Cary Woman Joins Peace Corps

Emily Rademaker, of Cary, could be composing a resume and searching for a job like most college graduates.

But Rademaker has chosen a different path.

On Tuesday, July 10, the 22-year-old will begin a 27-month term as an International Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa.

Rademaker graduated on June 9, from North Central College in Naperville, with honors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in classical civilization and German, according to Peace Corps public affairs specialist Christine Torres.

Torres said about 80 residents from Illinois are leaving for Peace Corps assignments in the next few months.

Once in South Africa, Rademaker will begin pre-service training as an education and English teacher volunteer. Upon completing her training this fall, Rademaker will work with teachers, students and community members to teach English and find ways to improve educational resources.

During the first three months, Rademaker will live with a host family in South Africa in order to become immersed in the country's language and culture. After acquiring the necessary skills, Rademaker will be sworn into service and assigned to a community in South Africa, where she will live and work for two years, Torres said in a press release.

"The Peace Corps is an organization that promotes public service and global compassion and learning, which fits my ideals," said Rademaker in a press release. "I am ready to gain world perspective and experience cross-cultural exhange through freindship and collaboration."

Rademaker said she was inspired to join the Peace Corps by a fellow North Central alumnus who was serving in the Peace Corps in Ukraine.

Rademaker, the daughter of Dana and Linnea Rademaker of Cary, is a graduate of Cary-Grove High School. At her graduation from North Central last month, she had the opportunity to meet the head of the Peace Corps agency, Director Aaron S. Williams, who delivered the commencement address at her graduation ceremony.

Afer the Peace Corps, Rademaker plans to pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate of philosophy. She wants to join the global effort to fight poverty, according to Torres.

Rademaker will become one of more than 300 Chicago-area residents who are serving in the Peace Corps, Torres said.

Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. The corps' mission is to promote world peace, friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. More information is available at www.peacecorps.gov.