Sefla Fuhrman always knew she wanted to devote her life to helping others as she was growing up. Even during her secondary studies, this was already clear. She was frequently one of the first to offer their support for projects, and she was always willing to assist any of her peers. She knew she wanted to serve since she had grown up hearing tales about her mother's cousin, who had been a member of one of the original groups of Peace Corps Volunteers. Her BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington was earned in 1996.