It is an honor to introduce to you the fresh new faces joining us here at Sticky Rice! With the arrival and swearing-in of Group 136, we’ve acquired many unique voices – including one that has already been in Thailand a year – and it is truly delightful to see their personalities, passions, and perspectives shine through in how they’ve chosen to introduce themselves to you.
Those of us who have made ourselves comfortable in country (over a year) and on staff (nearly a year!) are excited to welcome such enthusiastic, powerful team members to the line up. It will be a privilege to see what all they will experience and share here with us.
Without further ado, next up we have…
Mae Garland, 135 YinD | Northern Thailand
My name is Mae Garland, and I am a Youth Development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Thailand. Deciding to serve in the Peace Corps felt simple to me – I had wanted to do so since I was a kid. I remember saying to myself I would finish college, join the Peace Corps, and then shave my head. I have yet to shave my head, but here I am.
Since moving to Thailand, I have become quite keen on writing when I have alone time. My best friend Kiera is the Multimedia Director for Sticky Rice, and I decided to join the team because she made it sound quite enticing, and I like to spend time with her!
Gretchen Evans, 136 YinD | Northeastern (Isaan Region) Thailand
Hi! My name is Gretchen, and I am a third-gen, sticky-writing Youth in Development Volunteer in the Mukdahan province (shout out Teresa, 134, and Emily, 135!). My interest in moving to Thailand took root when I studied abroad for a summer in Chiang Mai. I simply couldn’t stay away from the 7/11 toasties, kind people, and delectable fruit this country has to offer.
Joining the Peace Corps has always been a dream of mine, and I still can’t believe I am typing this as a current Volunteer! The months of mental preparation for an assignment that tests your physical and internal strengths could never have foreseen the joy, gratitude, and love I feel for my community.
Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer – serving in Thailand – and having the opportunity to write about this experience is my trifecta of happiness! As a career, hobby, and grounding practice, writing is a part of my self-identity I hope never to lose, and I look forward to contributing to such a positive and insightful publication.
Tal Carmel, 136 YinD | Southern Thailand
I think life has a funny way of working itself out.
I was 27 when I was fired for the first time, and it completely tore my life apart. I hadn’t realized just how much of myself I identified with my career, and how I felt completely “useless” without a title to lean on. The year was 2019, and I had given myself three days to self-pity before getting back on the horse and looking for a new job. No, it wasn’t the Peace Corps – that came 6 years later.
Instead, those 3 days gave me clarity to pursue a passion I’d put on the back burner for far too long: Travel. Two weeks later, I found myself in, you guessed it, Thailand.
It was transformative.
But, ultimately, my trip ended, and I went home. For about six years, I fell into old habits, working another job, at another company, for another paycheck, striving to feel some semblance of fulfillment… but then I hit a wall.
I didn’t want to be attached to my computer anymore. I didn’t want to sit and stare at the same four walls in an office for eight or nine hours a day, doing things that ultimately didn’t matter. I wanted to travel, meet new people, build connections, be fully kind without being taken advantage of, I wanted something different.
A quiet voice that had always been whispering in the back of my mind, the Peace Corps finally screamed. I went online, did my research, and it didn’t take long before one country popped to the forefront: Thailand.
I applied to be a Youth in Development volunteer, and the rest is history… in the making.
Jess Smith, 136 YinD | Northeastern (Isaan Region) Thailand
Hey everyone! My name is Jess, a Group 136 Youth Development Volunteer currently serving in the sunny rice fields of Roi Et in the Northeast region of Thailand! I’m originally from Grand Prairie, Texas, and recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Hook ‘em!).
I’ve always been passionate about volunteerism, teaching, and, of course, adventure! From instructing waterskiing at a summer camp in Maine to mentoring young athletes through a small but mighty non-profit to guiding whitewater rafting trips, I thrive on diving headfirst into new adventures and finding meaningful ways to connect with people.
With that said, none of my adventures compares to the new caliber that is Peace Corps Thailand. I’ve eaten food so spicy that I am near tears, bike 16 miles round trip to the nearest 7/11 for some yogurt, and often find myself stumbling through Thai conversations, trying not to accidentally say something completely inappropriate (I have failed at this many times). But despite the challenges, these are also some of my new favorite adventures.
I am so grateful that my community has welcomed me with open arms, and I am so excited to see what we can accomplish together! As I indulge in my new favorite hobby, biking, I have been able to reflect on just how honored I am to be here. I am absolutely ecstatic to start my service as a Peace Corps volunteer and share the experience with you all!
Oliver de la Torre, 136 TESS | Eastern Thailand
While I’d known since high school that I would apply to the Peace Corps towards the end of my senior year of college, when the time came, I had no idea where I wanted to go. I’ve spent my life moving around from one place to the next, so I figured that when the time came, I’d just pick somewhere and apply – or just choose to apply randomly. In the end, I went with the earliest start date after graduation. When I saw that it was Thailand, I had visions of sun, good food, beautiful landscapes, and more sun, and to say that I was excited would be an understatement.
