August 15, 2005: Headlines: COS - Malawi: East Valley Tribune: David Eberle assigned to Malawi in southeast Africa to teach high-school-aged children math and science
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August 15, 2005: Headlines: COS - Malawi: East Valley Tribune: David Eberle assigned to Malawi in southeast Africa to teach high-school-aged children math and science
David Eberle assigned to Malawi in southeast Africa to teach high-school-aged children math and science
"Your world is turned upside down," Eberle said. "Everything you knew and expected was gone. There were no toilets, running water or electricity. There was no one I could talk to because, although they spoke English, they’d have no idea what I was talking about. They wouldn’t be able to carry on a conversation about TV or pizza."
David Eberle assigned to Malawi in southeast Africa to teach high-school-aged children math and science
Peace Corps vet begins new stint of volunteerism
By John Leptich, Tribune
August 15, 2005
The business world seemed ready to welcome David Eberle when he graduated from the University of Arizona in 2001.
The Scottsdale resident’s degree in chemical engineering, with an environmental emphasis, was his ticket to a promising career.
"I looked at industry jobs and realized I could make around $60,000 a year," Eberle said. "Then, I decided to think about the humanitarian side of life."
Those thoughts led the Horizon High School graduate to join the Peace Corps in 2001, where he was assigned to Malawi in southeast Africa to teach high-school-aged children math and science.
His lodging, food, transportation and medical care were paid for. He made about $250 per month, a far cry from his potential monthly salary of $5,000.
Tuesday, Eberle is off to Jamaica as part of the Crisis Corps, returned Peace Corps volunteers who serve in shortterm and relief capacities.
Even after a sometimes difficult transition in Malawi, Eberle looks forward to his six-month assignment.
"I felt it was my duty to society to give back for the wonderful childhood I had," said Eberle, 27.
"I’m white, male and educated. I’m more fortunate than 98 percent of the
people in this world. I want to continue giving," he said.
Eberle admitted his first stint in the Peace Corps didn’t start well. He was a stranger in an unfamiliar land.
"Your world is turned upside down," Eberle said. "Everything you knew and expected was gone. There were no toilets, running water or electricity. There was no one I could talk to because, although they spoke English, they’d have no idea what I was talking about. They wouldn’t be able to carry on a conversation about TV or pizza."
Eberle said the position was an extreme mental challenge, especially early on. There were days he fought an urge to return home.
"I thought ‘I can’t be this proud. Leave,’ " Eberle said. "There were no extracurricular activities. I was isolated. I read and wrote letters. After three months, I’d had enough. One night, I was just sitting in my room crying. I missed my family and my (now former) girlfriend. But, there was always the thought that I’m not the kind of person who would give up."
Eberle said as he gained trust and community acceptance, things improved. He started learning a new culture and simpler way of life.
"You sit, look at each other, nod occasionally and smile," Eberle said. "Their pace is very slow. You get used to it."
So much so that after Jamaica and its challenges, Eberle isn’t sure how long his service will continue.
"I’ll reassess when this assignment is over," he said. "I can always get my $60,000-ayear job and buy a house. For now, this is my life."
Contact John Leptich by email, or phone 480) 970-2333
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Story Source: East Valley Tribune
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