![\"Dominique](\"https:\/\/www.deltastate.edu\/news-and-events\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/04\/Dominique-Rashard-Warren-in-suit-e1460562284445.jpg\")
<\/a>Dominique Rashad Warren ’13<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cI always wanted to travel the world, see new places and meet new people, but I couldn’t think of a way to do it,\u201d he said. \u201cI was very glad I stumbled across the Peace Corps website because it gave me the opportunity to combine my passions. I would be able to help people in need and explore the world at the same time, for free. I don’t think you could ever get a better deal than that.\u201d<\/p>\n
He has already experienced numerous life-changing moments, but his favorite thus far occurred during training in the village of Jalambere.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy host family there was amazing,\u201d said Warren. \u201cEvery day after language class I would walk home. As soon as the children saw me they would run full speed to the end of the road to meet me. Sometimes I would have as many as 10 kids holding each of my fingers and singing my name as we walked home. This is easily one of the best experiences of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Warren said the area is quite reminiscent of the Mississippi Delta, but pressing issues plague the region such as education, health care, infrastructure, poor water quality, and lack of electricity and air conditioning.<\/p>\n
While at Delta State, he was known for being an active student who made an impact. He was inducted into Delta State University\u2019s Hall of Fame in 2013, and was elected Mr. Delta State University the same year. Additionally, he served on the SGA, was a tenor in Delta Singers, was a founder of the Delta Sigma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and worked as a RA and hall director.<\/p>\n
Dr. Ellen Green, department chair and associate professor of biology at Delta State, got to know Warren as his teacher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first time I met Rashad in class, we were discussing prospecting for biofuels in various countries,\u201d said Green. \u201cIn our very first conversation, he told me that he wanted to see the world. Rashad is a natural for the Peace Corps because he is curious, has great work ethic and amazing people skills. Coupled with his biology degree, he is well equipped to tackle the medical mission that he volunteered for as his Peace Corps service.<\/p>\n
\u201cRashad was voted Mr. DSU in his senior year, in large part I think, because of his personality. He became friends with everybody. I expect him to be voted Mr. The Gambia any day now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Christy Riddle, executive director of the Student Success Center and International Student Services, said Warren would be a strong representative for Delta State while volunteering.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile serving with the Peace Corps, Rashad is also a cultural ambassador for DSU,\u201d said Riddle. \u201cPeople say that DSU is the best kept secret in education, and we continuously search for ways to spread the word abroad about the benefits of attending DSU.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Internet access is extremely hard for Warren to come by, on the rare occasion he gets online, he is blogging about his experiences. Follow Warren\u2019s journey at https:\/\/rashadinthegambia.wordpress.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n