Young Harris Alum travels to Kenya as member of Peace Corps
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — A 2020 alumna and record-setting golfer from Young Harris College has taken on a new challenge, joining the Peace Corps and traveling to Kenya for the next two years.
Hannah Walker graduated from Young Harris College with a bachelor’s degree in 2020, majoring in Environmental Science and with minors in Chemistry and Biology. And, she was equally gifted on the links, setting records while leading the way for the Young Harris College women’s golf team.
Now, she’s taking that focus and skill to the Peace Corps. She is currently in training until December, living with a host family to work on language, education, and culture training for her two-year stint in Western Kenya.
“I will be a secondary science teacher,” Walker said. “Joining the Peace Corps is something I have always wanted to do because the Peace Corps does not conform to the idea that developing countries need western help. The communities and countries that Peace Corps works with have requested the Peace Corps volunteers for specific needs that they think the Peace Corps can fill for that community.”
Applying to the Peace Corps was something Walker had wanted to do following graduation. However, in the post-COVID environment all Peace Corps volunteers were sent home. So, instead, Walker taught high school and biology classes at Forsyth Central High School in Cumming, GA., for the past three years.
“I became a certified teacher through the Forsyth Teacher Academy and this last year I completed my master’s degree in STEM Education through American College of Education,” Walker said. “With this teaching experience, new education, and my original goal of applying to the Peace Corps, the time just seemed right.”
Many of Walker’s Young Harris College golfing records still stand today, sitting in first for best scoring average – 76.96 – playing 73 rounds during her collegiate career from 2016 to 2020.
“We are all so proud of Hannah and her accomplishments during her time at YHC,” said Jennifer Rushton, Young Harris College athletic director. “Her journey to Kenya speaks volumes about the type of person she is. I am confident she will make a positive impact on the students she works with in Kenya. Her desire to serve in this capacity is a key element of what we want our students to learn during their time on campus. I look forward to following her journey for the next two years.”
What’s next for the Peace Corps volunteer after two years in Kenya?
“I have no idea,” she said. “This will be a life-changing experience. So, I want to be open to opportunities that present themselves after this service.”
You can follow Walker’s travels on her blog, World Traveling Walker, where she plans to update the blog with her experience in Kenya: Blog 1 — World Traveling Walker.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
