This article originally appeared in the Midwest Peace Corps Volunteer blog

Alec Bramel, 22, of Holy Cross, Iowa, has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will depart for Jamaica March 9 to begin training as an agriculture extension volunteer. Bramel will make a difference working with his community to identify resources and agriculture projects that can be developed and implemented to generate income. He will also facilitate training in farm management and work with schools to enhance and expand environmental education.

“I joined the Peace Corps because of the sense of adventure and the opportunity to use my education to serve others where it may be needed most,” Bramel said.

Bramel is the son of Gary Bramel and Jodi Bramel of Holy Cross and a 2010 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. 

Alec Bramel

“My time at the University of Iowa taught me respect, responsibility, self-reliance and leadership,” Bramel said. “These are all attributes I believe will help with my service in Jamaica.”

During the first three months of his service, Bramel will live with a host family in Jamaica to learn the local language and integrate into the local culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills that will help him make a lasting difference, Bramel will be sworn into service and assigned to a community in Jamaica where he will serve for two years.

Bramel will work in cooperation with the local people and partner organizations on sustainable, community-based development projects that improve the lives of people in Jamaica and help Bramel develop leadership, technical, and cross-cultural skills that will give him a competitive edge when he returns home. Peace Corps volunteers return from service as global citizens well-positioned for professional opportunities in today’s global job market.

“I hope to gain a greater perspective on life and have an opportunity to build a new network of friends and co-workers,” Bramel said. “I hope to return with a few completed projects under my belt.”

Bramel joins the 68 Iowa residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 2,316 Iowa residents have served as volunteers since the agency was created in 1961.