About

Hello! I am a rising Senior undergraduate student studying Psychology and Philosophy. My main interests lie in Sociology, so I really love learning, discussing, and thinking about topics like the influence of capitalism on our quality of life, the ways racism is embedded into the structures of our societies, why categories like gender and sexuality feel so essential to our identities, etc.

I know some of the most intelligent people at my university, high-performing engineering majors, pre-med students, and those projected to get into Ivy League Law and PhD programs. I wouldn’t say that I am at this level necessarily, mainly because my happiness and health are of greater importance to me than being the best, but if you can think of the 95th percentile of students who work harder than anybody, that’s me and I’m sure of it. I don’t just work harder than anybody at being a good student, I also work harder than anybody at developing and growing into an inspiring and admirable person. That’s my favorite thing about myself and a defining characteristic of who I am.

I say this because I want to stress how seriously I take all things surrounding my education, career, and personal growth. I am hyper-introspective and I am not somebody who makes rash decisions or who misreads their intentions. My problem is that I am so terrified to make the wrong decision that I can’t make one at all. That’s where I need your help.

Anyways, I am graduating next May, so I’m at the point here when I really need to start making a decision about what I want to do when I am done. If not clear already, I LOVE school and have no intentions of stopping any time soon. Despite this, I want to get more experience before applying to graduate programs because my desire for obtaining another degree is not for the purpose of getting a job, it is because I want to do it and do it well.

Part of this is that I know I’m interested in and love sociological topics, but I have absolutely no idea how I want to apply them yet. I’ve done research, social justice work, therapy/coaching, ran a club, worked with a non-profit… It’s not that any of these things haven’t stuck out to me, it just feels like there is a piece missing and I’m pretty certain that piece is something I have yet to discover within myself. I know that Peace Corps is going to break me down to basically nothing and I’ll have to question my entire life from a very realistic perspective. The question is whether or not I should pursue this as a means of personal growth and reflection or if my intentions should be solely about wanting to learn a new language and a new culture.

A concern is whether or not I can get the same outcome from a different experience. It being such a long time is what worries me the most. Am I going to lose parts of myself that I didn’t want to lose? Am I going to regret the person I’ve become? I can’t imagine coming back and saying wow that was absolutely life changing and something I will never regret, but I liked who I was before I left significantly more. Another concern is whether I will be as good of a student as I am now after being out of school for so long. Being a student is a significant part of my identity, so I’m scared to lose that, despite it probably being best that I move on. Is this an experience that will make me better at everything that I do or is it only advantageous for a few career paths? I think that last question is really what I am most fearful about. I don’t want Peace Corps to make me a smaller version of myself or to strip me of everything that I love so that I’m only good at things related to global affairs or abroad experience.

I just want my next step to be what is going to elicit the most growth and development for me. If that’s graduate school, great, but I don’t think it is at this time. I want to dig deeper, not only in my self discovery, but also into my discovery of the world. This is what makes Peace Corps so attractive to me. I’m not somebody who plays it safe and everything but Peace Corps feels like a cop out. I don’t know. I don’t want to be average and I know this will give me incredible insight and a niche perspective on whatever I decide to study when I come home.

I am not necessarily looking for answers to “Am I a fit for Peace Corps, yes or no?” I just want advice from high achievers guided by their experience of wanting to have an undeniable impact on the world. I know there will never be a perfect choice, but I do know there are few opportunities where you can willingly place yourself in a difficult position that you know is going to elicit immense growth. I just can’t remain stagnant and don’t want to be bored. Graduate school or a regular job straight out of graduation just seem like a fast track to being basic and boring as fuck. I refuse.

I’m sure this is going to make me sound stupid, but I’m a coffee addict. Coffee is pretty easily accessible in the Peace Corps, right? Should/can I bring a keurig or something?

In case it’s country specific, DR

When does it end? I’m starting to feel discouraged. I’ve been to endless appointments and nobody is listening - especially me as a woman trying to get help for a gynecological issue - I have the BRCA1 gene. Firstly, it’s frustrating that medical staff don’t take women of color seriously in the first place. 25F.

Not to mention medical treatment where I’m at is already taking ages. For example, I won’t be able to get my MRI report for 3-4 weeks and there’s nothing my doctor can do to speed up the process.

