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Half a Masters Degree (82 days till departure)

5/22/2014

Last August I moved to Monterey California to pursue a Masters degree in International Environmental Policy. Now, less than a year ago, I have completed half of my degree. In 10 months, I have achieved being half a master, woo!

How do I feel? Weird actually. Having to say goodbye to the friends I made here because I won't be seeing them for some years, maybe even never is a strange feeling I have not yet prepared myself emotionally to express. With more than 80 days until staging for the Peace Corps, I don't really feel like I am leaving for more than two years. I still feel like I will be returning in the fall to finish my last year of grad school, but that isn't the case.

I guess this post is to all those who stood by my side during this crazy ride that is graduate school: INTENSE! Thank you guys for helping me find a home in this town. I can honestly say I did not like it at first; that's what happens when you've been spoiled living in Santa Barbara. I felt like Monterey was too small; my school was too small; everyone knew my life; quite overwhelming. And now, I have to say goodbye again. I moved to Monterey California in August 2013, and I leave for the Peace Corps August 2014. Coming full circle. I look forward to calling both Monterey and the Monterey Institute after the Peace Corps my home. Here's to all those who never let me give up!

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PCMIs Send Off (101 days till departure)

5/3/2014

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Some of the Monterey Institute of International Studies' PCMIs leaving this year for our Peace Corps assignments. From left to right: Adrienne (Mongolia) David (Nicaragua), Tara (Cameroon), Me (Nicaragua), Lindsey (Philippines), and Genevieve (Panama).

Yesterday was the final Potluck for us PCMI students at the Monterey Institute. All PCMIs that are leaving were given a care package with things that current volunteers and RPCVs said will be gold to us once at site (I've included a pic of the contents for you to see at the bottom).

It has been great going to school with returned volunteers; many professors and classmates that have done the Peace Corps constantly share their wisdom of their times during Peace Corps. So I thought I would share some of that wisdom for those who are considering the Peace Corps or are planning on going but may not have a constant flow of RPCVs to ask questions to:

1. Have no expectations of your country: to put it simple, don't create what you think your site, assignment, site mates, host family, etc. will be like. If your exceptions are not met, it will be a lot tougher. All RPCVs have told me that the volunteers that are the most happy are those who went with no expectations and just went with the flow of life.

2. Have fun

3. Emotional roller coaster: the low points will be low, but that means that the highs will be even higher.

4. Medicine: it may give you crazy dreams, but it may save your life...SO TAKE IT!

5. Get out of your comfort zone

6. Mosquito net: never take it down...chickens will lay eggs on your bed.

Care Package Contents:
1. GIANT Package of Ghirardelli Cocoa Mix
2. Fajita Seasoning
3. Colors and shapes cards (for teaching English)
4. Motivational Stickers (for students)
5. Shout wipes
6. Floss
7. 2 packages of Starbucks coffee
8. Big black marker
9. Mini key-chain compass
10. Large binder clip
11. (not in picture) luggage tags

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About Blog

This blog documents my life as a PCMI graduate student working on my masters in International Environmental Policy with a focus in Natural Resource Management. I am serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Chontales, Nicaragua as an Environmental educator. Let the adventures begin!