As I finished up my packing (yes, Santa hat included!) and made the final copies of contact information for my parents, I took a moment to enjoy the last Orange County sunset I may possibly see for the next two years. No matter where I go and what kind of adventure I have had, my heart will always belong with home.
Semisonic's "Closing Time" states "every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" and though I've left California numerous times since the start of this travel blog, this ending marks a new journey in the adventure of life.
And contrary to the theme of Carrie Underwood's popular song (and same name as this post), je suis prête! Off to Peace Corps Staging in Philadelphia!
Monday, 31 May 2010
Friday, 28 May 2010
One of Many Reasons
According to the Millennium Project, a report commissioned by the United Nations Secretary-General, a billion people live on less than a dollar a day*. According to the World Bank, over three billion people (in other words half the world) live on less than $2.50 a day.
*Taken as of the end of 2006
Though arguments can be made regarding cost of living, exchange rates, etc., poverty is poverty. Poor is poor. Below is a beautifully directed video by Sara McLachlan entitled "World on Fire." Though I can't single-handedly change the world, I can make an impact. Let this be one of the many reasons I'm joining the Peace Corps and let it be one of the many reasons we live our lives for others.
*Taken as of the end of 2006
Though arguments can be made regarding cost of living, exchange rates, etc., poverty is poverty. Poor is poor. Below is a beautifully directed video by Sara McLachlan entitled "World on Fire." Though I can't single-handedly change the world, I can make an impact. Let this be one of the many reasons I'm joining the Peace Corps and let it be one of the many reasons we live our lives for others.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Pre-Peace Corps Prepations
During this process, I have scoured through several Peace Corps blogs for a wealth of information. It seems that each volunteer felt overwhelmed with nervousness and excitement during their final weeks before jumping on that airplane. Though I am right there with them, I find my thoughts are much more unconventional from the norm.
Thoughts during my last week:
1) If packing had an Oscars, I'd be Jack Nicholson
After logging over 75,000+ miles since 2007, I've got packing down to a beautiful art form. After a test round, the next two years of my life can be put together in just 80lbs (see picture below).
Everything I'm taking with me!
Keep in mind that there is a full-size sleeping bag, a quarter ream of paper, and a plastic bowling kit in there. I told you. I'm good.
2) I really wish I had a donkey
There are three types of transportation a Peace Corps Trainee/Volunteer can receive: a mountain bike, a canoe, or a donkey. Unfortunately, I am receiving a mountain bike. After being fitted at a local bike shop, I am a size 13 - woohoo! I wonder what size canoe I would have received?
All bicycle-riding PC members must also wear a helmet at all times, otherwise, they will become "administratively separated." As I hate hat hair, I really wish I had a donkey.
3) I love my Swiss army knife!
Swiss army knives today can be trendy and chic. Mine is flat like a credit card, perfect for any girl to slip into a purse. Finally I have a reason to own a Swiss army knife and am pretty stoked about it. Next up will be to own my own machete.
Useful, light, and chic - perfect for any PC female!
4) Should I pack my Santa hat?
Having a petite head, it was always difficult to find a Santa hat with a good fit. While studying in France, I found the most fitting hat with snowmen decorated on it. As I will unfortunately be missing Christmas in the States this year, should I pack my Santa hat? Or is this too ridiculous to bring?
To bring Santa hat or not to bring Santa hat?
As one can see, I have some things to figure out.
Thoughts during my last week:
1) If packing had an Oscars, I'd be Jack Nicholson
After logging over 75,000+ miles since 2007, I've got packing down to a beautiful art form. After a test round, the next two years of my life can be put together in just 80lbs (see picture below).
Everything I'm taking with me!2) I really wish I had a donkey
There are three types of transportation a Peace Corps Trainee/Volunteer can receive: a mountain bike, a canoe, or a donkey. Unfortunately, I am receiving a mountain bike. After being fitted at a local bike shop, I am a size 13 - woohoo! I wonder what size canoe I would have received?
All bicycle-riding PC members must also wear a helmet at all times, otherwise, they will become "administratively separated." As I hate hat hair, I really wish I had a donkey.
3) I love my Swiss army knife!
