Welcome to Peace Corps Week, a time when we celebrate people who help others around the world. This year’s theme is all about being hopeful and taking action to make things better. Since 1961, lots of Americans, over 240,000 of them, have joined the Peace Corps to do good things in different countries. We’re here to share stories about how optimism, which means staying positive, helps us face tough times and make a difference.
This week is Peace Corps Week and just wanted to share my thoughts on this year’s theme “Optimism in Action”.
Since 1961, at the invitation of foreign governments, more than 240,000 Americans have served the United States and countries around the globe as Peace Corps Volunteers. There are currently over 2,400 Volunteers working alongside community members in 58 countries addressing the persistent impacts of COVID-19 and climate change, and tackling local development priorities across the Peace Corps’ six work sectors: Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth in Development.
The theme for this year, “Optimism in Action,” celebrates the myriad ways the Peace Corps collaborates with communities to confront formidable challenges and embodies a steadfast belief in the possibility of positive change through proactive, hopeful engagement. This theme highlights the vital role of resilience, adaptability, and sustainable change in surmounting global challenges and cultivating peace in our dynamically complex world.
Peace Corps Week Day 1 – Thailand
I had wanted to serve in the Peace Corps ever since I was in college but never did. Fast forward 32 years and I finally sent in my application and was invited to serve in Thailand. I loved it so much, I extended a 3rd year. It was tough at times but I wouldn’t have changed it for anything. I was so “optimistic”, I reapplied.
Peace Corps Week Day 2 – Mongolia
After serving in Thailand, I reapplied to PC for Mongolia. At first, I was in Bayankhongor Province at a rural school. But then I was moved to Ömnögovi Province where I worked for the Ministry of Education, my dream job. However, my service was cut short when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She really believed in me and my dedication to service. One of the last things we talked about before she passed was my re-applying to the Peace Corps. I got an invitation to serve in Nepal a few weeks after her funeral. And the adventure continues.
Peace Corps Week Day 3 – Nepal
Karma must have been with me when I chose Nepal. I found a home with an awesome host family in village about 5 hours from Kathmadu. Felt like I could stay there forever. But again, fate wasn’t with me this time – after a little over a year, volunteers globally were evacuated due to the pandemic. But I kept optimistic that I would return to finish my service.
Peace Corps Week Day 4 – Armenia
When I applied to be reinstated to serve in Nepal, I was not cleared by medical. But my Nepali host family said I had a lot to still give, so I asked Peace Corps for another posting. And they gave me Armenia. I live in a small mountain village working with amazing teachers and students. My optimism that PC would send me where I was needed paid off big time. I couldn’t be happier. I still miss my Nepal host family and village, but I’ll see them again when I finish my service.
Peace Corps Week Day 5 – Women in the Peace Corps
It is Women’s History Month and I chance to interview PCVs and RPCVs about being women in the Peace Corps. Their stories are nothing short of remarkable, filled with courage, resilience, and boundless optimism. Those qualities come in handy when things get tough. Being a woman in the Peace Corps isn’t always easy, but it’s remarkable how these amazing individuals navigate challenges. So lucky to serve alongside so many dedicated women.
Big shoutout to all the amazing women who have served or are serving in the Peace Corps. You’re all incredible and you inspire us every day! 🙌
Peace Corps Week Day 6 – National Peace Corps Association
When I first started my Peace Corps journey, I was so fortunate to connect with a local National Peace Corps Association in my hometown. Some had even served in the early days but still had such optimism for Peace Corps and its mission many decades later. They became my mentors and later my peers. I own them a lot.
Peace Corps Week Day 7 – WanderingTheWorld.com
When I first applied to the Peace Corps in 2013, I had know idea what a journey it would take me on. First, Thailand. Then Mongolia. Followed by Nepal. And now, Armenia. I definitely didn’t plan it this way but my optimism that it was the right path for me keeps me going. But I couldn’t have done it alone. That’s why I created WanderingTheWorld.com – All Things Peace Corps. To give back and help the next volunteers who will follow after me. A big, big thank you to you all!!
Call to Action!
As we say goodbye to Peace Corps Week, let’s think about how we can do good too. Have you ever wanted to help others? Well, now’s your chance! Whether it’s helping out in your neighborhood or thinking about serving in other countries, let’s all step up to make the world a better place. With hope and action, we can make a big difference for people everywhere.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or any mentioned governments.
