August 20, 2003 - Ripon University: Rachel Thompson trained for one month in Guarumbaré, Paraguay, before deciding not to carry out her Peace Corps assignment

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Paraguay: Peace Corps Paraguay: The Peace Corps in Paraguay: August 20, 2003 - Ripon University: Rachel Thompson trained for one month in Guarumbaré, Paraguay, before deciding not to carry out her Peace Corps assignment

By Admin1 (admin) on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 9:08 am: Edit Post

Rachel Thompson trained for one month in Guarumbaré, Paraguay, before deciding not to carry out her Peace Corps assignment



Rachel Thompson trained for one month in Guarumbaré, Paraguay, before deciding not to carry out her Peace Corps assignment

But, as rewarding as volunteer work can be, this type of service isn't for everyone, especially when dealing with another culture. Rachel Thompson trained for one month in Guarumbaré, Paraguay, before deciding not to carry out her Peace Corps assignment. "Training was slow," she says, "and I had no contact with my family in the States other than letters." She maintains that the lack of communication with loved ones was minor when compared to her lack of independence. Being a woman, Thompson could not go anywhere without a male escort. "I have never experienced having to be escorted everywhere," she says. "If you are alone, you will be 'hit on.' If you are with another woman, you are considered alone, and you will be 'hit on.' It was hard not having my independence," she says.

Thompson is now in San Diego, Calif., working with severely emotionally disturbed children at New Alternatives child care facility.


Rachael Thompson helps her Paraguayan "nephew," Gabe.



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Story Source: Ripon University

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Paraguay

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