The Beginning of a Journey

Well here we go...

I have never actually written a blog before. In fact, I used to look down on it. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for keeping track of your life, but I have a real journal to do that. I figured that I because I am planning one of the most important and defining moments of my life, I should let everyone else vicariously experience it, too. I am also creating this blog for other people who are considering taking the plunge into the Peace Corps, because it is quite a plunge (and I'm not even there yet). So if you want to understand the first-hand, real-time aspects of the process please continue reading.

So why the Peace Corps? Well I have seriously considered trying something like the Peace Corps since I was a Sophomore at American University. I really wanted to feel like I was making a difference in someone's life. Well after graduating I immediately went off to The College of New Jersey to get a Masters of Arts in Teaching and a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing in Secondary Education-Social Studies. I originally thought I was going to be a social studies teacher, and I still do, but the job market doesn't make that very easy. I also figured that I wanted an adventure, I wanted to do more with my life, and I wanted to provide a service.

I first started my application process in early 2009. I was still debating whether this was something I REALLY wanted to do. I feared missing friends, family, and the American life. Before I got into Graduate School I looked heavily into the Peace Corps, and I was worried about all the things I would miss. I knew more than anything else that I wanted to do this, and there's nothing holding me back anymore. I'm mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared... it only took a year and half to get there.

Still, I finally pushed the "Submit" button in Late December 2009 and I have my interview on Wednesday.

I'll let you all know how it goes...