The Famous Question

SO, Why Are You Doing This?

My decision to apply to the Peace Corps was easy. And I always kind of laugh when people ask me "Why are you joining the Peace Corps?" because the answer is simple. Because I want to do it. I don't know if people are looking for me to say "oh, my Mom made me" or "because I think it will make people like me" and I still haven't found the right answer.

I'm doing the Peace Corps because it looks like something I will like doing. Believe it or not, I try to do things I think I will enjoy. I'm trying to live a life that makes me happy.

I have learned that in making decisions, it is important to ask yourself "will this bring me happiness?" It sounds simple, but I think way too many people forget this question way too often. Also important, as the book "The Art of Happiness" points out, is to distinguish between what brings you temporary pleasure and what will ultimately make you happy. Making a difference in people's lives will make me happy.

Back to the "Why Peace Corps?" question...hopefully what people are really asking is "What Lead You to Join?"

What Lead Me to Join the Peace Corps

In Florida, everyone holds the door for you.

In New York, people are very forward and honest.

In Vietnam people will go out of their way to help you if you lose your passport.

In Bolivia strangers will make you an hour late for your appointment just talk talk to you about how you're doing.

It makes you feel good when people do nice things for you. And people all over the world have different ways of doing things. Many people have helped me in my life and I have been very lucky. I have been given a lot of opportunities that most people have not been given. I want to give back to my community. I want to help people who have been given the least of opportunities. I want to learn from a new culture. And I want to spread a better understanding of the world.

While I am always flattered and feel undeserving of the attention I sometimes receive when people hear "Peace Corps", I do hope for one thing. I hope that I inspire others. For one thing, I hope what I am doing inspires others to follow their dreams and to do what makes them happy. I think following your dream is one of the hardest things to do today. If there is something you want to do then make it happen because life is too short. Just commit to it.

I hope I also inspire others to give a little. Whether it is time or money, give to those in need. Chances are you will end up feeling like you did more for yourself than someone else. But if we all do a little, we can do a lot.

I also hope what I am doing inspires others to care about the world. Learn about other cultures and try to overcome misconceptions. I wish that one day we can all better understand each other and learn to live peacefully.