My Journey in the Peace Corps: From Application to Lifelong Impact

Introduction

To answer the first part of your query: I applied. The application process can seem daunting to many, but I found it a rewarding journey that led me to serve as a Community Health volunteer in Paraguay. If you're considering applying to the Peace Corps, here are some insights and tips to help you embark on this incredible experience.

Applying to the Peace Corps: Tips for Success

The Peace Corps doesn't look for a specific 'type' of person; they're more interested in finding individuals who are passionate, adaptable, and have a deep desire to make a difference. Here are some application tips:

Be Open to Learning: The Peace Corps is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language. If you approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn, the experience will be even more enriching. Show Resilience: You'll be living in a more challenging environment for two years, far away from family and friends. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability is key to overcoming the challenges you'll face. Highlight Your Strengths: Share what motivates you and what you hope to achieve through your service. This will help the Peace Corps understand what you bring to the table.

Volunteer Life in Paraguay: A Multidisciplinary Experience

Once you've been accepted, you'll begin a new life filled with challenges and opportunities. Here's a glimpse into my experience as a Community Health volunteer in Paraguay:

Community Engagement: In my free time, I played soccer with local children, led two Zumba classes—one for moms and one for kids—taught guitar, and spent a lot of time chatting about politics, life, and the United States. These activities not only kept me engaged but also helped me connect with my community on a personal level.

Community Health Initiatives: My district, similar to a state, has 10 elementary schools and 3 high schools. Each month, I visit these schools to lead classes on health topics. These topics include:

Healthy eating The dangers of sugar and salt The dangers of alcohol and smoking, including STDs Hygiene and trash management

These topics were chosen based on the needs of the community, in collaboration with local health posts and social services. The students appreciate the knowledge I bring and the change of pace in their daily routine. Seeing the enthusiasm and understanding they gain is incredibly rewarding.

Future Projects: I have several exciting initiatives in the works. This summer, I plan to introduce a basic English class for both children and adults. I'm working to get the class approved with a local accrediting program, so those who pass can include it on their resumes. Additionally, I'm organizing a 5k running competition in my community, which has gained a lot of traction despite initial skepticism about the local fitness culture. My goal is to pass the torch to a local committee next year so that these projects can continue.

Conclusion

The Peace Corps volunteer experience is incredibly multidisciplinary, and this diversity is what makes it so enriching. From teaching English and organizing health awareness activities to fostering community sports, it's a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Despite the challenges, the excitement of seeing kids run out of their classrooms to greet me is a reminder of why I chose this path.