Belise Abane ’22 joins the Peace Corps to serve in Rwanda
Belise Abane ’22 has made her mark on campus in myriad ways. From holding an executive board position in the Student Government Association to being an active member in the Black Student Union to devoting time to her peers as a Resident Advisor, the psychology major has kept herself busy during her four years at Salve Regina.
Abane believes that the lessons in the classroom and in self-discovery will serve her well as she joins the Peace Corps in her native Rwanda.
Learning to leave comfort behind
Abane’s journey to Salve Regina was an unexpected one. She lived in Rwanda for the first 13 years of her life before moving to Vermont. Abane had envisioned herself going to school close to home, but chose to keep Salve Regina on her radar. As applications were sent out and admissions letters were received, Abane was torn between the comfort of home and the love she had for Salve Regina.
“I came to the campus, and it was indescribable,” she said. “It felt like home, and I just loved it, especially since I love the water.”
Abane explained a life-changing conversation she had with her father, whom she feels is her greatest role model. He gave her the advice to go far and experience what she did not already know, and she knew that she would have the support of her family no matter how far she traveled.
Abane entered the University as a biology major, with her sights set on being in the medical field. The more classes she took, the more she found herself wanting to make the leap to psychology.
“I think one of my biggest achievements was coming to understand the person I am and where I want to be,” Abane said. “I was figuring out what I wanted to do in life and figuring out that it’s okay to not know, too. I eventually got to a place where I know I’m happy.”
Belise Abane with her father.
Heart is hereditary
Abane credits her interest in the Peace Corps and care for others to her father. In Rwanda, he routinely went on trips with non-governmental, nonprofit organizations. As he brought back stories of people thanking him for his work, Abane learned the value and gratitude that derives from helping others.
“My dad has shown strength, resilience and kindness to the world,” she said. “He inspires me to be the same, because he believed in me when I didn’t know what I wanted to do. He saw my potential when I couldn’t see it. He pushes me to want to be the best version of myself.”
When Abane decided to return to Rwanda, she wanted to use her experiences in Salve Regina’s psychology program. She chose to pursue the Peace Corps, where she could join a program centered around the health and wellness of newborns and mothers.
“The health program is where I wanted to be, especially with mothers and little children, because that is my happy place,” she said. “In my country, postpartum depression is not something that is really recognized. It’s something that I want to work with. That program was the golden opportunity for me – working with mothers to change the physical and mental health of new generations.”
Return to Rwanda
As Abane returns to Rwanda, she is eager to get to work. She often thinks about the carefree attitude that is ubiquitous with Rwanda, and she knows that the easygoing cultural environment will foster her multitude of talents and hobbies. She is also ready to dive back into her favorite homemade dishes and see her father’s side of the family. After her time in the Peace Corps is finished, Abane hopes to continue her career in Rwanda or further her education.
Abane was able to spend her four years at Salve Regina discovering herself and growing to believe that her inner connection is the most important compass for her path forward. “There’s an important aspect to being able to listen to yourself,” she said. “I’ve learned to listen to myself – my body and my mind.”
Article written by student writer Catherine Fiocco ’23
