So the Peace Corps finally made a decision concerning my application!
I will be sent to Senegal for Small Enterprise Development with the title of Small Business Counseler. I think that sounds official enough.
The work I will be doing varies and the specifics aren't given due to the various needs of the communities. Overall, I will be focusing on conveying basic business practises and routines to my hosts. I was unsure of my qualifications, but the Peace Corps has said adamantly my efforts will be on the "grassroots" level such as demonstrating how to inventory or plan in advance.
Additionally, since I will be stationed in Africa I will be devoting efforts to HIV/AIDS education and awareness.
I will be stationed in Thies, Senegal for the first 3 months where I will undergo extensive language and cultural training and gain a better understanding of what is expected of me and the goals I can hope to achieve. Sometime during these 3 months, I will be given my permanent location where I will spend the next 24 months.
My living arrangements are still uncertain, but may involve my own home with electricity and a cement floor. In most cases, Peace Corps volunteers live with families or in family compounds, therefore, having my own small residence is an option.
At this point, I'm awaiting for a package to arrive in the mail which will inform me of where my predeparture training will occur during which I will meet other Peace Corps volunteers heading to the same region and have numerous shots and fill out numerous travel documents.This will last for 2 days after which I will leave the USA and head for Senegal.
Monday, June 29, 2009
My Decision
My decision to apply for the Peace Corps wasn't done on a whim. Despite the bliss that so often comes with making an exciting and new decision, I needed to figure out exactly what I would be getting into. I'll let you know when I figure it out.
My thought process started over the summer of my first senior year in college. Yes, like so many I had two. Somewhere along the line it never occurred to me that 6 months studying abroad in France would put me behind one full year with my business classes. Lesson learned and being paid for. Thanks CFI.
My immediate reasons for looking into the Peace Corps are eclectic and start with an average GPA, a desire to travel and avoid the monotony of a 9-5er, and do something exciting that I could slap on the resume. I know I should add something among the lines of"giving back" and "making a difference" that make your eyes gloss over, but I'm still waiting on that bug to bite. I figure that will happen when I check into my hut. Oh... and don't forget the advantages for a returned volunteer! Graduate schools, pensions, and more.
I kept the Peace Corps shelved for a month or two while I researched and spoke with professors about my options after graduation and everything, in my opinion, paled in comparison of the excitement and variety the Peace Corps could provide. So I decided to go for it. Now, remember, I'm still trying to figure out what "it" is. I'll know when I get there.
Taking a class on African Economic Development in college first introduced me, academically, to the many issues that plague Africa. I became intrigued with the continent and its struggles and realized Africa would be better served by first understanding the fundamentals of the continent and then throwing money at it.
So, with my knowledge of French, business, and a genuine interest in Africa, I decided to apply for one of the business programs aimed at French Africa. After passing the first interview, I was nominated, and thus began the arduous task of shots and paperwork that would take me until June 2009 when the Peace Corps finally made a decision.
A volunteer serves for 27 months. Three months of intense language and cultural training within the country of service and then 24 months of service.
I know this experience will help me grow and see how far I can push myself, in particular, my comfort levels. So at this point if you don't see the leap of faith needed to complete a tour, keep reading, and note, I'm not even on the precipice yet.
My thought process started over the summer of my first senior year in college. Yes, like so many I had two. Somewhere along the line it never occurred to me that 6 months studying abroad in France would put me behind one full year with my business classes. Lesson learned and being paid for. Thanks CFI.
My immediate reasons for looking into the Peace Corps are eclectic and start with an average GPA, a desire to travel and avoid the monotony of a 9-5er, and do something exciting that I could slap on the resume. I know I should add something among the lines of"giving back" and "making a difference" that make your eyes gloss over, but I'm still waiting on that bug to bite. I figure that will happen when I check into my hut. Oh... and don't forget the advantages for a returned volunteer! Graduate schools, pensions, and more.
I kept the Peace Corps shelved for a month or two while I researched and spoke with professors about my options after graduation and everything, in my opinion, paled in comparison of the excitement and variety the Peace Corps could provide. So I decided to go for it. Now, remember, I'm still trying to figure out what "it" is. I'll know when I get there.
Taking a class on African Economic Development in college first introduced me, academically, to the many issues that plague Africa. I became intrigued with the continent and its struggles and realized Africa would be better served by first understanding the fundamentals of the continent and then throwing money at it.
So, with my knowledge of French, business, and a genuine interest in Africa, I decided to apply for one of the business programs aimed at French Africa. After passing the first interview, I was nominated, and thus began the arduous task of shots and paperwork that would take me until June 2009 when the Peace Corps finally made a decision.
A volunteer serves for 27 months. Three months of intense language and cultural training within the country of service and then 24 months of service.
I know this experience will help me grow and see how far I can push myself, in particular, my comfort levels. So at this point if you don't see the leap of faith needed to complete a tour, keep reading, and note, I'm not even on the precipice yet.
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