I realized I never wrote an entry about Peace Corps!

Since my Costa Rica trip, I’ve since left my job and traveled to the Philippines and Ghana (to, hopefully, be covered in later entries), but now I’m living in Namibia for the next 2.5 years as a Community Economic Development Volunteer.

I’m very lucky to have been able to travel as much as I do, and I think that’s always been rooted in my belief that humans are humans are humans, and traveling is one of the best ways to witness that, live that, and spread that belief.

Working in capital markets and digital media was a great learning experience and I’ve met some of my closest friends whilst doing so, but I’d always felt as though there was more out there for me to devote my life to.

My free time was never spent perusing the Wall Street Journal, it was spent searching the New York Times, for any and all articles relating to the Syrian Refugee Crisis, ISIS tragedies, womens’ education rights, social enterprises, etc., etc.

I found human rights and social justice something to be more than just a hobby while I was in college, and decided it was time for me to do something about it.

Ultimately, I think I want to make macro impacts, work on policy and human rights movements…but before I do that, I think it’s important to make micro impacts, first.

What drew me to Peace Corps is not the fact that it seeks to provide trained men and women as a resource for interested countries, but the profound relationships and connections and undoubtedly comes out of serving a community and its members for two years.

BC (Boston College) always encouraged us to be ‘men and women for others’, but I think I’ve adopted that saying to be ‘men and women with others’, and what better opportunity to do that than with a super longstanding government organization that also makes sure I’m properly trained to be that qualified resource for my project?

So yes, I’m committed to my project and making as much progress as I can, but if I can make connections with members of my community, teach them a bit about America, and learn about their way of living, embrace it, and genuinely be a part of the community, I believe I would have achieved my goals for my time with Peace Corps.

Thoughts? Comments? Let me know!

More entries to come on my transition so far, training, and my host family!

Elainey and me! Found some (chilled) red wine and wifi at a nearby Rugby bar.