time stops, we're socially retarded

We live in a society that tells us we should go to school. High school then next college and of course after that everyone goes to graduate school. “Four years of high school, four years of college, four years of med school. By the time we graduate we're in our late 20s and we've never done anything except go to school and think about science. Time stops. We're socially retarded.”(Callie Grey’s Anatomy)  Not everyone goes to med school but we do pick a certain profession and that’s what we focus on. We do nothing else but think of what we are going to do with that degree. For some of us we go to school and get a degree and then never really figure out what we want to do with this piece of paper. Some find that amazing job that they have been dreaming of and for others it’s a mad search to find a job, to make money so they can pay off those loans that have piled up.  For some people however they find a different outlet, the Peace Corps is the answer for them.

There are many people that choose this course for their life.  For those people that choose to do this will more than likely go and talk with Travis Axton, the San Francisco representative for the Peace Corps.  On April 10, 2008 Travis Axton came to speak to our English class. He spoke of his own personal experience with the Peace Corps.  Right after college Travis joined the PC and was sent to Zambia. It was definitely a new and exciting experience for him. His job was to be a facilitator between the village and the clinic staff.  He obviously loved what he did it was only apparent by the sheer excitement in his voice when he spoke of his time in the PC.  It was refreshing to see someone talk about something they truly were passionate about.

Joining the PC means that you will be making a 27 month commitment. This may sound a bit scary but the time is well spent and each moment is spent doing learning something new or doing to help the people.  The PC is definitely a unique cultural exchange. You live with the people of the country you are placed in and you really understand their way of living and you start to live like them.  Another thing about the PC is that you are able to come back after your stay and educate friends and family about what you experienced.

The PC has been around for forty seven to forty eight years.  There are currently more than 8,000 PC volunteers overseas.  There are some benefits to joining the PC.  Volunteers get full medical and dental insurance. Their plane ticket to their host country is paid for.  They also receive a housing allowance while volunteering and also a living allowance per month. After the twenty seven months is done volunteers receive a readjustment allowance consisting of 6,000 dollars. While volunteers are away their student loans can be deferred. It is also that will make your resume look just a little bit better.

Most of the information mentioned can be found on the PC website along with much more information and stories from past volunteers. So whether you decide to go and get that other degree or jump right into the real world the PC is always here waiting to change someone’s life.