Lauren Vanderslice
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- Lauren Vanderslice
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- Lauren
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- Vanderslice
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- Class of 2024
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I didn’t want to rush straight into graduate school without first learning from the realities on the ground—listening to communities, building relationships, and working within systems that are both complex and resilient. Serving with the Peace Corps felt like the most authentic and impactful way to continue the kind of service I began at BC, while also pushing me to grow in new and challenging ways.
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Major: Biology
Volunteer program: Peace Corps Namibia
Title: Community Health and HIV/AIDS Programs (CHHAP) VolunteerWhat is your role? As a Community Health and HIV/AIDS Programs (CHHAP) Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Namibia, I support local health offices and community organizations in strengthening care and support services for people living with HIV, with a particular focus on the needs of children and adolescents. In addition to this work, I contribute to programs that address malaria, tuberculosis, and leprosy; promote routine childhood vaccinations; and support nutrition initiatives for families and young children. By collaborating closely with local partners, I help advance community-driven health priorities in my region. This role allows me to build meaningful relationships, learn from dedicated health professionals, and contribute to efforts that emphasize sustainability, equity, and local leadership.
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How was the VSLC programming helpful in your discernment process and/or in affirming your decision to do full-time service? The programming offered by the VSLC was essential in helping me discern whether full-time service—and specifically Peace Corps—was the right next step after graduation. Conversations with alumni grounded my expectations and made service feel more real and accessible. Resume feedback and interview prep gave me the confidence to put my best self forward. Attending the Post Grad Service Fair helped me move from interest to commitment by giving me a chance to speak directly with a recruiter and ask the hard questions. The panel on building a career rooted in service affirmed that I didn’t have to choose between service and a meaningful career—I could pursue both. And the Post Grad Service Reception was incredibly affirming. Being surrounded by classmates, mentors, and faculty who shared words of encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t stepping into service alone. Those connections and affirmations have stayed with me throughout the challenges and joys of service, reinforcing that I made the right choice.
Why did you decide to do a year of service? I’ve wanted to be a Peace Corps Volunteer since high school. I was drawn to its emphasis on deep cultural integration, sustainability, and long-term partnership—values reflected in its two-year commitment and close collaboration with local communities. That early interest only grew stronger during my time at Boston College. As a PULSE student and later a member of the PULSE Council, I developed a deeper appreciation for what service rooted in justice and accompaniment can look like. Those experiences shaped how I understand the importance of presence, humility, and learning from others. By the time I was nearing graduation, I knew I didn’t just want to study public health—I wanted to live it out in a way that honored community knowledge and walked alongside others. While I eventually hope to pursue a Master of Public Health, I knew that Peace Corps would give me the real-life perspective and hands-on experience I need to become a more grounded, empathetic, and effective public health professional.
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