Colombia RPCV Helen Ballmann Dudley says Peace Corps prepares you for life
Peace Corps prepares you for life
HELENE BALLMANN DUDLEY
Tomorrow is the 43rd anniversary of the Peace Corps. As many people do around that age, the Peace Corps, too, is hitting its stride.
There are 7,533 volunteers in 71 countries. Programs recently reopened in Albania, Fiji and the Philippines, and programs are expected to open soon in Mexico, Cambodia and Laos. Programs in Jordan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have reopened after being interrupted by war in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Peace Corps is working to attract minorities so that it better represents the diverse face of America. Last month, Miami Dade College hosted a send-off for 55 trainees headed for the Eastern Caribbean.
At first glance, Peace Corps suggests a period of sacrifice and deprivation as Americans help the underdeveloped or redeveloping world. Yet returned volunteers insist that they received far more than they gave during their service. In addition to excellent language and cross-cultural training, there is the educational value of living and traveling in a foreign country.
Young volunteers gain a broader range of work experiences and assume a higher level of responsibility than is possible in more traditional jobs at home. They get to see the United States through a foreign lens, better understand what makes our country great and see opportunities to make it even better.
Major corporations, the State Department and international agencies often find former volunteers are better prepared for key positions overseas. As a world power, it is imperative that America understand the world its leads. More than 200,000 volunteers and staff have returned to the United States bringing understanding of languages and cultures from remote regions.
More important, they bring back an appreciation of diversity. They are aware of an initial disconnect between perception and reality and know the importance of taking a pro-active stance in getting to understand our neighbors.
Peace Corps is not a two-year interruption. Rather, it is a transforming experience that often shapes the rest of the volunteer's life. It can lead to a life of service that never strays far from Peace Corps values. Ask University of Miami President Donna Shalala (Iran), Harve Mogul, head of the United Way (Philippines) or Herald Publisher Alberto Ibargüen (Colombia). I served in Colombia and Slovakia.
We can share the importance of Peace Corps' impact. Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.
Miami
