After two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria, Ben did not want to leave - much to the chagrin of his family, friends, and even the Peace Corps.

“I had learned the language and built a network. I was becoming effective at my work, so I decided to stay.”

While in Bulgaria, Ben worked for the American University in Bulgaria, traveling the Balkans and the Middle East to recruit students. He also taught English, using social issues and ethics as a foundation for his curriculum.

“Students felt outraged by issues like corruption and human trafficking. They also felt powerless to do anything.  My initial response was to speak out, but it became clear that empowering students and the community to speak for themselves was the goal. This experience is what led me to social work.”

Ben plans to continue working for mission-driven organizations after graduation.

“I am interested in ways in which non-profit and for-profit organizations can work together to address social issues. I don’t believe that these partnerships have to be at odds.”