunteer:
"I’m Heather Peck. I love writing, but I don’t like to write about myself. It’s weird. But it must be done because there may be another volunteer who could benefit from reading my story. Honestly, I never thought that I would be important enough to have to write a bio. I don’t feel like an important person. I’m just Heather.
Going to Liberia will be a fulfillment of one of my major life goals. I have been interested in going to Africa since I was 12. Back then, my mom was involved in humanitarian work for our church. She took me to visit a lady who would be taking some collected supplies to Africa soon. The lady showed me pictures and told me about her work. I can’t really tell you why, but that experience changed my life and influenced me to work toward this wonderful opportunity to serve the people in Liberia.
I am studying to be a teacher. I started as a high school intern my senior year of high school. After graduation, I quickly found a job working as a tutor for Utah GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). Here I tutored all subjects, but mostly Math and English. I also helped students prepare for college, which included teaching college prep classes, taking students on college campus tours, helping students research and apply for scholarships and grants, and helping students find and apply for jobs. I also work for ATEC (Alpine Transition and Education Center) as a Special Education para-educator. I have been with ATEC for three years and have worked with students with many of levels of ability.
To volunteer I will be taking a break from attending school at Utah Valley University, where I just finished my first semester as a junior studying Elementary Education. I don’t have a whole lot of time for hobbies, but on the occasion that I do, I enjoy playing the piano and singing, softball and volleyball, writing poetry and non-fiction prose, and drawing.
Okay, that’s really all I can think of to tell you about me. Now I want to say a little about YOU. I have been very lucky to be blessed with a supportive network of family and friends. I am grateful to all of you out there who have encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me both financially and spiritually. I would not be able to do this without you. Thank you!" – Heather
To make a financial contribution to Heather’s work as an education specialist at the Orphan Home p;ease visit our donation page. 100% of your donation (less payment processing fees) will be used for direct implentation of the project you choose. Thank you for your support!
