Motivation Statement

The toughest job you will ever love. This was my first exposure to the Peace Corps.  There is little from my youth that I remember more clear; thinking about departing on a plane like in those commercials.  I think it was the otherness that attracted me, but I find myself still pulled to the idea in new ways.

There was a time in my life when I wasn't sure when I would finish my undergraduate degree.  This was something I understood to be required for service.  I did research on similar programs around the world that did not require a degree.  What I found was most of these programs were short-term and very expensive.  In 1995, I was fortunate to connect with the right person associated with the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

The person I spoke with was concerned how I got his phone number.  I told him I had found it in an old local church newspaper.  I heard him ask another person how his number got in that paper.  In less than a month I was serving in Bosnia as a long-term volunteer.  It was four years later when my daughter was born during the NATO bombing campaign in Serbia that I really found my motivation.

I returned home and completed my undergraduate degrees in 2003.  In my mind I knew I would finally be able to apply for the Peace Corps, but I had a small child and would have another in 2006.  I was working with refugees in Cleveland, assisting them in finding employment.  This was a real strange experience for me because it was more important that I shared my culture with them.  They needed every bit of information to survive.  The secret to success as a refugee in America involves three things: employment, employment and employment.

Now as my younger son gets ready to graduate next year.  I have found finally the time and prerequisites to apply.  I think this is an ideal time for me to commit to two years.  I had always thought there would be a chance at retirement, but I see no good reason to wait.  I have the experience of learning other cultures and sharing deeply my own.  Bosnia was not a place I choose to serve either, but is now a very important place to me.  I told UMCOR I would go anywhere too.

I am confident in my ability to adapt to service in the Peace Corps.  I was able to adapt to serving as a volunteer in war time.  To be honest I am not sure how I did it, but I have a wealth of experience to now draw upon.  I am fully prepared and eager to serve in any capacity to contribute to the success and well-being of the team and community.  I thank you for your consideration.

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