I also have to get an ophthalmologist visit after my ophthalmologist says I clearly don’t need one. Last year I got a laser treatment to patch up retina holes just to be safe. My ophthalmologist said I’m going and to follow up with my optometrist for yearly exams or to contact him if I have any problems. Except that won’t fly with peace corps. None of my doctors take the time to listen to me. I spent $200 to sit in a gynecologist office just to TALK to them - they didn’t do any procedures since I had my exams and bloodwork done and everything with a previous doctor who refuses to write me a thorough letter (going through Kaiser Permanente bureaucracy is a whole other thing).

I understand why Peace Coros does this - god forbid I miss a cancer diagnosis during service or lose my eyesight since I’m prone to retina tears since I already have a heavy prescription. It’s just so frustrating . Im healthy - we’re just preparing for what if scenarios. Thinking about my cancer genes and own mortality and then weird grieving that comes from medicine (mom passed from cancer over a decade ago) adds on the feeling of being unsettled.

I’m set to depart early August and it seems like the medical tasks are endless. I was hoping to be cleared by end of May but it looks like that’s not going to happen. I’ve been communicative to my nurse but what happens if I can’t get everything in by departure date? Is it pure medical denial or is there a chance for later departure with another country/cohort? I can’t be medical cleared a week before departure like some have experienced - I wanted at least a month to quit my job and enjoy free time with family (I also have to travel back to my home state). I need time to pack and prepare. Feeling so stressed and discouraged.

Hey there! I've been lurking for a while and trying to decide if this is a good place to post. I'm the only Jewish volunteer at my post and there are basically no Jewish HCNs here (like literally if you google it there is no data aside from reference to occasional expats who come through). I'm almost halfway through service and have started to feel extremely lonely when it comes to my Judaism. I really need connection to that part of my identity and the community. I don't struggle with being a foreigner or social connections at my site, I just don't feel that anyone can completely understand me. I don't have anyone to talk to about this here this because no one seems to be able to separate their politics from just caring when I tell them how I feel. When I talked to our in-country staff they didn't even ask any questions and immediately recommended tele-therapy which I find insulting. I don't need therapy to deal with my Jewish identity. Now, whenever I see staff they dance around the issue because they're clearly uncomfortable with it. They'll ask if I've formed stronger connections at site even though I clearly told them community integration is not at all the problem. My cohort friends change the subject if I bring it up so when everyone is venting about issues at their sites, I talk about how I feel but pretend that it's because of issues at site when it really isn't. I simply don't have anyone I can honestly express myself to.

If there are any Jewish PCVs out there: how are you doing? what do you do privately to stay connected to being Jewish not only religiously but culturally?

Edit because as I think about it I think it should be said: If you have a Jewish PCV friend, ask them how they're doing and just listen. I don't care about your opinion. If you consider them a friend, reach out. They may need it more than you realize.

Things are going great, so why am I so down? Oh, yeah, it's just about time for the Mid-Service Crisis we learned about in PST (cue "Cycle of Vulnerability and Adjustment" graph). Even though this is my 4th service, I don't seem to be able to escape that "cycle".

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https://preview.redd.it/0581fdireqzc1.png?width=1022&format=png&auto=webp&s=8ec4871d9b6e8fb0023aefcdf23eb863f5f7bb17

I started writing about what I'm feeling as a way to get through it. But then thought I'd throw it out there to see "PCVs and RPCVs, what's your advice for dealing with Mid-Service Crisis?".

Jim

I’ve seen a lot of posts about the amount of down-time there can be during service and I’d love to hear some of the ways you all have filled it. I’m planning to pack two years worth of friendship bracelet-making materials to get me through the hours lol (or as much as I can stuff in my carry-on).

Hello everyone, I have accepted an invitation into the Peace Corp and my country I will be at is Peru. My departure date is March 2025. Do they ever move your departure date up at all. I was really hoping to be in Peru before end of year. I'm just really excited to start serving as a volunteer.

Hi everyone! I was just accepted as a TEFL teacher for Ecuador departing Jan 2025, if you’ve served in Ecuador, are currently serving, or will possibly be in my cohort I would love to chat with you!! I don’t have social media but feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn lol www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-dillman

I’ve been invited for an English education position and I’m interested in pursuing teaching when I come back.

I was looking into teaching credentials offered for doing the Peace Corps and I want to do California’s preliminary credential. I don’t have any classroom experience prior and I don’t know how reasonable it is to look for a teaching job with just a teaching credential and no education coursework.

Has anyone done the transition into teaching through peace corps?

Hello!