I’ve been in Thailand for about 4 months, at my site here in the eastern province of Rayong for less than that, and I’ve rarely felt as appreciated or valued as I do here. Serving as a part of the Peace Corps has been a dream of mine for years, I wanted the adventure, the challenge, the immersion into a brand new culture. I did not expect the enthusiasm, the kindness, and the compassion of the people here. Maybe I should have, or maybe it’s just so different from Boston, the city where I graduated from. Still, from the moment I arrived, it’s been nothing but joy and excitement and unfathomable reserves of energy that I envy. Oh, and of course, seeing more smiles than I can describe for you. From my counterparts and colleagues to neighbors to the couple who run the coffee shop down the road, every one of them is a font of curiosity and joy, wanting to learn and eager to share.
I sit here writing this on my host family’s porch, under the pink sky of sunset, looking out at mist-covered mountains, watching the neighbour’s kids fly their kites and listening to my yaai’s Thai telenovelas playing in the background. I’m thinking of my experiences so far – the stories I’ve witnessed and featured in – imagining the ones that have yet to happen, and can’t wait to share them with you all. I’ve lived here for 4 months and can’t wait to live here for 23 more.
Laurel Finlay, 136 YinD | Eastern Thailand
In the fifth grade, my class was told to create a slideshow of our dream vacation destination as one of our end-of-year projects. Determined to be an individual, I refused to settle for Hawaii or Disneyland like the rest of my 11-year-old peers. Instead, I turned to the internet and stumbled upon Phuket, Thailand. I saw the images of crystal clear beaches and limestone cliffs and immediately fell in love. I began to research Thailand thoroughly, only to be utterly disappointed when I learned that this dream destination was on the other side of the world, feeling very out of reach.
Thailand faded to the background as I worked through my undergraduate degree. As a Cultural Anthropology major, I’ve always been driven to immerse myself in the unknown and seek a better understanding of what makes us human. For a while, I’ve known that living in a new country and culture was one of my life goals. I’d heard of the Peace Corps through family and friends, but didn’t gain a clear picture of its mission or how it actually functioned until I met the recruiter who worked at my university. As soon as I learned about the opportunity to work with kids and move across the world, it felt as if everything had fallen into place. Honoring my fifth-grade fantasy, I applied for the Youth in Development position in Thailand and never looked back.
I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work with the people of Khao Chamao in Rayong, Thailand. I’ll try my best to document all aspects of my experience, the good, the bad, and everything in between. I can’t wait to see what the next 23 months have in store!
Bryanna ONeal Harris, 136 YinD | Northeastern (Isaan Region) Thailand
Hello Everyone!
My name is Bryanna, proudly born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia (I was actually raised in Lithonia, but usually people don’t know where that is). After graduating from high school in 2019, I attended 4 universities, changed my major 4 times, and took a gap year. During that time, I was led to AmeriCorps, where I served at a refugee resettlement agency and was partially responsible for the after-school program for refugee youth. I found my passion for social work in this position, and that is how I ended up in my current assignment as a Peace Corps volunteer.
I am currently located in a peri-urban district in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. I can’t wait to make amazing experiences with the people in my community, my host family, and other volunteers. I am also honored to be able to share these experiences as one of the new writers for Sticky Rice!
Ella Spear, 136 TESS | Northeastern (Isaan Region) Thailand
Hey! I’m Ella, but nowadays only my English-speaking friends call me by that name. When I first met my counterparts in Bangkok after swearing in as a Peace Corps volunteer, they were determined to give me a proper Thai nickname. They settled on “fah-sai”, which translates to clear sky. I am from the rocky, windy coast of Maine, where clear skies are about as common as a cool day in Thailand. I applied to the Peace Corps in the winter of my senior year of college during the peak of my career as a collegiate skier. Three days after applying, I had a season-ending injury, prompting me to reassess my goals. I am now serving alongside my partner, fellow volunteer, and former teammate, Tucker. We live in Sisaket, a province in the northeast region of Thailand, hugging the Cambodian border. With four languages spoken in my region, I have the privilege and constant challenge of never knowing if someone is speaking a new dialect or if my Thai listening skills are just not that sharp yet. At least with my Thai nickname, I can always tell when people are talking about me.
During my first week at site, I planted a small garden outside my house, in hopes of experiencing what growing food in a tropical climate entails. With little knowledge of what the unique sprouts of bok choy or chili peppers need to survive, I have leaned on my 12-year-old host brother for guidance. For me, with a background in landscaping and foraging through the woods of Maine, I have always felt very connected to the environment around me. I spent the past 5 years studying environmental policy, largely in the context of coastal protection. Now, living in a tropical, agricultural climate, in what is considered one of the more underdeveloped regions of Thailand, I am curious to explore the dynamics between people and the land. I am excited to research, observe, and share the ways in which we all leave our mark on the earth and the people around us.
