Lately, I’ve noticed a trend in blog posts addressing the following questions:
- How can I make my life more meaningful?
- What is my life purpose and what can I do to make a difference?
At first I thought those questions were geared towards middle-aged and older people: those who start to re-evaluate their life after the kids leave home or they retire, but then I noticed how this question is becoming more prevalent in today’s youth.Perhaps a shift is taking place in the way people see their future life, the economy forcing people to rethink their short and long-term goals. It seems as if people are seeking alternatives to the 9-5 jobs?
What do you think?
Since our return from Belize in 2005, I have volunteered once with a group of nurses in a Mayan Village. Since that day, I’ve thought about joining the Peace Corps. Last Saturday a recruiter from the Peace Corps offered a seminar at Borders Books in Costa Mesa, California. I decided to attend. Here are a few points for those of you who might be interested.
- There is no upper age limit for volunteers
- Entire application process takes 1 to 1.5 years.
- Safety and security of volunteers is highest priority
- 27 month commitment, (includes a 3 month training period)
- Living allowance covers cost of housing and other necessities
- French and Spanish a plus
- 48 days vacation to visit country or go home
- Graduate school opportunities before and after
- Develop skills for global marketplace
- Receive advantages for federal employment
- Earn $7,425 for transition when you return
- Health and dental benefits, extended up to 18 months after your return
Peace Corps Programs:
Education 33%, Youth and Community 18%, Health and HIV/AIDS 18%, Business and IT 17%, Agriculture 8%, Environment 7%.Peace Corps Main Locations:
Africa 41%, Latin America 23%, Eastern Europe and Central Asia 17%, Asia 8%, Caribbean and N.Africa and Middle East 8%, Pacific Islands 3%.
Education 33%, Youth and Community 18%, Health and HIV/AIDS 18%, Business and IT 17%, Agriculture 8%, Environment 7%.Peace Corps Main Locations:
Africa 41%, Latin America 23%, Eastern Europe and Central Asia 17%, Asia 8%, Caribbean and N.Africa and Middle East 8%, Pacific Islands 3%.
The one comment I keep hearing from all Peace Corps Volunteers is: “I feel like I received more than what I gave.”
Your thoughts and opinions are truly valued.