I am married to a dominican who is not in the US legally. We have consulted with an immigration lawyer who recommends that if he ever wants to become a permanent resident, since he’s been in the US for more than 6 months, he should leave before he reaches a year so he will only have to wait the 3 year ban (and the process for him to get a green card will likely take at least 3 years anyway). Obviously i’m not gonna stay away from my husband for 3 years so I have been looking for a way to move to to DR with him.

PC has an opening for an ELL teacher in DR that I am confident I can apply and get accepted for (god willing), due to my past experience of serving as a ELL teacher in the US and an ESL assistant in Spain. I wouldn’t be applying with my husband, but this program seems like a great opportunity for me to at least be in the same country as my husband while we figure out this immigration process. And since this program is already a 2 year commitment, at least I would be doing something very rewarding.

Anyone have a similar situation? Any do this program with a spouse that did not apply? I am also wondering if this program is extremely competitive or strict and just want to be realistic about my chances of being accepted. I already read about the required home stay with a host family for 4-6 months. I would assume this program being that it’s 2 yrs will offer some type of assistance when it comes to the type of visa needed, otherwise since I am married to a dominican, I was going to see if we could apply for my permanent residency in DR but if I get accepted, I don’t want to mess with anything that this program may offer. Would it even be guaranteed that I would get to go to DR?

I also don’t want people to assume that I only want to do this program to stay in DR with my husband, but because I genuinely am interested in serving the community and getting to know my husband’s homeland and this program would be the perfect opportunity.

Any tips suggestions concerns are greatly appreciated 💛

Looking for feedback on your essay? Have a newbie question you'd like to ask? Something on your mind you'd like to get out? This is the place for it.

Anyone know how many people generally apply to youth in development PCR program in Armenia?

Hey guys! So happy to be joining the PC community.

I received my invitation in early March to teach English in Nepal. I’m so excited to start my PC service - I’ve heard from so many RPCV that it’s absolutely life-changing.

I’m from the suburban Midwest, born and raised by conservative parents who have gone off the political deep end in recent years (switched to Newsmax when Fox declared the election for Biden in 2020). Their attitudes toward the rest of the world are...something. I’ve been keeping my invitation a secret until I passed a certain stage of medical clearance because I didn’t want to have the fight until it was necessary. Well, I’m past that stage, and coincidentally my dad found out from an email the following day.

Dad reacted relatively well but still thinks I’m directionless in life (I’m at the end of a gap year that he hated every minute of). Mom is acting like I just announced that I’m moving to the West Bank.

Any advice for convincing parents that 1) I’m not going to be ruthlessly murdered as a result of political unrest and/or 2) peace corps is an excellent springboard for career success later in life?

I previously posted about being afraid of medical denial because I stopped taking adderall in November. In March, my nurse told me that volunteers who need amphetamine-based psychostimulants could no longer be supported in Samoa and it was no longer an option for me. I was devastated, but had not uploaded the medical forms from my psychiatrist yet and asked if I could appeal the decision. I received a task questioning when I last took adderall and my psychiatrist filled out the necessary forms. At this point all of my forms were done, but my nurse uploaded one more task asking if I was aware if my medication would not be provided even if I did need it - which I acknowledged. Three days ago, I received clearance! I am so fortunate this situation turned around. Just wanted to post this to give hope to those who are afraid of being denied because of a medication they no longer take.

I know a lot of people ask which countries are available if medications like adderall are needed, but my nurse did not inform me of those.

Hey! I was invited to serve in Mongolia but found out I needed to have my wisdom teeth taken out too late in the game to depart on time. I just got them out, but I had to have them out by April 23rd. I reqested a second invitation and apparently medical cut down on what countries I can be considered for (I don't know why) left only twenty countries total, with three viable options departing in April-June 2025. I was going to depart in June (2024) for Mongolia, so it's pretty disheartening. I was told if I don't take one of the second invitation options, I would have to start over completely with medical and legal clearance, in addition to interviews. I was also told if I accepted them, some of my medical tasks will reopen because they will have expired. Should I just take one of the options that I'm not thrilled about? Not only timing, but they're all education when I'm interested in youth development. Should I reapply to a country I'm interested in and have medical re-examine everything? I don't know why they don't think I'm fit for service there and can't ask because they don't answer the phone or email. I don't have access to MAP anymore because I don't have an active case. I don't know yet if I'll apply somewhere that departs sooner or somewhere that departs in a year but at least I'll be excited about it.

tl;dr Should I take a second invitation I'm not super thrilled about or reapply all over again and hope they'll consider me?

edited for clarity

Share with us any photo from your country of service! Please note that pictures of minors are not permitted.