Tucker Strauch, 136 YinD | Northeastern (Isaan Region) Thailand
The last of the bags had been jammed into the minimal luggage space in the luxury van, all 11 people got situated in the 9 seats available, Ella and I being directed to take our own seats, the doors closed, and we were off on our 8-hour journey, with what felt like the whole town, to where we would call home for the next two years. The next eight hours consisted of Thai folk songs blaring through the speakers, intermittent stops so the driver could take a 20-30 minute nap, and some broken sleep, until, finally, at 4 am, we pulled into the driveway of our little house in our little village in the Nam Kliang district in the Sisaket province in the northeastern region of Thailand, more commonly known as Issan. Somewhere between Bangkok and Nam Kliang, I was struck with a moment of surreality. How did I end up in this van full of strangers in Thailand?
I grew up in Vail, Colorado, as the eldest of three boys. I began competitively ski racing when I was 9 years old. Ski racing set me on a previously inconceivable path, ultimately leading me to skiing on the D1 ski team at Colby College, from which I graduated in the spring of 2024. Following the end of college, and with that, the sport that had more or less shaped my life decisions, I knew that I was ready for a new adventure. At Colby, I studied government and global studies, and had an urge to continue pursuing my international interests by actually moving to a foreign country and immersing myself in a different culture. I decided to apply as a couple to the Peace Corps with Ella, my girlfriend of three years, and about a year later, we are hopping out of the van at our new home.
After just four months in Thailand, I’ve already had so many incredible experiences that will undoubtedly make a lasting imprint on my life. I know that I am still just getting started, and I can’t wait to continue this unpredictable and extraordinarily fulfilling journey.
Holly Lingenfelter, 136 YinD | Northeastern (Isaan Region) Thailand
A letter to my state representatives:
My name is Holly Lingenfelter, and I’m a Detroit resident currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand. I am a Youth in Development volunteer working with Thai youth to develop strong leadership and life skills while promoting world peace and friendship through community-based development and intercultural understanding.
I’m currently stationed in the northeastern region of Thailand in a small village along the Mekong River. Although my site here in Thailand is over 8,000 miles away (or 13,355 kilometers since I’m adjusting to the metric system now), it reminds me of home. Living in Detroit, I enjoyed saying good morning to Canada across the Detroit River during my morning walks. Now I say good morning to Laos across the Mekong River. The distance between countries and the width of the rivers are even similar at about one mile (1.6 kilometers). Like Detroit struggled with developing its now beautiful Riverfront space, which I often visited, my community is currently facing challenges in maintaining the river path they built just before COVID.
Youth in both Michigan and Thailand face many of the same challenges: struggles with physical and mental health, low ambition and self-esteem, poverty, substance abuse, a lack of human connection due to excessive social media use, and the impact of environmental and societal changes. Additionally, limited access to forward-thinking mentors and role models further compounds these issues. Many also lack access to skill-building opportunities and enriching extracurricular activities—critical gaps that threaten the development and potential of our next generation of future leaders in both nations.
The Peace Corps was founded in 1961 to tap into the idealism and potential of American youth, engaging Americans in the cause of global democracy, peace, and development. To serve not only abroad, but to bring those experiences home in service to our own communities. In 2025, it’s still fulfilling that mission, especially at a time when promoting human connection is more crucial than ever. As both America and the world face increasing global challenges—social, environmental, and economic—programs like the Peace Corps are essential for building empathy, understanding, and practical solutions. I am living proof of the power and purpose of this mission.
For the first time in my life, I feel the full weight of pride and privilege in being an American. Serving abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer has deepened my appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities I was born into, especially growing up in the great state of Michigan. Through cultural exchange, community engagement, and personal growth, I’ve come to understand just how powerful service can be.
My work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand is pushing me to grow in countless ways, building resilience, problem-solving skills, cultural awareness, and leadership. It’s a firsthand lesson in history, identity, and purpose, one you can’t find in any classroom. This experience is not only shaping who I am but also reaffirming my commitment to give back to the place that raised me.
Being away has only deepened my love for Michigan; its Great Lakes, natural beauty and forests, four distinct seasons, its mix of urban and rural life, and its vibrant Midwestern culture, all make it truly one of a kind. There’s a deep, unique charm in Michigan that makes even a simple in-state getaway feel like a foreign adventure. I carry that Michigander pride with me every day and look forward to bringing home the skills, knowledge, and passion I’ve gained to give back to my community. My Peace Corps experience is shaping me into the person I want to be, for my future family, for Michigan, and for the world.
Please support the Peace Corps 2026 budget of no less than $430.5 million.
Please continue to support and protect Michigan’s Board of Education—our youth are the future.
Please continue to support and protect Michigan’s Head Start and other programs that serve low-income, special education, and at-risk students.
Please continue to support the Peace Corps and international service programs. They are powerful tools for global understanding, skill development, and ultimately, a better future for us all.
Sticky Rice 