Avery asks, ”What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Peace Corps in the future, but is unsure about it?" Immediately and briefly, I would say: Good, it's GOOD that you're uncertain. Flippantly with a smile, I would say: The application process will give you time to think it through. Back to my usual long-windedness... Service in the Peace Corps has changed over the years and will continue to do so. This is a good thing, a sign of a healthy organization that is changing with the times. Whether a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) 50 years ago or now, the commitment one makes is intense. Thus, intense thinking (including doubting) is helpful and positive before making the commitment. There are many useful questions to think through when deciding whether to apply to become a volunteer:
I am excited every time I meet someone who is thinking about serving in the Peace Corps. I can relate to that wish: I wanted to serve from the time I was an adolescent until I finally was in the plane on the way to training at 35 years old. I met with a recruiter as I finished my undergraduate studies and thankfully was given thoughtful questions instead of speeches. I identified then that I was not ready to make the 27 month commitment. I made it all the way through the application process at 28 years old, while finishing my graduate studies, only to be deferred due to my father passing away. This opened up another opportunity that I am glad I embraced because it has truly made me a better Volunteer now. When I applied again, it took 22 months of waiting and preparation - over a year for an invitation, 9 months from then until leaving for training. I know the format of a blog post means I talked at you all rather than asked a question and listened to a response. I hope that all who are interested in being a PCV in the future have thoughtful people who let you work through these questions and far more to see whether that interest is something to pursue and commit to. That's what I truly have to say to someone who's considering Peace Corps service. My apologies to the internet - all images in this post were taken from Google image searches without saving info on the original sources.
Two other posts for your consideration: 4 Reasons You Shouldn't Join the Peace Corps (And 1 You Should) Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before Joining the Peace Corps
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Rebecca LehmanHealth Education volunteer serving at Boris Dînga Middle & High School in Criuleni, Moldova. Archives
May 2017
Categories |