USC graduate heads to Zambia to teach AIDS prevention
Photo and story by
Caroline Judson

Stefanie Pearson

Stefanie Pearson graduated from USC in political science on May 6, but she wasn't there to walk across the stage to receive her diploma. She was on a 17- day trip to Zambia.

Pearson is on a mission to serve others and hopes to later pursue a career in the protestant priesthood. In Zambia she will be a part of a faith- based organization, Stop the Spread, based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Pearson will be teaching high school students in Mulfuira in South Central Africa the basics AIDS prevention. The classrooms are all outside and are taught in English. Pearson explained the atmosphere is like being at camp with fun activities, dancing and playing games while learning about AIDS testing and its availability to these students with emphasis on down- to- earth options of prevention.

The trip to Zambia was paid for by donations from Pearson's friends and family. About 25 students from all over the country will be on the trip. When she returns, Pearson will be assistant director of Camp Henry, an Episcopal camp near Asheville, N. C.

Pearson will then begin several years of interviews, training, and approval by the governing board of her church, the vestry, and the approval of Bishop Dorsey Henderson. If approved she could go to seminary. Theological education for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church is her long time goal.

Many circcumstances have contributed to her desire to serve as an Epicopal priest. One was her eating disorder for which she was hospitalized and finally conquered. Pearson enjoys working with all ages and hopes to serve in all areas of her life.