Why Peace Corps?

Okay, I get it.

I try to not be self-righteous but it’s true - what I’m doing is hard. It’s not a job everyone could do.

Because I’m young and not used to “the finer things in life,” I am extremely low-maintenance. But when I look at the water coming out of the faucet while I’m cooking and it’s brown and resembles the consistency of diarrhea, and instantly this thought comes to mind - “Damn it, can’t wash my clothes by hand yet” - it becomes a little clearer. The Peace Corps sacrifice surfaces.

When we give, we are more fulfilled than when we receive though, so I choose to give.

I choose a life full of challenges rather than a breezy walk in the park. Builds character.

Bianca was just in my room. She’s a great muse. We were watching Planet Earth videos in Spanish about the jungle, her favorite episode to watch, and she snuggles up to me when we watch movies. She always ends up grabbing my hands and playing with them too. I think to myself, “One day Bianca will remember this and she will smile. She’ll feel like the coolest kid on the block because of our special bond. Her confidence just might lead her to make those tough decisions that will take her life in the right direction, and it all came from a little well-seeded confidence.” This isn’t coming from an egotistical viewpoint. Most children where I live don’t get these type of memories. Her smile years from now matters to me.

This is why I’m a volunteer.