Mercy High Graduate Joins the Peace Corps

Mercy High School graduate Lauren Troxtel, 21, of Wixom, has been accepted into the Peace Corps and left for Ethiopia Oct. 1 to begin training as a community health volunteer.

Troxtel will live and work in a community to promote positive, healthy living and implement HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs.

“I believe in the Peace Corps’ goals, purpose, and mission. I was attracted to the idea of serving in a third-world country for two years and submerging myself into a new culture,” she said. “I also like how the Peace Corps believes in utilizing the community and establishing a partnership to accomplish its goals.”

The daughter of Randy and Diane Troxtel, Lauren graduated from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, with a bachelor’s degree in public health education and health promotion in 2012.

During the first three months of her service, Troxtel will live with a host family in Ethiopia to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Troxtel will be sworn into service and be assigned to a community in Ethiopia, where she will live and work for two years with the local people.

“Since I was young, I have always been volunteering and have always loved it,” she said. “After a few alternative breaks and being an active member of United Alliance for Essential Medicines, I wanted to volunteer at a deeper level, globally. I also want a better understanding of different cultures.”

Troxtel joins the 336 Michigan residents currently serving in the Peace Corps and more than 6,713 Michigan residents who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.