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)."
"What do I want to do when I grow up?"
This was the one question I could never fully answer. The best answer I have ever come up with was a simple one: I want to help people. One of the defining characteristics of my life is that as a child, I grew up in a poor family. As I grew older, and my parents finished their school, that lifestyle gradually faded away, and I found myself living a very comfortable life.
Despite the change in my family's financial situation, I found that my attitude hadn't changed; even now, I always hesitate before making any purchase, questioning if I really need it. I realized that my memories of my childhood keep me ever mindful of just how fortunate I really am, and this realization led to the desire to help others who were not as fortunate.
I had heard about the Peace Corps here and there, but I never fully considered joining until I entered college. During my time at college, I found that I wasn't feeling happy. Thinking back, I've realized that I was at my happiest back during my high school years, when I volunteered regularly at Children's Hospital. Even if I had a miserable day at school, an afternoon spent putting smiles on children's faces always managed to put one on mine. I've since decided to apply for the Peace Corps to not only find happiness, but to spread it to others who may be in need.
Volunteering at Children's Hospital, I faced a fair number of challenges. The most important thing I learned from my time there, and what I consider to be my greatest strength, is being adaptable. Every person is different, and as a result, everyone's problem may need to be solved in a different way. Being able to stay calm and focused to deal with a problem was an essential ability to have while volunteering, and it is how I plan on overcoming the various challenges I would be facing with Peace Corps service.
"What do I want to do when I grow up?"
This was the one question I could never fully answer. The best answer I have ever come up with was a simple one: I want to help people. One of the defining characteristics of my life is that as a child, I grew up in a poor family. As I grew older, and my parents finished their school, that lifestyle gradually faded away, and I found myself living a very comfortable life.
Despite the change in my family's financial situation, I found that my attitude hadn't changed; even now, I always hesitate before making any purchase, questioning if I really need it. I realized that my memories of my childhood keep me ever mindful of just how fortunate I really am, and this realization led to the desire to help others who were not as fortunate.
I had heard about the Peace Corps here and there, but I never fully considered joining until I entered college. During my time at college, I found that I wasn't feeling happy. Thinking back, I've realized that I was at my happiest back during my high school years, when I volunteered regularly at Children's Hospital. Even if I had a miserable day at school, an afternoon spent putting smiles on children's faces always managed to put one on mine. I've since decided to apply for the Peace Corps to not only find happiness, but to spread it to others who may be in need.
Volunteering at Children's Hospital, I faced a fair number of challenges. The most important thing I learned from my time there, and what I consider to be my greatest strength, is being adaptable. Every person is different, and as a result, everyone's problem may need to be solved in a different way. Being able to stay calm and focused to deal with a problem was an essential ability to have while volunteering, and it is how I plan on overcoming the various challenges I would be facing with Peace Corps service.
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