Swiss army knives today can be trendy and chic. Mine is flat like a credit card, perfect for any girl to slip into a purse. Finally I have a reason to own a Swiss army knife and am pretty stoked about it. Next up will be to own my own machete.
Useful, light, and chic - perfect for any PC female!Having a petite head, it was always difficult to find a Santa hat with a good fit. While studying in France, I found the most fitting hat with snowmen decorated on it. As I will unfortunately be missing Christmas in the States this year, should I pack my Santa hat? Or is this too ridiculous to bring?
To bring Santa hat or not to bring Santa hat?Saturday, 22 May 2010
Peace Corps Basics
As I prepare for life in Cameroon, I find that I frequently get asked a multitude of questions regarding my future Peace Corps service. Though most are aware of the organization, allow me to address the questions I hear most often:
So what exactly is the Peace Corps?
Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps Act states that it's purpose is “To promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower.”
Almost 200,000 participants to date have provided their service and built mutual cross-cultural understanding in 100+ developing countries.
How long do Volunteers serve?
27 months. Three months training and two years at post working on your project(s).
What does Small Enterprise Development (SED) consist of?
Cameroon's SED program centers around two goals:
Where is Cameroon?
Courtesy of the Peace Corps website
Do you get paid?
Though I will (hopefully!) officially be known as a Volunteer once training is completed, I will receive a stipend and essentially have no expenses. No rent or house bills, no student loan payments as they are deferred, medical and dental benefits fully covered, a stipend that covers food, entertainment, cell phone, etc. As long as I complete training, I'll be set for the next two years.
Do you get vacation days?
As it's a job, of course! Two vacation days each month = 24 vacation days a year.
Will you have Internet access?
Maybe, maybe not. As I'm in SED in Cameroon, it's assumed that I'll have internet access; however, I shouldn't be surprised if I don't. Thus, I can write ridiculously romantic Nicholas Spark-esque letters like in "The Notebook" or "Dear John."
Can I visit?
Yes! And you should! Sato Travel (1-800-698-2554) can work with friends and family to arrange travel to visit a Volunteer. Peace Corps also specifically addresses this matter online. Now doesn't that make it easy for you to come and see me?
So what exactly is the Peace Corps?
Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps Act states that it's purpose is “To promote world peace and friendship through a Peace Corps, which shall make available to interested countries and areas men and women of the United States qualified for service abroad and willing to serve, under conditions of hardship if necessary, to help the peoples of such countries and areas in meeting their needs for trained manpower.”
Almost 200,000 participants to date have provided their service and built mutual cross-cultural understanding in 100+ developing countries.
How long do Volunteers serve?
27 months. Three months training and two years at post working on your project(s).
What does Small Enterprise Development (SED) consist of?
Cameroon's SED program centers around two goals:
- Promoting the development and sharing of resources available to businesses and entrepreneurs
- Strengthening community members' management and business skills through training and consulting
Where is Cameroon?
Courtesy of the Peace Corps website
Do you get paid?
Though I will (hopefully!) officially be known as a Volunteer once training is completed, I will receive a stipend and essentially have no expenses. No rent or house bills, no student loan payments as they are deferred, medical and dental benefits fully covered, a stipend that covers food, entertainment, cell phone, etc. As long as I complete training, I'll be set for the next two years.
Do you get vacation days?
As it's a job, of course! Two vacation days each month = 24 vacation days a year.
Will you have Internet access?
Maybe, maybe not. As I'm in SED in Cameroon, it's assumed that I'll have internet access; however, I shouldn't be surprised if I don't. Thus, I can write ridiculously romantic Nicholas Spark-esque letters like in "The Notebook" or "Dear John."
Can I visit?
Yes! And you should! Sato Travel (1-800-698-2554) can work with friends and family to arrange travel to visit a Volunteer. Peace Corps also specifically addresses this matter online. Now doesn't that make it easy for you to come and see me?
Sunday, 2 May 2010
The Day in Dallas
It is only fitting that before leaving for Cameroon, I pay homage to the creator of Peace Corps himself, none other than President John F. Kennedy.
At Dealy Plaza, one can visit The Sixth Floor Museum, an exhibition of JFK's inspirational life, young presidency, and tragic assassination. Since it's opening in 1989, the museum has attracted over six million visitors who walk the same spot where Lee Harvey Oswald shot the former President.
