Diego Arenas

Arenas pursued a degree in Math Education and graduated in 2018. During his time at Panhandle State, Diego played football and was also an active member of HALO.

Diego commented, “The family atmosphere, getting to bond with classmates, and the community through both football and organizations like HALO were my favorite parts of OPSU.”

After graduating, Diego joined the Peace Corps, where he served in Tanzania. He served from July 2019 until March 2020. During the first three months of his mission, he trained in Korogwe in the Tanga region. He stayed with a family that helped him learn the language and culture at night while attending the Peace Corps training during the days.

Diego was then installed at Ufana Secondary School in Manyara in late September, where he taught math and physics to high school-aged students and built connections within the community. In March, Arenas was evacuated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arenas stated, “While in Tanzania, I met so many people and made many friends at the school that I taught and throughout the community. It was so beautiful to be welcomed into such a communal culture in which I was able to build amazing relationships and hear different points of view while also connecting through similarities and feeling like part of a family so far from home.”

Since his return to the United States, Diego has continued to teach. Arenas is now a high school math teacher in Aurora, Colorado, at Hinkley High School. He continues to make a difference through education and building relationships all around him.