Just got an E-mail about staging. It will be held in Philly, Pa on July 9th. They sent me some information I’ll need like my hotel, packing guidelines, etc. Needless to say I’m super excited (as I am every time I get an E-mail from the Peace Corps). It’s surreal. This has been my dream for so long, and it is happening. I don’t know what to do with myself. I go back and forth between stoked and terrified.
I think my biggest apprehension is not being able to do it. I think I can. I have confidence, and I am flexible enough to accept the differences in culture and lifestyles and even language (although that will be a frustration I’m sure), but I want to be genuinely good at my job. I just can’t let myself get discouraged if I’m not the best teacher in the world right out of the gate or if I don’t see a ton of improvement from my students right away.
My biggest excitement stems from two sources. The first would be doing a good deed for others. I love volunteering, and I love that I can and will in fact make a difference to a community. I’ve always been driven by the desire to good for others. It makes me feel fulfilled. I think it is my calling honestly. My second source of excitement comes from being able to fully and completely experience a new culture. I love traveling and want to continue to experience as much of this world as possible. I think there is no better way to understand a culture in its totality than to throw yourself into it fully, and the Peace Corps is an incredible way to do that. Wish me luck!
I just have to take it one step at a time.
Hakuna Matata.
Will write again shortly I’m sure.
