So yeah, there's that. Now I just need to get some more paperwork in. ALWAYS WITH THE FREAKIN' PAPERWORK.
So here's part of that...my Aspiration Statement. I figured I'd post it, in case anybody out there in Google land is maybe looking for a little guidance, as I was.
I should note that I really needed to get it done today, but I was having a hard time not being negative (negative, really?). I hope it doesn't come across that way. It was difficult considering the family cat, Puska, went missing today. I know that's kind of random, but yeah. Everybody's real bummed out. He was quite beloved, and that's putting it mildly. He will be missed. :(
Anyway, here's what I'm sending in...
A. The professional attributes you plan to use, and what aspirations you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps service.
A: I feel that one of the greatest professional attributes that I have going for me, at least at this point in time, is my work ethic. I would love to go on and on about my work experiences, and how I feel they will directly transition over into the Peace Corps job description, but unfortunately my experience in volunteerism, or anything having to do with environmental education from a professional perspective, is somewhat lacking. This is not to say that I have not sought to become more active in these endeavors, but it has been a relatively new desire of mine to do so. I feel that with maturity and education has come a newfound sense of responsibility, both to myself, but especially to others. The more I learn about societal and environmental issues, and the more I realize just how esoteric much of this knowledge appears to be, the more I want to do my part in educating others about what I strongly feel should be understood by all. I suppose that if I can draw anything from my professional experience, which has primarily been in the retail/food service industry, it is my ability to deal with a diverse populace. Having a scientific background at my disposal, coupled with my work ethic and ability to engage effectively with the public should serve me well in accomplishing the goals I set for myself while serving with the Peace Corps. I do not expect to change the world, but I believe that individuals set the precedent, and as a Peace Corps volunteer, I hope to use my knowledge and skill set to hopefully inspire steps in a more positive direction.
B: Your strategies for working effectively with host country partners to meet expressed needs.
B: While I previously stated that individuals set the precedent, I realize that collaboration is often the key to success, in terms of implementing strategies for solving complex issues, such as those having to do with environmental degradation. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I look forward to working alongside individuals and groups sharing a common goal. I believe that my education in environmental science will aid in evaluating the “big picture”, and my personal interest in sociology, economics, and project management will lend itself well to any collaborative effort that I find myself to be a part of.
C: Your strategies for adapting to a new culture with respect to a new culture with respect to your own background.
C: My strategy for adapting while serving in an unfamiliar cultural setting will ultimately revolve around resiliency and cultural sensitivity. I realize that what I am embarking on is a unique opportunity to say the least; one that is likely to be an immense challenge. It will require a lot of patience, on my part, and I expect the people's part as well. I fully expect that some people will question my motivations, at least in the backs of their minds. My remedy for this will be to actively engage with the people in my area on a regular basis, to evaluate their needs and desires, and to share ideas and common goals. By doing this, I hope to overcome the cultural barrier that will inevitably exist between myself as an American citizen and the Ecuadorian people, and to dispel any preconceived notions that we may have of each other.
D: The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.
D: The skills and knowledge that I hope to gain during pre-service training are quite numerable. I hope to gain a better understanding of the adversities that the people face, especially in relation to their environmental conditions, and what kind of resources I will have at my disposal for helping to mitigate them. I hope to improve my Spanish speaking ability, as well as to acquire a basic understanding of the culture that I will be engaging with. I would very much like to come away with a better understanding of agriculture – composting, planting, harvesting – as well as how people have adapted to a short rainy season and what effect that has on their practices. I think most importantly, I hope to come away with a real sense of purpose. As I have never worked with NGO's, large volunteer groups, or anyone committed to environmentalism per say, I feel that being surrounded by these elements will invigorate my passion for wanting to be a part of this sort of activity.
E: How you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends.
E: I think that being a part of something as noble and historical as the Peace Corps will give me a real sense of pride, and ultimately, accomplishment. I have come to admire the philosophy of John F. Kennedy, and his founding of the Peace Corps is, I believe, the best foreign policy that the United States has going for it, especially in these tumultuous times. I love the idea of being a part of that. As far as my professional aspirations are concerned, I hope that by serving with the Peace Corps that I will eventually have the opportunity to become involved with an international firm or NGO committed to environmental restoration and development. I very much want to have the opportunity to see the world, and feel that I am making some sort of positive difference from an environmental perspective.
C: My strategy for adapting while serving in an unfamiliar cultural setting will ultimately revolve around resiliency and cultural sensitivity. I realize that what I am embarking on is a unique opportunity to say the least; one that is likely to be an immense challenge. It will require a lot of patience, on my part, and I expect the people's part as well. I fully expect that some people will question my motivations, at least in the backs of their minds. My remedy for this will be to actively engage with the people in my area on a regular basis, to evaluate their needs and desires, and to share ideas and common goals. By doing this, I hope to overcome the cultural barrier that will inevitably exist between myself as an American citizen and the Ecuadorian people, and to dispel any preconceived notions that we may have of each other.
D: The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.
D: The skills and knowledge that I hope to gain during pre-service training are quite numerable. I hope to gain a better understanding of the adversities that the people face, especially in relation to their environmental conditions, and what kind of resources I will have at my disposal for helping to mitigate them. I hope to improve my Spanish speaking ability, as well as to acquire a basic understanding of the culture that I will be engaging with. I would very much like to come away with a better understanding of agriculture – composting, planting, harvesting – as well as how people have adapted to a short rainy season and what effect that has on their practices. I think most importantly, I hope to come away with a real sense of purpose. As I have never worked with NGO's, large volunteer groups, or anyone committed to environmentalism per say, I feel that being surrounded by these elements will invigorate my passion for wanting to be a part of this sort of activity.
E: How you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends.
E: I think that being a part of something as noble and historical as the Peace Corps will give me a real sense of pride, and ultimately, accomplishment. I have come to admire the philosophy of John F. Kennedy, and his founding of the Peace Corps is, I believe, the best foreign policy that the United States has going for it, especially in these tumultuous times. I love the idea of being a part of that. As far as my professional aspirations are concerned, I hope that by serving with the Peace Corps that I will eventually have the opportunity to become involved with an international firm or NGO committed to environmental restoration and development. I very much want to have the opportunity to see the world, and feel that I am making some sort of positive difference from an environmental perspective.
And there you have it......