I've seen that a Peace Corps job fair is in Washington DC every year. What career opportunities or types of jobs were available for returned Peace Corps volunteers?

Thank you.

I got medically denied and I want to appeal. I know there’s only a 10% appeal turnover rate but I’m still going to try. Does anyone have any advice for this process?

I recently received a conditional invite for a sector that I feel unqualified for. I applied under the serve where needed category and was placed in that sector. I have yet to accept because of that and feel that I would be a better fit for a different sector. My invite mentioned the possibility of notifying my placement specialist by email if I'm no longer interested in the position and would like to be considered for an assignment in another country. Has anyone done this?

(warning semi-long post here)

tldr; stressed if it’s the right path, and what are yalls experiences and understanding of what they’re looking for on applications? Were there any reservations you had regarding devoting so much time of your life to the peace corps? Did you just send it and it was all worth it in the end?

Hi all,

I’m a 24 year old student finishing their last quarter, double majoring in Spanish and creative writing! I’m interested in teaching abroad to deepen my understanding of the language and love for Latin American cultures and get some life experience while I’m young… and I feel like I’m answering my own question here, but I have next to no job experience on my resume and have life anxiety regarding being denied an application due July 2024 for a position that would start spring 2025.

I’ll be brief; my parents support me financially and the pandemic stunted by growth, but in the past 1-2 years I’ve improved my discipline greatly. I door dash to supplement myself, have been volunteering at a food bank 6-12 hours a week for two months, and had a 2 month job as a boat lift constructor in 2022. I was an anxious, depressed, introverted mess but have done a full 180 through hard work.

But besides functional fluency in Spanish, that’s it. I think it’s pretty clear that I don’t/may not have the experience that reflects the resolve they want, and my degrees won’t pick up enough slack. I felt goofy writing out the little stuff I have to fill my resume, and I hope I don’t come across entitled to the position or naive, I have self awareness!! I have a great community and have made a lot of friends in the past 2 years of self development and worry I’d be leaving them all behind and missing out on this part of my youth (also, being gay and extremely single in a college town with a small queer community, on a self-actualization level I stress about being 28 having been single for a decade and no situationships, flings, or hookups for 3-4 years. Queer loneliness is real).

Maybe this isn’t for me, or maybe the two years between now and 2026 will be fulfilling enough that I’d be fine. And bear with my foolishness: what if I get a partner? That’d be the end of things. I know this is goofy and I suppose it’s better to not care, but I can’t help but compare my life to the lives of my online gay friends living in cities, partnered with a strong queer community enjoying their 20’s as I’ve been stuck in a city with few gays, even fewer I can connect with. And I know I have my whole life ahead of me but… I don’t know, picking a path is just hard. Part of me knows the peace corps would be perfect for my love for adventure & desire to connect with and help others. I’ve thought about it deeply and feel it’s one of the best paths I have, whilst the other half worries I’d be sacrificing these years for potentially naught, which I think is an awful perspective, but I guess I want to be told that I’m approaching this wrong. Would love to hear y’all’s thoughts and experiences, thank you!

This is just a rant, and I’m sure it’s gonna figure itself out. But uggghhh

Got Medical in one ear telling I need an allergy test proving that I’m no longer sensitive to something that I was as a child or I won’t be able to do my program along with proof that my ACL operation/recovery from 2 years ago is okay.

Got Legal in my other ear, telling me that they need the second fingerprint card, like wtf, I went to the New York City Police Department Headquarters and I sent all the documents……

To add insult to injury, I got assignments that I’m currently working on for the program that I might not get to go to.

—————

I’m sure it’ll figure itself out, I already thought of a game plan. This is a lot of uphill battling and bureaucracy for a process that should be straightforward.

I’m about half way through my service, and my mind is beginning to think about life after service. What are things that RPCVs did with their non-compete clause. Broad question, but I just want to have the information.

Hi guys, I’m curious about how leave taking and whereabouts policy differs by country. Is there anywhere that I can find the pcv handbooks from different countries? Or would anyone be willing to PM me and send a pdf or something?

Hi all, I am being asked to address a discrepancy with my mental health, because apparently I said "No" to these following questions:

1. Have you ever had any period of prolonged sadness, hopelessness, or other depression-related concerns or symptoms?

2. Have you ever had chronic or excessive worry, panic, or other anxiety concerns?

3. Have you ever had significant attention/concentration concerns or been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD?

