Who are we?

It takes a special bunch of people to pack up and move
to the middle of Central Africa for the next two years.
How you define special, however, is up to to you...

Note: In the interest of accuracy, I want to mention that since this was written,
certain people have left PC Chad. To protect their privacy, I won't reveal who they are...

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	Greger Calhan- Appelton, WI Warm greetings from Tchad, where the days are hot, the nights are dusty, and the camels run free over the boundless Sahel. I am a French/Religious Studies major from Wisconsin, and not a day passes that I don't reflect on this exciting journey that's taken me from Midwestern cornfields to the scrublands of northern Tchad. Joining the Peace Corps for the chance to do some good, the prestige, and the hefty three-figure income; I have made much progress on my Arabic skills, my turban-wearing skills, not to mention my scruffy blond goatee (soon to go.) Hey, so Tchad is great! My time here so far has been a wonderful experience, and I'm constantly honored and impressed by the hospitality and good humor of the Tchadians. Peace Corps Chad is a full contact, no-holds-barred kind of life, but it's fun. While my old classmates are off getting "jobs," and earning "money," and using "flush toilets," I'm here in the desert doing my best Lawrence of Arabia impression... I wouldn't be anywhere else.
	Sung-Mun Choi- Seattle, WA Education: Oberlin College, B.A. Sociology, 2004 Hobbies: Reading, writing letters home, long walks on red dirt roads in my village in hot, hot climates, without a beach in sight, with me, myself, and I. What brought me to PC Chad: There are many, many reasons, but simply put, Africa was calling. Best friends in Chad: Village kids who teach me how to speak Sara and teach me the traditional Chadian chicken dance. What I miss the most: Anything cold, especially ice cream, my dearest Mom, Dad, brother and friends.
	Joshua Galjour- New Orleans, LA My name is Josh Galjour and I'm 22. I'm from the greatest city in the US- New Orleans, LA. I recently graduated from the University of New Orleans with degrees in English and Political Science. I've previously lived in Prague, Czech Republic, while studying at Charles University. I love the beach, Mardi Gras, and people who can appreciate bluntness. I've had the marvelous fortune to backpack through 27 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. I am not easily captured on the (web)page. My guiding philosophy is that people should do what they want to do as long as they're not hurting someone else, because life is short and death is near, so you might as well make the most of it. Deciding to join Peace Corps has been one of the most fulfilling investments of my life. It's always been my dream to live and work in Africa. I'm thrilled with my new home with the Tchari family in Bongor. If you ever find yourself headed on the one (and only) road down south, be sure to stop by for some Southern hospitality...
	Monica Garcia- West Palm Beach, FL Hometown: West Palm Beach Alma Matter: University of Florida Hobbies: Learning Ngambye, looking for monkeys in the mango trees in my town. Favorite Chadian: Capitain Evidant Frequently Mistaken For: Indian, Persian, Arab, Brazilian, Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Spanish, or basically any nationality besides Guatemalan and Cuban. Still trying to figure out: Why drinking nearly boiling tea while it's 95+º is so popular. Plans after Peace Corps: Returning home and forcing people to listen to my stories about Chad..
	Darren Grosch- Huntington Beach, CA Hello! My name is Darren. Since I was a young boy growing up in the streets of Huntington Beach I have dreamt of the day that I could become President of an underdeveloped Francophone country. Well, I'm pleased to say my dream of supreme power and complete authoritarian rule over the masses is about to be realized. As a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Tchad I have the opportunity to mold young, impressionable minds into passionate, devoted revolutionists... Viva la Tchad! Long Live TDarren! C'est bon.
	Robin Hargroder- Lake Charles, LA I'm not the witty one here, but I am quadra-lingual. And I would like to thank my wonderful family and all my friends whose tremendous support has crowned me the letter champion.
	Michael Hobson- Huntington Beach, CA My name is Michael. I am the hairiest, whitest person in Chad. I would be the shortest too, but there is a population of Pygmies here. I miss Chimayo's and Jose McCoy's. Please send Strips n' Cheese. My biggest hope is Panda, Baby, Dolce Pepper, Elmer and Lucy will come visit.
	Aaron Hoholik- Ventura, CA Aaron Hoholik Bucky Burnitz is regarded by scholars and _______(plural noun) alike as the greatest Peace Corps Volunteer and _______ (noun) ever to put _______ (noun) to _______ (noun). Although he speaks in his native __________ (part of the body), Burnitz has been working hard in three different ______________ (plural noun), and hopes someday to be _________ (adjective).
	Aaron Holmes- Cullowhee, NC I won't lie, I joined Peace Corps for the money. The fame, that's just something I deal with on a day to day basis. The kids chant "Nassara!" every time I walk by- I'm not quite sure, but I think the translation is "light-skinned God from the west." I got my BS in Communications at Western Carolina University, which made me a shoo-in to teach English, because I know it so good. They don't even speak much English here- they use secondary languages like Chadian Arabic, Marba, and French. Emily, my wife, and I are the only married couple in our group which is cool because it's like getting twice the stuff as everyone else and then dividing it by two. That's a lot! Still, I don't mean to brag (even though I did manage to avoid a 9-5 and I still make the BIG BUCKS). I'm really here to help. Every day I help Chad take another step to being America, and that's what it's all about. Don't thank me Chad; altruism is it's own reward (that and the thousands of CFA I get every couple of weeks.)
	Emily Holmes- Cullowhee, NC With a degree in Interior Design, it's easy to see why I came to Chad, given its rich and diverse architectural history. Chad, after all, does contain some of the finest examples of mud-brick construction in the world. This, coupled with the unencumbered use of the classic post and lintel, makes Chad an architectural paradise. Chadian interiors are also a wonder to behold, with their subtle but effective use of low lighting and earth tones. And, of course, wall lizards are all the rage! Here with my husband, Aaron, I plan to further expand my artistic horizons through explaining the complexities of the English language to young, uninhibited minds, because as we all know, architecture and design have their foundations in the origin of the English language. Here, the creative possibilities are endless!
	Patrick Koster- Washington, D.C. Patrick is 27 years old and from Washington, D.C., where the proper allocation of public funds is as much of an anomaly as the cherry blossoms. He wonders where he would have been invited to serve if instead of putting in the Region Preferences section of the Peace Corps application, "Somewhere African-y," he said, "Somewhere within walking distance of a poolside brunch." Doing extensive research gives him hives, so prior to leaving the States he stayed clear of libraries and simply stopped by the apartment of his neighbor, Chad, and asked what it's like being him. Upon his departure in two years he hopes to leave the Chadian people with a better understanding of which one is Hall and which one is Oates. He would like to acknowledge the constant love and support of his family and friends (who are likely to disown him after reading this drivel), for without them he would never have known the pleasures of Hershey's new mini 'S-mores" candy.
Not Pictured	Alyssa Moles- Dallas, TX Alyssa M. Moles, 22, hails from the great state of Texas which, incidentally, shares much in common with Tchad (namely the climate and the "T"). After graduating high school, she left the sunshine and comfortable winters for the great white North at Mount Holyoke College (located in scenic Western Massachusetts). Much to the chagrin of her mother, she studied Art History and Philosophy, truly embracing the liberal arts education system. She spent her junior year abroad in London, reading art history and studying the fine points of pouring a pint. At the close of her college career, she found herself feeling altruistic and with a yen for travel (not to mention a serious need for sunshine). After a particularly inspiring information session, she went home and filled out the Peace Corps application online in a single night. And that virtual click of a button was that. One year later, she finds herself in Djouman, Tchad, where they may not have electricity, running water or fruit- but by Jove, they do have Taro root!
	Bobby Shannon- Concord, CA Born in Oakland, California but grew up in the suburbs, I joined Peace Corps to see how people lived on the other side of the world. N'Djamena is a lot different from Concord.
	Nathaniel Tishman- Arcata, CA I think I've already said plenty about myself throughout this website, so I'll just refer you back to the About Me page... Enjoy.
	Kate Van Roekel- St. Louis, MO Kate Van Roekel hails from the land down under. That's right, Hades. Once you cross the river of fire, you'll pass two teeth gnashers and a wailer on your right. Hang a left, and voila! Potluck Sunday, bring cold drinks!
	Mai Yang- St. Paul, MN School: University of St. Thomas Je suis 'Chinois,' 'Japonais,' 'Taiwanais,' and and any other Asian ethnic groups you can think of. Ce n'est pas vrai, mais whatever. Ce n'est pas vrai que je ne suis pas Americaine non plus :)
	Roger Yee- Skokie, IL Roger Yee, AKA Abba McLove-Love Hometown: Skokie, IL Passions: You Superpowers: Iron stomach to hold down Tchadian food. Uncanny ability to show you unending love. Education: Nanotechnology at the University of Superpowers and Love Hobbies: Fighting for and defending your love... In Chad. Misc: S.A.M. seeks you.