Matthew Dunlap '03

About Matthew

Matthew was a Bonner Scholar at the University Richmond.  Through the Bonner program, Matthew worked on Project C.I.T.Y. (Richmond children’s views on the city through art),  Tutored at the Citadel of Hope (after-school program), and traveled to Hungary to do volunteer work.  Matthew was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After graduating from Richmond, Matthew joined the the Peace Corps as a youth development volunteer in Erfoud, Morocco.  He taught English at the local dar chebab (youth house) and in the neighboring village of Maadid. 

Personal Statement: 

For some reason throughout my life I’ve always felt the need to travel (I think my parents are to blame for this, having lived in the Middle East and traveling extensively in the region).  Studying and reading about the world is one thing, but truly getting out, exploring and meeting people of other cultures and way of life are the best education, in my opinion.  To realize that no matter what governments say and do, that we’re all the same people, with the same basic needs and desires!  I feel that this is so extremely important in our current state of reticence and fear concerning different cultures in today’s world.

These are some of the initial reasons that pushed me in the direction of Peace Corps.  I have also been blessed with amazing teachers both in high school and at the University of Richmond, including Dr. Jimmy Kandeh, Dr. Joan Bak and Dr. John Treadway, whom, along my educational path, lit the desire within me to learn about different cultures and not just be content about my immediate surroundings.  I’m sure they don’t know the impact that they have had on me, but I just want to say thank you.

The University’s Bonner Scholars program and its commitment to community service helped me in making my decision to join Peace Corps.  The Bonner Scholars program is, in my opinion, one of the most important programs at the University, emphasizing community action and understanding.  In the long run it was an easy decision to join the Peace Corps.  Why not try and find something to do after graduation that incorporated both my love for traveling and volunteer work?  The Peace Corps was a no-brainer.

The best part of my life in Erfoud was just everyday living.  Whether is was talking with friends at a café, walking around in a town where the sun shines everyday, or catching up with my butcher at the market.  Life is a great experience, and being in Morocco allowed me to see this and experience this daily, lhamdullah! 

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