Introduction:
Can you please introduce yourself?
Hi everyone! My name is Angelica Miranda, and I’m currently serving as a TEFL volunteer in the northwestern region of Armenia, in a beautiful city called Gyumri. It’s been an amazing experience living here with my host mom and connecting with my community. I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and I’m a proud third-generation Mexican-American. My great-grandparents made the journey from Coahuila, Mexico, to Texas before settling in the small copper mining town of Sonora, Arizona. That’s where my family’s story in the U.S. really began.
Before joining the Peace Corps, I earned my bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. I worked at a PR firm for a while, but I have always felt the pull to do something more service-oriented, which led me to the Peace Corps and this adventure in Armenia.
Motivation and Inspiration:
What inspired you to become a Peace Corps volunteer?
Joining the Peace Corps has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. In middle school, one of my teachers brought in a returned Peace Corps volunteer to talk about their service. I knew right then that this was something I wanted to do one day.
My mom also played a big role in my decision to join. The Peace Corps was something she had always dreamt of doing herself, but she never had the opportunities that I had growing up. So, in a way, I’m fulfilling both of our dreams by serving now. Her influence and support have been a constant source of motivation for me to take this leap and pursue this incredible experience, while always reminding me of where I came from.
Service Experience:
In what ways do you think your cultural background has shaped your service?
Coming from a large Mexican family, I’ve noticed so many cultural similarities between Mexican and Armenian customs, which has made my experience here feel unexpectedly close to home. It’s in the little things—the way we gather for huge family dinners, the way we toast, how tightly-knit our families are, and how we pass down recipes from generation to generation. It reminds me of my family’s tradition of making tamales each year, just like how Armenian families come together to make dolma or khorovats.
These shared experiences really helped me connect with the community here on a deeper level and made me appreciate my own family’s traditions even more. My background has shaped my approach to service by allowing me to find common ground and build relationships through food, family, and shared values.
Challenges and Triumphs:
What challenges have you faced as someone with a Hispanic heritage?
I believe every Peace Corps volunteer’s experience is unique, and the challenges we face vary. For me, one of the more interesting challenges has been that I often get mistaken for Armenian because of my appearance. I guess I have a bit of a racially ambiguous look, which has sparked some friendly conversations. It’s been a fun way to connect with people, even if I don’t think I look Armenian at all!
However, the hardest challenge for me has been being so far away from my family. Coming from a close-knit Mexican family, it’s difficult to be the first one to live overseas and do something like this. No one in my family has ever taken this kind of leap, so it’s been a big adjustment. That said, I know how proud they are of me for stepping outside my comfort zone, and I have such a strong support system back home. Still, the distance and missing out on family gatherings are tough, but knowing that I’m fulfilling a dream and making them proud helps me push through.
Empowerment and Impact:
How do you believe your presence as a Hispanic heritage volunteer positively has impacted the community?
I believe my presence as a Hispanic heritage volunteer has helped show my community that cultures from around the world can be more similar than we often realize. By sharing my Mexican-American background, I’ve been able to demonstrate that there’s no single “type” of American volunteer—we all come from different backgrounds, and our families’ roots span across the globe.
Even small things, like the pronunciation of my name, Angelica, with the Spanish “h” sound instead of the English “g,” have sparked curiosity and conversation. It’s little moments like these that show how diverse the U.S. really is. I’ve also enjoyed sharing my cultural traditions and customs, and I think it’s helped broaden their understanding of what it means to be from the U.S. while highlighting the values we share, I hope it’s helped create a deeper connection between our cultures.
Personal Growth:
In what ways do you think your service is contributing to your growth?
My Peace Corps service has contributed immensely to both my personal and professional growth. One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is how much more emotionally resilient I’ve become.
I’ve always been more of a recluse or introverted person, but living in a new country where I had to start from scratch—learning a new language, navigating unfamiliar cities, figuring out how to order a shared taxi, or even just asking for basic things like groceries—pushed me out of my shell. I was essentially forced to become a bit more extroverted and to really advocate for myself in ways I hadn’t before.
These experiences have taught me to be more confident, adaptable, and resourceful—skills that will definitely benefit me both personally and professionally in the future.
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers:
What advice would you give to people with a Hispanic heritage considering joining the Peace Corps?
My advice? Do it! Joining the Peace Corps is such a rewarding experience, not only for yourself but for your entire family. Even though you’re taking this step for your own growth and adventure, your family will be so proud of you, and it truly feels like a win for all of us.
As someone with a Hispanic heritage, you already have such a strong foundation—our culture teaches us the importance of family, resilience, and hard work, and those qualities will serve you well in the Peace Corps. You’ve got the tools and the strength to take on this challenge, and it’s an experience that will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine. So go for it!
Legacy and Impact:
What do you hope your legacy will be in the community?
It’s hard to truly measure the impact of your service while you’re still in the midst of it, but I believe even the smallest contributions matter. If I’ve helped even just one person, whether through a conversation, a lesson or simply by being a friend, I’ve made a difference. Every interaction—whether it’s teaching, talking, or building relationships—leaves an imprint.
So when I reflect on my time here, I hope my legacy is that I was caring, understanding, and, above all, a friend. I want the community to remember me as someone who genuinely cared about their well-being and their culture, and who took the time to connect with them on a human level.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Angelica’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
Discover more inspiring journeys of volunteers in the Peace Corps, in our series, ‘Heritage in Action: Hispanic Heritage Volunteers in the Peace Corps’ Here!
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.
