The other day I attended a send-off party thrown by Boston Area Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. It was to welcome back recently returned volunteers and bid bon voyage to any new invitees and nominees. Considering Boston is pretty damn cool, and I haven’t made myself known around PC around here, I should definitely stop in. On top of that, this stop would be my first official outing as a recently accepted invitee.
At this outing, I finally got to meet people in person who are recently invited, or are going through the last steps. There was a good turnout of newbies just like me, and it was hard to tell who was who. It was interesting to hear the stories of individuals, as for the longest time, I felt like I was alone in the process. I am quickly reminded that there are tons out there that are still anticipating an invitation with excitement. And at least now I know, I am not the only one in New England.
Coming into the event, I was expecting myself to be different from other applicants. I expected myself to be awfully young in the crowd and totally fit the generation Y stereotype. As it turns out, the stereotype hippie from the 70s is a myth in the Peace Corps. Suprisingly everybody is actually very very normal. And in this case, these young individuals are no different than me. But I’m soon reminded that even though these other invitees and applicants fit into generation Y, we still are all different people. Nobody has that much in common, you’ll find out. Everybody has their own reasons for joining the Peace Corps and there is still so much that I don’t know about these individuals even if it feels like we have alot in common by association.
As I look around the room, I am reminded of what I got myself into. I am realizing now that joining the Peace Corps affects a lifetime, and the next few years will be something I will remember for decades to come. Considering all the returned volunteers who regularly go to these events, it almost feels like I am joining a national fraternity. A fraternity that when I come back, I will be welcomed with open arms to the number of resources available. Employment help, homestays, and even future reflection parties, I haven’t even left yet and I’m excited about the lifetime benefits of service.
I also got to speak to a returned volunteer who served in Cape Verde in the 90s. She lived in Tarrafal, on the capital island of Santiago. She got me excited about her house that overlooked the beach and how she claims she went to the beach literally everyday. Because of speaking with her, I’m anticipating staging will be in Philadelphia as it was last year. My last few days in the states will begin there on July 5th. Literally less than 2 months left.
Get in touch with me as my time at UNH is very limited (We graduate on the 21st of May!!). Otherwise I’ll see what I can do when I am home even though I will be very busy. Drop me an IM, e-mail, as my cell phone will be off. Hopefully I can find some time for last minute goodbyes. You have to act soon.
Related Posts Share this post:
