Here are a few of our favorite Big Ideas + Other Cool Stuff from Week 6 of Travis Hellstrom’s 6-week course Peace Corps 101.
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The Context
Travis just finished 3 years of service with the Peace Corps in Mongolia and has gathered together with dozens of outstanding Peace Corps Volunteers from around the world to organize the first-ever worldwide class on the Peace Corps.
In our last class, we discussed "Being Enough" and stories learned from Peace Corps service. Here are three of the Big Ideas shared during class...
Big Idea #1: Laughing and New Perspectives
If Peace Corps teaches you nothing else, it teaches you to laugh at yourself. You'll realize that you see things differently than those around you and as a result of Peace Corps, you probably always will. These new perspectives and humility may be some of the best gifts you will recieve from your service in the Peace Corps.
Big Idea #2: The World is Here
Peace Corps shows you how large the world is, but it will also make your world seem much smaller. Being on the other side of the world is no longer a six week mailed letter away, it is only a video chat away. Peace Corps will give you a connection to a country that you would never believe. You'll be emotionally connected to a country a world away and probably a little protective at the mention of said country for the rest of your life. You'll experience a paradox of personally knowing how large the world is and yet feeling that it is smaller now than ever before.
Big Idea #3: I Need To Pay It Back
Peace Corps volunteers have a common feeling that they have received more from their service than what they have given. There is a need in PCV's to pay it back. The amazing experience you have as a Volunteer may be something that can never be repaid. Though, a life devoted to paying back the world for an amazing experience is probably one of the best ways to live.
Other Cool Stuff
Peace Corps 101 is taught by amazing Peace Corps Professors from all around the world! Click here to check out their office hours and live chat links (some of which start up today) to chat with them anytime.
We hope you've enjoyed the Unofficial Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook and found it helpful. Share it with a friend by clicking here to download it for free.
Our last class is based on Travis's second book, Enough. We hope you enjoy it! You can download it for free here anytime.
PLUS, check out a couple of the links and resources that were mentioned during class here:
- Executive Service Corps (mentioned by Gerry)
- Conversations PSA by Peace Corps
- Finding RPCV Groups by NPCA
Thanks again for joining us in Peace Corps 101! We hope you enjoyed class!
-The en*theos Team
