Instead, out of hundreds of booths, the only two I stopped at were the Literacy Network, a nonprofit for teaching English, and the Peace Corps.
Throughout the application process, I was terrified at the thought of leaving my friends and family behind to travel to an unknown country thousands of miles away for more than two years. But when I considered the alternative – working full-time in the same city I have always known, spending time with the same people and remaining the same person – I knew that thought was far more unsettling than my concerns of needing to use a headlamp at night.
When I was accepted into the program and learned I would be working in Perú, my dread evolved into excitement. I had always wanted to go to South America, and I had heard about its magnificent nature appeal. On top of that, the position wasn't just teaching English, like most of the other programs, but instead teaching sustainable life skills to local youth. As I find my peace in nature and have an interest in psychology, it seemed like the perfect fit.
So it was that I took a major leap of faith and got on the plane to Perú!
I left in September 2024 and have been learning and growing more than I ever could have imagined. Every day I’m challenged, learn something new and feel I’m gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the world. I’m gaining a profound appreciation for Peruvian culture and the diverse ways people live.
I know Peace Corps isn’t for everyone, but in my experience, it feels like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be at this point in my life.
