Aspirations

I finally finished my aspiration statement and sent it off. Here are some highlights.

Q: What professional attributes do you plan to use, and what aspirations do you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps service?

A: One of the primary reasons I am pursuing Peace Corps service is to test the language and culture theories of my graduate school training. At [university] I combined anthropology, speech communication and TESOL courses to gain a theoretical understanding of language and culture. I have been away from those concepts for several years and see the Peace Corps as a challenging and fascinating mode of exploring those theories but in an immediate and tangible way: working and living in a different culture, being reliant upon myself and my abilities, and threading and sharing perspectives within a new environment and language. In the process, I plan to use my sincerity, respectfulness, commitment, humor, patience, flexibility and enthusiasm in assisting the teachers and students of my community in our quest to learn and teach English communication. Additionally, I look forward to experiencing the personal growth and friendship inherent in a 27-month cultural and educational exchange. It should be noted that sustainable change in classroom teaching methods certainly is one of my goals but I will feel both lucky and honored if I am able to implement it.

Q: What skills and knowledge do you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project?

A: While in pre-service training, I hope to make many linguistic and cultural mistakes. I’d like to experience the frustration and embarrassment of those mistakes while with my cohort and within the relative cocoon of training. I know that language is key to opening cultural and professional doors/dialogue though I hope my humility and respectful nature will buy me some time and forgiveness while I learn my way around the language and my community. Also I am eager to learn interesting and motivating communicative teaching methods that do not require extensive technology or materials.

Q: How do you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends?

A: When asked what I will do after Peace Corps service, I happily reply that I have no idea. I look forward to the ways in which I will stretch and grow, personally and professionally, as a result of my volunteer work in an unfamiliar culture over 27 months. I may find that I enjoy being at the front of the classroom again or I may find that a non-teaching job in higher education is the best fit. Regardless, I know that I will make a far more informed choice, and be a more compassionate American and world citizen, due to my service.