CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Elizabeth Slack said she realized, "I've had so many opportunities, thanks to my parents, that I wanted to stop and give a little back."

After graduating from George Washington High School and Ohio University, she chose to give back with a stint in the Peace Corps.

Slack, who recently turned 22, wasn't sure what to expect. "I thought I would be living on the side of a volcano," she said. 

But she lives in a small house in Chinandega, Nicaragua. She must wash all of her clothing by hand and cook on a propane tank, but she has electricity and running water.

"It's hot. It's 90 degrees in the shade," she said of her community.

When she first came to Nicaragua, she said she was shocked by how loud it is. People seem to shout at each other, even if they are close, and they send their music blasting, she said.

She was surprised to find trash on the ground and a good deal of dust now that the rainy season is over.

She also regrets losing some personal freedom. "You cannot go out after dark, and you cannot just hop in a vehicle and go where you want to go."

Slack studied Spanish in high school, but she said she probably learned more Spanish when she worked as a waitress in a Mexican restaurant. She uses her language skills in Nicaragua as she works with teachers.

The teachers have no materials to work with. She tries to help them create materials and games to keep students interested in learning. But her experience has taught her she does not have the patience to be a teacher.

After she finishes her time in the Peace Corps, she thinks she will return to college and perhaps get a degree in international law.

She keeps in touch with her family, including her parents, Martha and Bill Slack of Charleston, through Internet cafes. She is home now on summer vacation until Feb. 2.

"The people are so nice to me in Nicaragua. I am glad for this chance to give back," she said. 

Reach Susan Williams at susanwilli...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5112.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Elizabeth Slack said she realized, "I've had so many opportunities, thanks to my parents, that I wanted to stop and give a little back."

After graduating from George Washington High School and Ohio University, she chose to give back with a stint in the Peace Corps.

Slack, who recently turned 22, wasn't sure what to expect. "I thought I would be living on the side of a volcano," she said. 

But she lives in a small house in Chinandega, Nicaragua. She must wash all of her clothing by hand and cook on a propane tank, but she has electricity and running water.

"It's hot. It's 90 degrees in the shade," she said of her community.

When she first came to Nicaragua, she said she was shocked by how loud it is. People seem to shout at each other, even if they are close, and they send their music blasting, she said.

She was surprised to find trash on the ground and a good deal of dust now that the rainy season is over.

She also regrets losing some personal freedom. "You cannot go out after dark, and you cannot just hop in a vehicle and go where you want to go."

Slack studied Spanish in high school, but she said she probably learned more Spanish when she worked as a waitress in a Mexican restaurant. She uses her language skills in Nicaragua as she works with teachers.

The teachers have no materials to work with. She tries to help them create materials and games to keep students interested in learning. But her experience has taught her she does not have the patience to be a teacher.

After she finishes her time in the Peace Corps, she thinks she will return to college and perhaps get a degree in international law.

She keeps in touch with her family, including her parents, Martha and Bill Slack of Charleston, through Internet cafes. She is home now on summer vacation until Feb. 2.

"The people are so nice to me in Nicaragua. I am glad for this chance to give back," she said. 

Reach Susan Williams at susanwilli...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5112.