NOTE:
This essay doesn't quite fit into this category, I apologize if this is a misuse. The below essay/ prompt is for the US Peace Corps application. I'm an engineer (haven't written an essay in years) so I would sincerely appreciate any comments you are willing to provide.
PROMPT:
Peace Corps service presents major physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges. In the space below, please provide a few paragraphs explaining your reasons for wanting to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer and how you plan to overcome the various challenges associated with Peace Corps service (less than 500 words).
MY ESSAY:
Half way to the café exit, she turned, and addressed us, "may I say something to your group?" Quickly the excited chatter relating the day's projects died down. Collecting her thoughts, she looked at us, each wearing our Rebuilding Together New Orleans T-shirts - dirty form the day's work. "I hope someone has told you kids how much it means to us that you are still here. I don't know who you came to help," she paused as her eyes began to well, "but it gives me so much hope knowing someone still cares."
I've always felt the drawn to the Peace Corps and moments like this - moments that sing to a greater whole and resonate within- amplified the call. They have shown how service extends far beyond the works of a project. It is an exchange of trust and understanding; and often more important is the gift of inspiration imparted on the beneficiaries, witnesses, and volunteers themselves. Service is an opportunity to participate in something greater than myself - it's simultaneously empowering and humbling. I admire the Peace Corps as service experience, unique in its range of diversity. Through college, I've had the privilege to try out many different circumstances. I seldom feel more alive than when adapting to the challenges of a novel experience.
While service is one of my greatest joys, it isn't implicitly easy. Building trust and confidence (core value 4) is one of the most important cornerstones of progress. However, rapport takes time to develop. I believe I'll encounter my greatest challenges during that development time, maintaining balance as I integrate myself into a new culture while faithfully representing my own (core value 9). To understand someone, from any background, and to allow yourself to be understood, requires patience and courage. I will be driven, in this endeavor, by my incessant curiosity. There is little more exciting than the opportunity to learn something new.
Learning is achieved by growing through struggle; and cultural differences will not be the only struggle encountered in Peace Corps service. There would be no need to serve without hardship. The effective and dynamic use of my skills, towards the benefit of others, under adversity (core values 2 & 3) demands strength. I believe I will cope with this well as I draw strength from helping others. When I was young someone told me, "It is difficult to be sad and useful at the same time." I've held this mantra close, and when life's challenges seem much greater than myself, I'm made strong by turning my focus on others. I believe no one can solve all the world's puzzles, but each person can ensure the world is a little bit better because they're in it. Every challenge, every struggle, every time you're faced with the uncertainty of success, isn't the world trying hold you back, but rather an opportunity to become more than you thought you would.
Many things combined to call me to the Peace Corps, but my decision was cemented upon identifying with the words of a former volunteer. Simply put - it's just what people like me were born to do.
This essay doesn't quite fit into this category, I apologize if this is a misuse. The below essay/ prompt is for the US Peace Corps application. I'm an engineer (haven't written an essay in years) so I would sincerely appreciate any comments you are willing to provide.
PROMPT:
Peace Corps service presents major physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges. In the space below, please provide a few paragraphs explaining your reasons for wanting to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer and how you plan to overcome the various challenges associated with Peace Corps service (less than 500 words).
MY ESSAY:
Half way to the café exit, she turned, and addressed us, "may I say something to your group?" Quickly the excited chatter relating the day's projects died down. Collecting her thoughts, she looked at us, each wearing our Rebuilding Together New Orleans T-shirts - dirty form the day's work. "I hope someone has told you kids how much it means to us that you are still here. I don't know who you came to help," she paused as her eyes began to well, "but it gives me so much hope knowing someone still cares."
I've always felt the drawn to the Peace Corps and moments like this - moments that sing to a greater whole and resonate within- amplified the call. They have shown how service extends far beyond the works of a project. It is an exchange of trust and understanding; and often more important is the gift of inspiration imparted on the beneficiaries, witnesses, and volunteers themselves. Service is an opportunity to participate in something greater than myself - it's simultaneously empowering and humbling. I admire the Peace Corps as service experience, unique in its range of diversity. Through college, I've had the privilege to try out many different circumstances. I seldom feel more alive than when adapting to the challenges of a novel experience.
While service is one of my greatest joys, it isn't implicitly easy. Building trust and confidence (core value 4) is one of the most important cornerstones of progress. However, rapport takes time to develop. I believe I'll encounter my greatest challenges during that development time, maintaining balance as I integrate myself into a new culture while faithfully representing my own (core value 9). To understand someone, from any background, and to allow yourself to be understood, requires patience and courage. I will be driven, in this endeavor, by my incessant curiosity. There is little more exciting than the opportunity to learn something new.
Learning is achieved by growing through struggle; and cultural differences will not be the only struggle encountered in Peace Corps service. There would be no need to serve without hardship. The effective and dynamic use of my skills, towards the benefit of others, under adversity (core values 2 & 3) demands strength. I believe I will cope with this well as I draw strength from helping others. When I was young someone told me, "It is difficult to be sad and useful at the same time." I've held this mantra close, and when life's challenges seem much greater than myself, I'm made strong by turning my focus on others. I believe no one can solve all the world's puzzles, but each person can ensure the world is a little bit better because they're in it. Every challenge, every struggle, every time you're faced with the uncertainty of success, isn't the world trying hold you back, but rather an opportunity to become more than you thought you would.
Many things combined to call me to the Peace Corps, but my decision was cemented upon identifying with the words of a former volunteer. Simply put - it's just what people like me were born to do.