Common misconceptions of the Peace Corps
April 11th, 2005 by Sarin
Quick entry while I’m here at work. Over the weekend I decided that I would accept my invitation to Cape Verde. I have seen both sides of the scale, and am now back on the far end of accepting. Ever since calling it a firm yes in my head, my head has been a complete and total mindfuck. I try and do work, yet could never focus, and I go for long drives with no concept of reality.
And suddenly, because I am leaving the country for an extended amount of time, I am beginning to enjoy American things with a renewed sense of excitement. For instance, I played Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas till completion… but last night it felt more fun than any other time.
It might have been the circumstances, but it’s still kind of funny, even on any other day. Here I am, sitting in my living room playing a video game in which my in-game character is decked out in a designer suit, is riding in a beat-up dirtbike called a ’sanchez’, doing stunt tricks in a made up world that resembles the Nevada badlands, while listening to country radio and holding a TEC9 in each hand. It was then I realized, that it doesn’t get any more American than this, and I’m going to miss it.
On to more important matters, since I got into this process so fast without really talking to many of you, there’s many things about the Peace Corps that is unclear. All these misconceptions I had myself before I got interested in joining, and it’s probably something you might have as well.
Misconception #1. It’s easy to get in to the Peace Corps. The reality: totally not true. It’s easier to apply to most jobs and colleges than getting invited to Peace Corps. Plus, what kind of job overlooks so much of your education and experience for doing something that gets paid squat. Only here. Most applicants apply with at least a bachelor’s degree (about 90% have one) or significant work experience. Part of my motivation to go through with applying was in fact, because it was a tough goal to achieve. The whole service itself is tough and frustrating, it’s how it is. Why not make applying as frustrating as everything else. In the end though, all the frustration and doubt is merely in your head; as Americans we are always impatient and consider failure an easy option.
Misconception #2. Since you are volunteering, only established individuals dare try to volunteer. The reality: half and half. Anybody is established has got money, which means the world to some people. Donations, setting up non profit groups, it all leads to the bottom dollar that an established individual can give. The benefit of Peace Corps volunteers is the education, leadership, and the motivation, overall the fact that they are willing to help on the local level. While the volunteers aren’t being paid alot, they are covered sufficiently, and they don’t bring a 2 year fortune to live on. Being poor isn’t a barrier to volunteer, and even being rich either. Some volunteers are elderly or even married couples working together. These are well established individuals who’ve lived their rich lives and are paying it back in generosity.
Misconception #3. The Peace Corps does strictly humanitarian causes, such as feeding the starved, healing the sick. The reality: Peace Corps is not some magical quick solution to a problem. Countries, like those in Africa are not always like what us Americans see in commercials for sponsoring children and such. Most villages are sufficient in their needs, and volunteers will address what isn’t being met. A volunteer might help build an irrigation canal, or dig a pond for a fish farm, but short term problems aren’t usually what comes in mind (sure, they pop up and volunteers will do what they can). Long term problems such as AIDS prevention, business development, advancement of women, technical training, are more probably causes for volunteers. Whatever helps improve the sustainable life of a nation in the long run, plus whatever is fit. However, look into the Crisis Corps, who recently sent volunteers to Thailand following the tsunami disaster.
Misconception #4. People join the Peace Corps when they have absolutely nothing left going on in their life. The reality: sometimes true. Some young individuals might hit a crossroad in this 21st century, and then consider going in for service. But then the realities of commitment (even though they can back out and terminate in service) cause them to back out again. It might not be for everyone, but then again, the idea of giving 2 years excited some prospective applicants. You never know.
That out of the way, I’m going to make it home and call my officer. One simple phone call will change the next 2 and a half years. Talk about weight.
Update (4/11/05): Oh yeah. I’m in.
Congratulations Sarin! Welcome to Peace Corps! Your place in the Cape Verde program has now been confirmed.Related Posts Share this post:Please begin the visa and passport application process as soon as possible, and send us the requested updated resume and aspiration statement within the next two weeks.
