Embracing the Unknown

Last week during class things began a little differently. Instead of watching a youtube clip presented by professor Burton, or reviewing weekly bogs written by fellow classmates deserving of the mighty pair of sunglasses , a different voice was heard. This voice was that of Travis Axton, the regional recruiter for the Peace Corps.

Travis Axton entertained the class for about an hour, speaking of the benefits of joining the Peace Corps and the succession of events that ultimately lead to the final invitation to serve in another country. Much of this same information is given online through Peace Corps official website, which may be accessed by visiting http://www.peacecorps.gov. This complete website gives information in regards to what the Peace Corps is, what volunteers do, what the experience is like, the benefits of joining and of course concerns regarding safety.  On the website you will also find resources for family members whose loved ones are currently serving or plan to serve in the future, and  also for those who have returned from their service ( over 190,000 people) who are now in search of ways to get involved with the Peace Corps or simply wish to become acquainted with other alumni.

When Peace Corps volunteers return from their service they are often equipped with a better understanding of themselves and of a new culture. Travis, told us about his daily routine while serving in Zambia, Africa and of the people he met during his stay- including James Bond, his personal African guide. It was interesting to here Travis recall of his initial meeting with the tribal chief upon his arrival in the country. With one knee bent on the floor and both eyes facing the ground, he spoke in then shaky Bimba (The language used by Zambian people). The Zambian Chief would not speak directly to Travis; instead he would speak to James Bond who served as the facilitator conversing only in Bimba. Towards the end of the ceremonial event, the Chief proclaimed to Travis in perfect English “Your Bimba is very good.” How interesting the exposure to an African Culture must have been for Travis Axton, a 24 year old Caucasian man from Kentucky.  

So, I’ve decided to join the Peace Corps. I decided about two months ago after visiting the Peace Corps table during our schools annual career fair. I was immediately drawn to the opportunity of helping people in an entirely different cultural landscape. I can recall sitting in class following a conversation with Travis, knowing that serving for the Peace Corps would be in my future. I remember a rush of excitement ran over me as I struggled to sit still in class - completely absorbed with the mere thought of taking part in such an opportunity. As my professor was discussing the importance of target markets (or something like that) his voice was entirely drowned out by the sound of my own excited ideas swimming feverishly throughout my mind; where would I go? What would I experience? Who would I help?  

And so, last Thursday, I had an interview with non other than Travis Axton himself, bringing me one step closer to the final invitation to serve. The interview can only be described as very comfortable and very informative. While some questions were your normal “Why do you want to Join?” type of inquiries, other questions were a slightly more in depth, requiring me to think about things that I had never given much thought to for example, “Describe a time when you contributed your own skills and knowledge to someone of a different culture” followed by, “what did you learn about the other person and about yourself from that experience?” I really enjoyed the interview because not only did it allow me to have greater insight into what the experience is all about, but it also reinforced my descision to join. While Travis can tell stories about his time spent with the Peace Corps. time and time again, one will never truly come to understand the expeience unless experienced first hand- and while I might not really know what I am getting myself into,  I have learned that some of life’s greatest rewards come from embracing the unknown.