Why did I join?

No, this is not my first blog entry, but I guess I should write why I joined the Peace Corps to begin with.

What I actually credit the Peace Corps to is the show Entourage on HBO. But that would be sad and too convenient to give credit only to television. It actually started around the time I was about to finish up college. The seeds of volunteerism (probably not a word but I like it) had entered my head. My sister had just left for Africa, Kenya to be exact, to help in an orphanage. I, for one, couldn't be more proud of her. It was a noble thing, but as a finance major, I was supposed to look for the banker-esque job that follows. However, I decided to put that idea on hold, as I had tickets to the World Cup in Germany right after school ended. I embarked on my backpacking journey through Europe for the month. There was my first taste of other cultures. One thing really changed my perspective, though. In Ulm (outside of Munich) we actually got to stay with a family for the night. Eating a few meals and getting to know their way of life, even if for a small amount of time, seemed to interest me.

My trip to Europe ended, but more seeds were sewn. I went back to the States, went back on the proper finance related job hunt. “We only want MBA students. You need a bit more experience. Why didn't you do an internship in college?” Being as smart and hard working as I am, I guess the recruiters did not think I was cut out for the rough life of banking. Oh well, luckily I still had the family landscaping business to fall back on. Now, don't get me wrong, landscaping (especially working with my brother) is one of the greatest jobs in the world. Physically demanding and sometimes with the headache-causing customers, mentally. Almost a year had passed since graduating college, I was helping run a business with my family, but I needed more.

I was looking for other jobs, but the desk or finance related job descriptions did not interest me all that much. I looked at some volunteer organizations, but at the time none of them made financial sense. Americorps only subsidized some of the living. Other volunteer organizations wanted a decent of money. Recently, I had bought the DVDs for Entourage. One episode, where Turtle and Drama are hitting on a girl about to join the Peace Corps. Had I completely forgot about the Peace Corps? All those commercials growing up. So I checked out the Peace Corps website. Two years! That is a long time. Would I be able to handle that? As most everyone does, I thought long and hard about those two years. I would learn or become fluent, hopefully, in a new language. I would experience a new culture, a new way of life. That was a bit too exciting to turn down. Another big thing, no money to shell out, besides the ridiculous medical stuff. I was not too idealistic, thinking I would change the world. I was there to help if the people needed or wanted it.

One thing lead to another, and here I am writing a blog from Ecuador. But why explain now my story of joining the Peace Corps? It is important for me to remember this. When my job description is so vague and I struggle to find meaningful work, I need to remember this. Two of the three Peace Corps goals are cultural exchanges, one being fulfilled by writing this blog. That was the main reason I joined the Peace Corps. Not that I do not want to help people in need, but better understanding of another culture is my main personal goal. If I can help people along the way, excelente! To anyone who reads this, remember why you joined whatever it is you are having difficulties with. If those goals are being satisfied, you have nothing to worry about.