Questions and comments I’ve addressed since telling people I am joining the Peace Corps

So for about a year and a half  now I have known that I was going to join the Peace Corps. Since then, especially recently with less than 2 weeks before I leave, I’ve had to explain to people my decision and why I will be gone for two years. The response is usually overwhelming. People get antsy and nervous, fearful and uncertain- like they’re the ones who have to leave their homes for 27 months and live in another country. So I have addressed some very interesting questions and comments. Yes, I know- they mean well and they’re concerned about my plight but some of their responses were so entertaining, I had to write them down….

1. Why does it have to 2 years, can’t you just go for 6 months? No, I can’t. The Peace Corps is a 27 month commitment that includes 3 months of training and 24 months of actual service. It is impossible to completely integrate into a community, learn a new language, conduct an assessment of their needs and develop sustainable projects in 6 months or less. Peace Corps does have a Peace Corps Response program for about 6 months but that is only available to professionals who are sent out to complete specific predetermined projects.

2. Why does it have to be Senegal, can’t you go somewhere closer like Rome? a) Rome is not closer. A direct flight from JFK to Rome, Italy is 9 hours and 5 minutes. A direct flight from JFK to Dakar, Senegal is 8 hours and 3 minutes.  b) Italy is a high income country and does not require the type of services Peace Corps offers therefore, Peace Corps does not work in Rome or any of Italy’s cities. c) Peace Corps will post you where they need you to serve

 3. Isn’t Burkina Faso the capital of Senegal? No, Dakar is. Burkina Faso is another country east of Senegal

 4. Will you come back home a couple of times to visit? No. Peace Corps is a job. I can not jump on a plane every few months. Also, Peace Corps does not pay for vacation.

 5. Wow. That requires a lot of physical strength and training. But you seem fit so I know you’ll be fine. Slow down. Peace Corps is not a branch of the military.

6. Wow, you’re going to be super skinny when you come back. Probably. But some volunteers actually gain weight in the field.

7. So, when will you get married? I don’t know. But I can tell you that joining the Peace Corps is not a life of singleness sentence. Actually, a lot of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers I know are currently in loving relationships and those that are single do not attribute it to their time in service.

 8. Isn’t there a war there? No, there is not. The war is in South Sudan. I know they both start with “S” but please, try and do better. Senegal’s government is pretty stable and the Peace Corps will not work where there is strong conflict or war.

 9. Why didn’t you pick Nigeria? Because Peace Corps does not work there. They did a long time ago but had to pull their services because of the religious and political conflict in Nigeria. Besides, Peace Corps will acknowledge your preferences but will ultimately post you where you where they need you to serve.

 10. How/ What will you eat?  Food. It exists there too.

 11. How will you be in touch? Valid question but if you’re trying to ask me there are phones and internet and wifi and computers in Senegal, just ask. And I would tell you that there are.

 12. Is it like missionary work? No it is not. Peace Corps is a government organization and is not affiliated with any religious or cultural group.

 13. Why are you doing this? There has to be another group you can work for nationally. There are other groups. But my Masters is in Global Health and global implies international work. And very few (or no) agencies/ organizations will take me seriously if I don’t have international work experience. Peace Corps is not a last resort, it is my first choice.

14. You’ll be old by then time you get back. Yes, older than I am now. But I think 26 is still pretty young.

15. Aren’t you afraid? Of what?

For a better understanding of what the Peace Corps is and how to join or get involved please visit peacecorps.org.

Is there not a cause?- Why I decided to join the Peace Corps

The 17th chapter of the first book of Samuel tells the story of a young man named David who finds the courage to defend his nation and people against the infamous Goliath. The chapter gives an account of the events leading up to the boy’s account with the giant and the battle itself.

When David showed up with the supplies he was asked to deliver to the warriors, he found the Israelites shaking in fear and asked them what was up. They explained how the King had promised personal, financial and professional gain to the man who kills Goliath. But these did not interest David, he was more concerned about protecting his nation and his people- God’s people. So he responded “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”. In other words, who does Goliath think he is? When David is questioned about his presence at the scene at all he responds, “Is there not a cause?”.

David looked around him and saw turmoil and he saw a reason to stand up and do something that the others spent time talking about. You know the story. He fought, and with the help of God and little resources (a staff and 5 stones), delivered Israel from their enemy.

About 6 months ago I found out I will be going to Senegal, West Africa to serve in the Peace Corps as part of the Masters International (MI) Program. The MI program allows Masters students across the nation to incorporate the Peace Corps experience into their degree, giving them an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom setting. So as a Global Health major in the Masters of Public Health program at my school, I will be working as a Preventative Health Educator in Senegal for two years. This two year experience will give me the tools I need to launch a career in global health and will bring me face to face with the needs of people in a low income country. I expect that this journey will change me personally and professionally.

I find it very difficult to explain why I chose a career in Global Health and why I am joining the Peace Corps. I find it hard to explain why I care about poverty, disease, development and disaster. I can’t easily put into words why the Haves should help the Have Nots. And it is difficult for me to describe why the survival of the world’s most exploited and impoverished individuals is inexplicably and intrinsically connected to mine. I am not self righteous neither am I superior nor pious. There are clearly problems in the world we live in and there are also clear solutions.

So like David, I answer “Is there not a cause?”

 

Anyone else doing something similar? Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America or any other aid/ development related work or service? Please share why you do what you do and be sure to follow my Peace Corps story here.