This blog will be a way for my family and friends to keep track of my actions in Ukraine. It will also be a way for me to reflect on daily life as I share my struggles, and my happiest days in Ukraine. Although I have always had a passion for writing, this will be the first time I share my writing with others.

As you may know, my career as a community organizer at the Downtown Fresno Partnership, a non-profit organization, which advocates for a revitalized urban core. While in college, I also worked on several successful congressional campaigns, and mediated disputes for young juveniles.

I opened my first business at the age of 22, and worked several years mediating business disputes. I found my passion for foreign affairs while on my first trip overseas and within 3 months I was offered an internship at the US State Department. After my internship, I accepted an invitation from the Peace Corps to become an Economic Developer in Ukraine for 27 months beginning in October 2015. My goal is to one day become a Foreign Service Officer with the US State Department.

RJR

“With intellectual patience we will find the strength to fight our emotional crusade. Onward! Love and persistence are the greatest assets of a Poor Man.”