About

Hi! I’m Elisabeth, but everyone calls me Beth.  I was born and raised in a small rural town in upstate New York. I graduated from Elmira College, where I studied childhood education and art. I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Moldova (which you can read about here) from 2016-2018. I taught English as a foreign language for two years there, and it was an amazing experience and adventure! Now, I’m back in my hometown, teaching 5th graders and enjoying the beautiful landscape I get to call home (and traveling when I get the chance!).

The name of this blog comes from the history of my last name. I am very proud to be an Ogden, and the name has a unique story behind it. ‘Ogden’ is derived from the last name ‘Okeden’. As the story goes, during some war in England, one of our ancestors hid the king in a hollow oak tree, thus saving him. After the war, the king gave him the name ‘Okeden’. We aren’t sure if the story is true, but it has always fascinated me. Thus, the ‘Oke Den’ is a place for me to share my own story.

Disclaimer: This blog and its content are mine alone and do not reflect the views of the Peace Corps, the American government, or the people of Moldova.