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Ex-Teacher Gets World Of Learning

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B.C. MANION

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

ODESSA - Melissa R. Lemmons jetted off to Belize recently - in a quest to expand her horizons and to broaden her teaching skills.

The 25-year-old former Middleton High teacher has joined the Peace Corps and said she hopes the experience will enlarge her view of the world and give her new tools to use when she returns to the classroom.

"When I come back, I have 100 percent intention of teaching again," said Lemmons, who taught social studies at Middleton and co-sponsored the Model United Nations Club.
Lemmons obtained a bachelor of science degree in secondary education and social studies from the University of Tampa in 2005 and went straight into teaching.

She is excited about what lies ahead.

"For one, it's just an amazing opportunity," she said during a telephone interview while waiting at Miami International Airport to board her flight to Belize.

"You're there for two years, so you can completely absorb the culture," the former New Tampa resident said.

Nilda Feliciano of Lutz has been Lemmons' best friend since seventh grade.

Initially, she wasn't so sure about her friend's decision.

"At first I said, 'What, are you crazy?'" said the 25-year-old Feliciano.

But the more she learned about the Peace Corps, the better she felt about Lemmons' decision.

"I know she's the adventurous type that wanted to learn about different cultures," Feliciano said. She thinks the Peace Corps gives Lemmons a chance to have a life-changing - but not life-threatening - experience.

"I'm really proud of her," said her younger sister, Stephanie Lemmons, 22, of Odessa. "She's a brave soul. Other than that, I'm just sad. I'm going to miss her."
Lemmons will be doing youth development programs in Belize. Her goal is to improve the quality of life for young people there.

During the first three months, she'll live with a host family to become immersed in the country's language and culture. After that, she'll begin her two-year assignment, living in a manner similar to the people of Belize.

A graduate of Sickles High, Lemmons is the daughter of the late Susan Lemmons and Ray Lemmons, of Odessa.

She joins the 239 Florida residents currently serving in the Peace Corps, according to statistics provided by the organization. More than 6,472 Florida residents have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.

To learn more about the Peace Corps, go to www .peacecorps.gov.

Reporter B.C. Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion@tampatrib.com.

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