The Peace Corp
It was Monday, which in itself is not a good thing. I got up in a pretty pissy mood because of issues over the weekend; step-parenting leaves a lot to be desired, but that would be another post altogether.
Anyway, our son, Scott called me this morning. He is a very bright, intelligent and caring person. He’s in his last semester at FSU (Florida State University) from which he’ll be graduating with a degree in Biological Science. He’s been working in a lab for the past six months and had finally come to the conclusion that he wants to go into Neuro Science. I felt that this was a wonderful thing because it seems like it would be a interesting and satisfying field to go into. More importantly than that, Scott finally felt that he had some direction. He had been in limbo for a while which had become increasingly frustrating and stressful to him. I was glad that he seemed to have found his calling.
Well, this morning he called me which he often does, usually just to say hello. To my surprise and out of the blue, he just informed me that he is very strongly considering joining the Peace Corp! After my heart skipped a beat, we conversed. He’s not really ready to commit to grad school, he’s feeling like he needs a break from the “academic” world and he really wants to dedicate at least some time to helping people that are less fortunate than him. Now as a mother I’m as proud as I can be of him and his unselfishness. Also, as a mother my worries start about his safety and missing him but I assure him that what ever his decision, I’m behind him 150%. Of course, and understandably his only real hesitation is leaving his girlfriend, Liz. Will their relationship be able to withstand a 27 month separation? I told him that if it is strong enough it will.
As soon as we hung up the phone, I did what any mother would do, I went into the Peace Corp web site to find out as much information that I could.
The Peace Corp is an amazing organization that provides assistance 139 countries. As a volunteer there are a wide variety of areas that they might contribute such as education, health and agriculture.
Volunteers are provided with a living allowance that enables them to live in a manner similar to the local people in their community. The Peace Corps also provides complete medical and dental care and covers the cost of transportation to and from your country of service.
Peace Corp volunteers are committed to 27 months. They are entitled to a two day vacation per month and can utilize this however they wish. Some choose to visit other areas that are also in need, some have their family members visit and some volunteers take those two days to visit home.
After the volunteer serves their 27 months and return home they are provided with around $6000 to use as they like. It’s something to get their feet back on the ground whether they choose to use it for education, housing or other needs.
After reading as much as I could to educate myself as to what Scott’s new endeavor might entail I felt better. It would be a wonderful and educational experience that he would proudly carry with him through his life. I anxiously await his decision.
