Graduate / Peace Corps Admission Essay (master's in health administration) [5]

Growing up, I had never been positive about what I wanted to do with my life or what my calling might be. I had always been obsessed with travel and cultures but I never knew how I could translate this into a career. This all changed in July of 2005 when I was able to participate in aid work in various villages in Uganda. While working there, I was filled with a kind of satisfaction that I would have never associated with a job and something inside of me clicked. I think Oprah calls it an "Aha Moment." Whatever it's called, from that moment I decided that I wanted to be involved in work that affects the lives of people in positive ways.

I am currently enrolled at the Medical University of South Carolina receiving a master's in health administration and am at a crucial crossroads in my life. I have the opportunity to go the corporate route, make a substantial salary, and dread waking up every morning or volunteer my services to people in need, make next to nothing in a strange land, and go to sleep every night with a smile on my face. Through deep thought and analysis, I have come to the conclusion that I would much rather be happy. I believe the Peace Corps will provide me with the opportunity to enact change in the lives of populations less fortunate than myself and allow me to gather the experience necessary to continue this work in my future endeavors.

The only challenge I really feel I will face concerning the Peace Corps 10 Core expectations is the preparation of my personal life for a 27 month commitment. The reason I find this a bit challenging is because I have some personal relationships that will be missed (i.e. girlfriend, dog, and family). As much as I will miss them, I know that this is the right step that needs to be taken in order to achieve my long-term goals. After speaking with former volunteers, family, and friends, I am confident in my decision to serve with the Peace Corps.

Undergraduate / "boot camp for the United States Coast Guard" - Peace Corp Essay #2 [2]

Will someone let me know what the think. And don't be afraid to be brutally honest...I feel like a got a bit to hippie in the last paragraph but I think it might be what they are looking for. Thanks.

USA Boot Camp Experience

My first experience in all-out culture shock happened when I was 19 years-old and was shipped off to boot camp for the United States Coast Guard. Some would assume I am referring to yelling of the company commanders or the strictly controlled schedule. This certainly was a shock but my statement is concerning the experience of being introduced roughly 100 new individuals from different walks of life and living with them for three months.

After getting over my amazement of the different accents that the corners of America had produced, I began to develop friendships with people who I had, only before, held regional stereotypes. That was the easy part. The more difficult situations were learning to work alongside individuals who you did not see eye-to-eye with. However, I learned that being thrust into a new situation with different individuals that are working toward a common goal tends to build relationships. In some instances these relationships have been more permanent because they are not solely based upon personal compatibilities, but on mutual respect.

The most important thing that this experience has taught me is that, despite subtle differences, people are generally the same. I have been on four continents and this lesson is echoed in every one of my travels. We enjoy community and laughter. We care for our families and value our friendships. Most importantly, I feel that we all are working to make a better life for the ones we love. These lessons are what I will bring with me to the Peace Corps which will serve as the mortar to establish community ties and build lasting friendships.