However I was, in fact, diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and ADD earlier in my life, *which I indicated on my mental health statement and indicated I previously took medication for on my health history form*, and I cannot for the life of me think why I would answer "No", I did not intend to conceal any diagnosis but these questions do not appear to be on the health history form so I don't know if I misinterpreted it as recent history or something. I'm freaking out because it looks like I lied but I honest to god don't know how to explain this. I have not sought or received treatment for these issues in nearly a decade and consider them resolved but I understand they need to know your history, can someone provide some advice on how I can explain this so I don't get disqualified? It would help if I even knew the context these were asked in, I don't see them on any of my forms.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hello, I'm currently a public school teacher in the US with an invite to depart for Peace Corps in October. I'm going through all medical and legal clearance tasks now. I talked with my principal the other day to inform her that I accepted my invitation and that I've been explicitly advised not to resign from my job. She was excited for me but also wants me to let her know as soon as possible if I'm not going to be back next year. I feel quite bad as I don't know when I'll hear back about medical/legal clearance. It could be as late as August or September based on what I'm reading... and the school year starts in August. Eek! I want to help out my administration in terms of hiring but also want to honor PC's advice to not make any sudden life changes! I have thought about giving my notice and then just seeing where life takes me if clearance doesn't go through for whatever reason (I'm pretty darn healthy... just have a history of mild anemia and the classic period cramps). Any advice? Thank you so much.

Hi! I've recently applied for a volunteer opening that would depart in March. However, I've decided I actually want to apply to a different opening that departs in June. Can I withdraw my initial application without there being consequences and apply for a different? May be a stupid question, but better to be safe than sorry!

I have been working with medical and I have been prematurely denied of because of my neurologist paperwork has not been submitted yet. The deadline is 5/17.

I applied for Guyana, I was denied, which I fully expected, but this was a test way to see if I could even qualify to be an applicant.

I was assigned to Namibia in Africa, for some reason I was denied, they said that there was not a neurologist that would be able to assist me...... My ass, Namibia has some of the best neurologist and a specialist center there, all my meds also. '
I was short listed to 13 countries that would be able to accommodate my situation.

I was offered a position in one of those 13 countries that could accommodate me. I am 2 months in and 28/32 tasks completed. Last ones is the 3 documents from the neurologist, and one left from the vaccinations. I have been fully honest with her. At one point it was brought up about my migraines, I said that I had one migraine that was associated with receiving the TDap shot and Typhoid vaccine, otherwise it was well over a year. All tasks have passed, but she did not wait till the deadline and then gave me some tude and said I did not meet the deadline. You are correct, the deadline is in 10 days.

I have not had any seizures since 2018, My neurologist and regular doctor are fully on board. This is not the first time I have traveled out of the country for an extended period of time in extreme weather. I have stayed in the Interior of the Iwokrama Rainforest for well over a month on 3 separate times. The only issue I had was a dash of dehydration. I was collaborating on a private project with the director of the Iwokrama Research and Development Center.

I will be reaching out the the director to get a personal statement that my medical situation is not a hindrance or hazard to my day to day life.

What would you do? My 'Country' has all meds, docs, and such, I have been seizure free for 6 years, I have traveled extensively to countries that have drastic climate changes before. If I thought that I would put my body or any one else into a pickle, I would have not applied. This position is perfect for me, the PC after service job would change my life and lead me down the path I deserve. I'm 43, I know what's realistic and what's not.

I am appealing her pre-judgment of my case. Any advice would be helpful.

I got a speeding ticket months before applying to peace corps and the court date is after the date of departure. Will this affect legal clearance?

Use this thread to vent your frustrations. We're all here to lend an ear.

Just wondering how many other PCVs are running during their service? How is it? Advantages and disadvantagees? Do you worry about animals (4 legged or 2 legged kind)? What's the terrain like? Do others in your cohort run? Any organized races in your country?

A week ago, almost my whole cohort (and a few of the PST trainees) ran in the Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Most of us were in the 5K and 12K, but two brave souls ran the marathon and finished! We even had the CD running with a few of the staff. And PC gave us PC shirts to wear during the race. So cool to get that support.

Schools out soon and hoping to run a lot more, especially in the mountains around my village. Just wanted to connect with other PCVs out there where ever you are. If you're on Strava, let me know and I'll follow you. Hoping we have another race here in Armenia in the fall.

Run safe and stay healthy,

Jim