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.
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
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