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Am I prepared ?

Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why am I here?” Why did this happen? What am I supposed to learn from this stage of my life? I’ve always believed that everything in my life prepares me for something I don’t yet know or see—every tear, laugh, heartbreak, smile, and victory. Now, I can finally see that the last few years have been preparing me for this journey. In the summer of 2019, I stepped onto Southern Arkansas University’s campus—a small school in a small town. I wa

Kamrin Hooks

2 days ago3 min read

Hair Chronicles in Lesotho Pt. 1

My very first question as a volunteer wasn’t about teaching or safety, it was, “What am I supposed to do with my hair?” I flipped between the following options when preparing to come to Lesotho. I thought about shaving my head, locking my hair like my parents or getting braids and shaving my head when they started to look ratty. Instead I went for the unnamed option 4. The “unwillingly getting my hair redone” route. and now you’re probably like, “Kamrin, what does unwillingl

Kamrin Hooks

Nov 63 min read

My First Week Teaching

Grade 2 Teacher! At various points in my life, I have wanted to be a professor. I could close my eyes and clearly visualize myself in front of a group of young adults, teaching some incredibly thought-provoking topic. Yet here I am in Lesotho, teaching two-letter sounds and using stones to divide to second graders. And actually enjoying it! The Experience The Peace Corps education volunteers participated in our only practicum before permanent site placement — a hands-on teach

Kamrin Hooks

Oct 314 min read

Overlooked and Scrutinized Simultaneously

Set the Scene So far, some of my experiences serving in the Peace Corps as an African American woman in Lesotho. Basotho (many Lesotho people), Mosotho (one Lesotho person), Sesotho (language), Lesotho (kingdom). I would like to preface this addition with the disclaimer that, while I speak in general terms, many Basotho people have been amazing and very kind to me. Many have treated me with more respect and love than I know how to process. Double Whammy It seems that I am a

Kamrin Hooks

Oct 235 min read

Vaseline, Washing Powder, and Bath Soap

Part of what makes the Peace Corps experience unique is its emphasis on cultural exchange and anti-savior rhetoric. As a volunteer, I’m not here to save the Basotho people. I’m simply working alongside willing people and communities to support whatever they need, because they know their country better than me. Duhhh. During my first couple of weeks here, almost everyone I spoke to assumed all Americans were rich and lived well. Sigh. I wish! Every day I shatter one more perso

Kamrin Hooks

Oct 153 min read