Peace Corps- The opportunity of a lifetime

Its funny how some things just happen. Prior to Thursday’s class I had been pondering the Peace Corps or any other form of service that I could do. I’m one of those people that sometimes just really wants a change in ones life. So far I have been set in this track of school, school, school then work after I’m done with all this school. I’m a construction management major so I will end up working long hours for many many years. Its not a bad career to say the least I just wonder if there is some other opportunities out there that I could embark upon. One of those happens to be the Peace Corps, so Travis’s talk interested me very much.

Travis told us about his background and his experiences. To me he didn’t come across as a recruiter trying to enlist us in the marines. I felt he was there to enlighten us about an experience that one could do and in turn learn and find great benefits for oneself and others. I view this as Volunteer work but Travis informed me that you receive full medical and dental insurance while your working, your tickets are all paid for, you receive an allowance and at the end of it all you get $6,000. Now I would be doing it for the experience and the personal gratification but its not a bad gig at all in the end.

What really opened my eyes was the fact that Travis was talking about his experiences in Zambia and how it is such a deferent way of life, no running water, mud huts, no electricity. It really is a different world over there. The thing about it all was the fact that I’ve been taking a Theme class along with this one that Studies contemporary issues in Africa. Issues that the peace corps is trying to aid. It was great to here him talk about it because thought the weeks that I’ve been going to this other class I have thought how I really could make a difference over there. On the Peace Corps website it says how they use people, one of the greatest resources to aid other countries. I’ve resources some African countries and know that having able, productive people over there that care and want to make a difference can. There are many different problems all over the world but if we as a human race try and put forth an effort to make this a better place we will succeed.

The Peace Corps website is an informational site that gives you the opportunity to find out so much about their program.

In 1960 Senator John F. Kennedy asked students at Michigan University to serve their country in the cause of peace in developing countries. That has now grown into what is now called the Peace Corps. Peace Corps Volunteers serve in 74 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Collaborating with local community members, Volunteers work in areas like education, youth outreach and community development, the environment, and information technology.

From the site you can also find out what it is like to be a volunteer, where you can go, what they actually do and impacts they make. You can find you who volunteers and how you go about doing it. The site will give you information about safety and benefits you will receive. And you most certainly can apply right on the site. Overall it is a very easy site to maneuver around; everything is straightforward and answered in a very understandable manner. I learned more about the Peace Corps after traveling through their site.