When I grow up

We were asked to write an aspiration statement highlighting what we hope to accomplish throughout and after our 27 month service. Here's a little taste of me writing "I have no idea no idea what to expect but it's gonna be hella fun."

22 years old seems so long ago. That was how old I was when I first applied to Peace Corps, and also when I realized I couldn't accept my invitation to Zambia. In the three years I spent considering re-applying for Peace Corps I discovered a life lesson that cannot be taught, but must be learned: Patience is a virtue. I learned this while working as a lab technician in the ever-evolving field of microbial genetics. At this job I learned how to submit to failure and when that can be turned into success. But more importantly I learned how to look at the big picture, execute a plan, and trouble-shoot different scenarios. When I hear the word “aspiration” I gravitate towards long thought-out processes which require a lot of time and resources. I don’t expect to change the world in two years, or even have everyone respect my opinions, so I must be reasonable with my aspirations. When I become a PCT I plan on making daily, weekly, and monthly aspirations like: Having a conversation about purifying water in Swahili, or making an edible meal that my neighbors will enjoy. Exemplifying patience with my new job and culture will one day help me see the bigger picture and aspire to larger dreams as a PCV.

Goal One of Peace Corps: "Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women". Dear future village of service, I am here for your needs. You will request someone like me with my skill set and I will do everything in my power to help with whatever issues you have. I will listen to your needs and evaluate the situation with a fresh approach. I expect to be let down by people who do not trust my ideas, but I will not give up on them. Communication, listening skills, organization, and persistence with a goal are the tools I'll be bringing with me. I do not agree with backing out of proposed ideas for the wrong reasons, instead I plan on demonstrating how to think outside of the box and learning when to try a different approach to a problem. Teaching sustainability will be my main focus as a PCV. My two year commitment ensures that I will not be taking a job from an able Kenyan, but that I'll be training people on how to take charge and actively support their village and health infrastructure.

Goal Two of Peace Corps: "Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served". Dear future village of service, I am here because you invited me. Because your children need to see that muzungu's can live comfortably in huts. Because you have so much to teach me about women's lifestyles and social norms in Kenya. And because we both want to make unassuming, life-long friendships. In this respect, my future village is just as daring to accept an American volunteer as I am for leaving my home country. In this world of preconceived notions I admire anyone who opens up their home for the benefit of their people. I look forward to showing others that not all Americans are rich and also openly discussing the concept of volunteering and why I am grateful for the opportunities given. I’m not worried that there will be a lack of questions, I’m only hopeful that I can answer questions about my American life and culture adequately enough to challenge people to think differently about their lifestyles.

I plan on taking full advantage of our language and cultural training; it will be our biggest help in easing into our new home. We are lucky enough to be constantly exposed to fluent Swahili, so taking as many opportunities as possible to interact and maintain relationships with my community will be advantageous for myself and others. I want to make it clear to my future community that first and foremost I am a student, and secondly a teacher. I am there to respect and learn their culture and maintain a better understanding of their issues that need to be resolved. With this I fully believe that building trust and compatible relationships is the best way to ensure that my project goals and their health is met and maintained.

I’m not sure of my exact project in Peace Corps, but I do know that the next 27 months will change my life forever. Not just the work I do, but the people I meet and the experiences I encounter will make me view the world in a different way. I look forward to this change and will embrace it with every occurrence. Where ever I end up after my Peace Corps service I will be able to apply the attributes I’ve learned towards my community and professional lifestyle by looking onto this experience with insight and knowledge that not many people are offered. I plan on being an asset to my community and making myself available to talk about my Peace Corps service, hopefully giving Americans a broader view of Kenyans and volunteering that most are not exposed to.


Writing this got me thinking about what I personally want to experience during my time in Kenya.

learn a reasonable amount of Swahili (I'm being practical here)
plant a garden and feed from it
see Africa's "Big Five" and visit some amazing parks
touch the Indian Ocean
learn to cook by fire
teach people how to teach others
represent my country and culture as a US citizen
learn and understand Kenyan and my communities myths/stories/religions/culture
keep a well-written journal and blog
take too many pictures
stay in good health and happiness
encourage woman's empowerment without breaking Kenyan cultural norms
inspire someone (just one) to help others through volunteering
teach and change attitudes about HIV transmission and simple hygiene practices
get a residential price for food/necessities, not a tourist's price
learn to listen about what people need and when to tell them their needs are practical
take a bucket bath under the southern hemisphere night sky

...sure to grow once I get there.