When I was 10 years old, I wanted to become a teacher in spite of my own teacher trying to talk me out of it. I have always enjoyed helping and watching people learn. It is something inspiring to see a kid come to a class barely reading, then finally reading a whole book or starting off not knowing how to add, then learning to not only add, but also subtract. It has been a passion of mine my whole life.
Starting around high school, I developed another passion: traveling. I had traveled around the states and been to Mexico when I was younger, but I had the desire to see and learn more. My aunt and uncle took me to France when I graduated high school. Then, I moved across the country to New York for college. I had the opportunity to study abroad in London then travel around Europe. I also went to Costa Rica with my mom after graduating from graduate school. Learning about each new culture and really being immersed in it has sparked my curiosity about the world.
Joining the Peace Corps has been something that I initially thought about in college. I thought, "Hmmm...a chance to do the two things I am passionate about." I know that the countries that Peace Corps works in are underdeveloped. They do not have the same resources and power that the United States has. It is a chance to change at least one person's life dramatically because I can bring resources to help the way teachers teach and students learn to make education a more level playing field for the countries who do have fewer resources.
Why now? We all have things in our lives that come up. In my case, it was graduate school, then a serious relationship, then working in a NYC public school. My life was on a certain track and I didn't want to veer off it just yet. But now? I am 27 and ready for the next big thing in my life. I am not ready to "settle down" and get married and have babies, not that there is anything wrong with wanting that. I still want to be independent and selfish and do things for myself. So what better way to do that? Join the Peace Corps now.
I am beyond excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to spend 27 months in a foreign country, adapting to a new culture and perhaps finding myself even more. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this decision and I will be thinking about each of you while I am away. Just 2 more weeks and then I am off!
