The Reason

We're not even far into the application process and we talk about the Peace Corps every day, like its our job. I think its one of the best things we've decided to do together. Well, moving to Australia together is really great too. But the Peace Corps! I can only imagine what it will be like. We have no idea where we will be going, what we will be doing, what we will eat for breakfast, what I will do with my high-maintanence hair or how I will feel about wearing glasses. I still haven't told my parents or my family. I think I'm waiting until I have a more definite idea of where and what before I bring it up. My father kind of suspects we will be joining because I mentioned that "it had come up in conversation" before. He even recommended that we do it. But I'll tell him after we get nominated for something. It will feel like more of an accomplishment.

I've been trying to imagine the questions I'll be asked during the interview. The big question: Why do YOU want to be part of the Peace Corps? Me?

There are just too many things that are wrong in this world. How fair is it that I can CHOOSE to not eat dinner, while other people don't get to choose WHAT they eat for dinner- if they get to eat. Why do some people have 100 pairs of shoes while other people don't even have clean water to drink? Why does a girl my age, with my exact name, my exact height not have the opportunity to get an education? I know I can't fix all of this alone, as that sort of task is much to big from one small girl to fix, but I can at least do SOMETHING. I can help other girls become more confident that they CAN accomplish things. I can help women realize that the reason their children are always sick is because washing your hands before you eat is essential and that giving your babies bananas is not nutritious enough. I'm not joinging the Peace Corps to change people's way of thinking or to tell them that my way is right and their way is wrong. I just want to help others realize their own potential to help themselves. That if they work together, they can accomplish things. That's all. I just want to help (and jumpstart my 'career' of course...find out what I'm really supposed to be when I grow up).