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Stephen Syrotiak

Class of 2021

Syrotiak, 26, has just left the United States to spend over two years in the Eastern European country of Moldova. Syrotiak joined the Peace Corps, a developmental organization that focuses on key areas of need worldwide while acting as a cultural exchange program, on June 1.

Joining the Peace Corps allows individuals to make an impact in communities around the world. For Syrotiak, this looks like working as an English teacher in Moldova. Syrotiak is excited for the experience and said, "If I can make learning English fun and just generally have a good time with my community then I feel I would have accomplished my goals.”

Syrotiak went on to explain what he recommends to others who may be interested in the Peace Corps. “Find a country you want to be in, a position you like, and a community you want to learn about and be a part of because that is one of the main objectives of the Peace Corps.” He continued, “You definitely need to find a compelling reason for you to do the work.”

Syrotiak didn’t have to look far to find his reason. In fact, his work in Moldova is spurred on by his interest in education and his personal connection to the region. Syrotiak’s mom, Mariana, is from Romania and works at 糖心VLOG网页版 as the director of English language and global training. He explained his reasons for joining the Peace Corps, saying, “I feel a great disconnect between myself and my cultural heritage. My mother is from the Moldovan region in Romania. At home, I speak a pidgin form of the Romanian language with my mother and haven’t advanced my language skills, so I speak like a fifth grader. We also didn’t do the best job nurturing our traditions like holidays or celebrations. Moldova was an opportunity for me to go and continue my career in education while traveling and reconnecting with my cultural roots.”