Though no photography is allowed, I was able to take mental images of pictures such as Kennedy and his wife happily waving to the American public from their motorcade. The highlight though was seeing and reading the handful of Peace Corps references throughout the museum.
Little could the President have known that fifty years later, almost 200,000 Americans will have answered his call to service. I'm honored to be one of them.
The JFK Memorial, Dallas, TX
Longhorns at Pioneer Plaza at Young Street
Dallas's City Hall designed by world class architect, I.M. Pei
At Dealy Plaza, one can visit The Sixth Floor Museum, an exhibition of JFK's inspirational life, young presidency, and tragic assassination. Since it's opening in 1989, the museum has attracted over six million visitors who walk the same spot where Lee Harvey Oswald shot the former President.
Though no photography is allowed, I was able to take mental images of pictures such as Kennedy and his wife happily waving to the American public from their motorcade. The highlight though was seeing and reading the handful of Peace Corps references throughout the museum.
Little could the President have known that fifty years later, almost 200,000 Americans will have answered his call to service. I'm honored to be one of them.
The JFK Memorial, Dallas, TX
Longhorns at Pioneer Plaza at Young Street
Dallas's City Hall designed by world class architect, I.M. PeiSaturday, 1 May 2010
Tubing Time in Texas!
Happy May Day!
Today was spent partaking in one of the truest Texan traditions: tubing! Commonly referred to as "floating down the river," participants sit in inner tubes as the water flow gently glides them down the river for a few hours.
What do you do on the river? Chat, relax, drink, laugh, and be merry!
Hundreds of tubers can be found floating down the Comal on any sunny day
Sitting on my inner tube (thank goodness mine had a bottom, otherwise I would have fallen through!)
Though the Comal River sits as the shortest river in the world at 2.5 miles, it sits at a warm 70-72 degrees. As it is spring-fed, the river is ideal for relaxing tubing. Be warned though! Early on, there is a tube shoot that can trap any novice tuber if they get caught in the current (speaking from experience!).
Tip: Putting a ziplock bag inside another ziplock bag does wonders for your digital camera and other belongings. And be sure to hold up your drinks and sunglasses at the tube shoot if you want a chance to enjoy both for the remainder of the river!
Along the way, I had the pleasure of meeting some French students that helped me practice my Français. Interestingly, one of them worked in Business Development and praised me on joining the Peace Corps. It is safe to assume that most Americans know the Peace Corps, but it's a real treat when foreigners recognize it. High five!
With our French friend after the day's success!
Forever and always, fight on!
Reunion at Cuatros
Today was spent partaking in one of the truest Texan traditions: tubing! Commonly referred to as "floating down the river," participants sit in inner tubes as the water flow gently glides them down the river for a few hours.
What do you do on the river? Chat, relax, drink, laugh, and be merry!
Hundreds of tubers can be found floating down the Comal on any sunny day
Sitting on my inner tube (thank goodness mine had a bottom, otherwise I would have fallen through!)Tip: Putting a ziplock bag inside another ziplock bag does wonders for your digital camera and other belongings. And be sure to hold up your drinks and sunglasses at the tube shoot if you want a chance to enjoy both for the remainder of the river!
Along the way, I had the pleasure of meeting some French students that helped me practice my Français. Interestingly, one of them worked in Business Development and praised me on joining the Peace Corps. It is safe to assume that most Americans know the Peace Corps, but it's a real treat when foreigners recognize it. High five!
With our French friend after the day's success!Back on the UT-Austin campus, we discovered the Graduation Longhorn! Though there will be no mention of an upsetting college football game from 2005, the following picture shows that USC Trojans and Texas Longhorns can co-exist harmoniously.
Forever and always, fight on!For dinner, we met with Alec Swafford for another mini-Europe reunion (see all Rome posts in September 2008). The night air was cool and breezy as we shared tacos on the deck of Cuatros.
Reunion at CuatrosAs Austin is known for being the "live music capital of the world," Chris Wu and I headed off to the Elephant Room and listened to some Latin jazz before heading of to Malaia, Downtown's newest nightclub.
Thanks, Austin! I will miss you!
Thanks, Austin! I will miss you!