Friends, family, and anyone else who reads this:
After much contemplation I have decided to end my service early as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Why might you ask? Was because it was too difficult? NO! Did you agonizingly miss your friends and family back home? I missed ya’ll, but No! I am so glad that I put all the work and effort into becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer, even if it was for only a short time. However, for me it just wasn’t the place where I can provide the most service at this point in my life. I absolutely loved the country that is Guyana and everything that comes along with it! I loved the hospitality of the nationals and the amazing Guyanese friends that I have made and will continue to be friends with for many years to come. I loved the cultural exchange I was able to be a part of and the knowledge I gained that I can bring back home and share with others. That is one of the goals of Peace Corps that I am sure I was able to achieve in my short time as a volunteer. My personal goal in joining the Peace Corps was to be able to use my experiences and skills that I had already gained and use them in capacity to help others. After having the opportunity to that in another country, other possibilities presented themselves to me. I had to reassess where it was that I could have the most affect full circle. I realized, while I could touch the lives of many in Guyana, I could have more of a direct impact with my skills on students and families who need assistance in the States at this time.
To those of you who are considering the Peace Corps, I will give you my honest opinion. First, if you are someone who has not had a great deal of world experiences it is a great opportunity to be immersed into a new culture. Second, if you are someone who has a great deal of field experience and wants to make a great impact, I might suggest looking into VSO. With that Volunteer program you are able to apply to a specific job. Overall, if you have confidence in where you go and what you want, you will be able to do any project, anywhere, no matter what organization you are apart of… you just might have to be willing to put up with some bureaucratic headaches (but that everywhere isn’t it?). No matter what, if it’s something you want to do then follow your heat. Never have any regrets!
In closing, if you are thinking about the Peace Corps or any other Volunteer service, my advice is TRY IT! If it isn’t the right place for you than you can move on to better things with all the confidence in the world! I am so happy that I followed my heart! I never wanted to be that person who said “ Peace Corps, I always wanted to do that,” I can say “Peace Corps, I did that and had a great experience, but felt I could do more service to people who need it somewhere else, so I moved on.” However, I will always carry with me the memories, experiences, adventures, friendships, and kindness that were bestowed upon me during my Peace Corps service in Guyana, South America!!! All my love to my fellow volunteers and friends in Guyana!!! I will miss you all and I will visit again soon!!!
After much contemplation I have decided to end my service early as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Why might you ask? Was because it was too difficult? NO! Did you agonizingly miss your friends and family back home? I missed ya’ll, but No! I am so glad that I put all the work and effort into becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer, even if it was for only a short time. However, for me it just wasn’t the place where I can provide the most service at this point in my life. I absolutely loved the country that is Guyana and everything that comes along with it! I loved the hospitality of the nationals and the amazing Guyanese friends that I have made and will continue to be friends with for many years to come. I loved the cultural exchange I was able to be a part of and the knowledge I gained that I can bring back home and share with others. That is one of the goals of Peace Corps that I am sure I was able to achieve in my short time as a volunteer. My personal goal in joining the Peace Corps was to be able to use my experiences and skills that I had already gained and use them in capacity to help others. After having the opportunity to that in another country, other possibilities presented themselves to me. I had to reassess where it was that I could have the most affect full circle. I realized, while I could touch the lives of many in Guyana, I could have more of a direct impact with my skills on students and families who need assistance in the States at this time.
To those of you who are considering the Peace Corps, I will give you my honest opinion. First, if you are someone who has not had a great deal of world experiences it is a great opportunity to be immersed into a new culture. Second, if you are someone who has a great deal of field experience and wants to make a great impact, I might suggest looking into VSO. With that Volunteer program you are able to apply to a specific job. Overall, if you have confidence in where you go and what you want, you will be able to do any project, anywhere, no matter what organization you are apart of… you just might have to be willing to put up with some bureaucratic headaches (but that everywhere isn’t it?). No matter what, if it’s something you want to do then follow your heat. Never have any regrets!
In closing, if you are thinking about the Peace Corps or any other Volunteer service, my advice is TRY IT! If it isn’t the right place for you than you can move on to better things with all the confidence in the world! I am so happy that I followed my heart! I never wanted to be that person who said “ Peace Corps, I always wanted to do that,” I can say “Peace Corps, I did that and had a great experience, but felt I could do more service to people who need it somewhere else, so I moved on.” However, I will always carry with me the memories, experiences, adventures, friendships, and kindness that were bestowed upon me during my Peace Corps service in Guyana, South America!!! All my love to my fellow volunteers and friends in Guyana!!! I will miss you all and I will visit again soon!!!
