My Motivation for joining the Peace Corps...

This Challenge is my Calling
I am constantly looking for a challenge and by joining the Peace Corps, I feel I will definitely get the experience of a lifetime. I want to be immersed in a new culture, language, service, travel and life challenge. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I know I have the heart and determination to make a difference and fulfill a dream that I’ve always wanted to do, join the Peace Corps.
I graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University with honors and was the Valedictorian for the Education program. I like to set goals for myself and relish in my accomplishments as I reach each of my goals. My vocation is to teach abroad and serve others in need. I want to work with children and show them that even in the toughest of times, they have something to offer and make a difference.
While in college, I was met with some very difficult challenges. As I dealt with the many issues that I faced, I saw myself grow and develop into the person I am today.
Physically, I am fit and ready to explore. I had a severe injury to my left foot with torn ligaments and many bruised bones. It was believed that I would not be able to use my foot without years of physical therapy. I was on crutches for five months and started physical therapy. The physical therapist was amazed at my determination and I made tremendous progress. The Physical Therapist wrote her dissertation on my injury and my recovery and is going to have my story published in a Science journal.
Emotionally, I had a real setback when my father abandoned my family about two years ago. As you can imagine, the pain and suffering of his act was very hurtful and stressful. I learned from this experience and it has made me very independent and self-reliant. My mother, who was a stay-at-home mom, had to make tremendous life changes and through her strength and determination, helped me get through this challenging time. We are all doing fine now and are able to handle our new situation well.
Intellectually, I was very successful in school. I studied abroad in Argentina and realized I want to travel the world. There is a lot to see and explore. Traveling helps me learn about other cultures and broadens my views about the different ways of living in the world. Working with different types of cultures and the many different types of people, will help me reach my goal to be the best teacher and person I can be.
Joining the Peace Corps, will help me achieve a lifelong goal to better myself, develop compassion for others, be the best teacher and hopefully, make a difference with those that I meet in my travels.

When I decided to join the Peace Corps...

The summer after I graduated I was deciding to get my master’s in special or physical education, begin teaching, or travel and teach. I found the Peace Corps my best option after talking with my friend Cecy. She said how going into missionary volunteer work really helped her grow as a person. Therefore, after reading and researching all about the Peace Corps I loved everything that the Peace Corps offered. I knew right away that this is what I would do after college. I wanted all of it - immersion into a culture, language, service, challenge, travel, independence, teaching, and knowing what it is like to be the minority. It just sounds as if it were a perfect fit for me. I am looking forward to being immersed in a new country, culture, and language. I will also get to gain more teaching experience. The benefits of the Peace Corps are really amazing!