Personal Narrative: My Peace Corps Experience

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It was the same thought process almost every morning on my way to work. There I was, a recent college graduate driving to a low-paying position that I was certainly overqualified for. While I knew that the job was temporary, I could not help but think of my former classmates who were embarking upon careers which offered comfortable salaries and benefits. Feelings of inadequacy, fear, and self-doubt would overcome me. Yet, as I would begin to ask myself, “what am I doing with my life,” I would merge onto I-496 in Lansing and the answer would come into view. The Peace Corps billboard read: “Never start a sentence with I should have.” It was this same motto that carried me through a year-long Peace Corps application process and into a world of new experiences.

My undergraduate years at Michigan State prepared me well for service in the Peace Corps. My studies came first, but I took advantage of the perks that a Big Ten university had to offer. I exhibited strong management, networking, and communication skills in my various roles with the Women in Business Students’ Association. I demonstrated strong leadership capability by rising from a general member, to fund raising chair, and then president in three years. I helped coordinate community service projects in East Lansing and the surrounding communities which, in turn, provided me with a greater awareness of the different demographics that exist there. Working in conjunction with local non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) and other volunteer organizations in the area prepared me for the roles I have played within NGOs in Cameroon. The lasting relationships I made all over the world during my studies abroad show my strong compatibility with others. I came out of each of ...

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...essed with great parents and a stable home life and I would like to offer my services to those who are not so fortunate. I am particularly drawn to Michigan State’s Chance at Childhood Advocacy Clinic program.

My biggest regret from my undergraduate years was that I did not do enough. For the longest time, I believe I was afraid of failure. If I did not think that whatever I was about to do would be perfect, I all too often did nothing at all. I credit my experiences in Cameroon for showing me that the only way to know what you are capable of is, is to try. My willingness to try, to accept criticism, and to learn from my mistakes will be very advantageous during my law school years. As I look towards the future, I cannot help but reflect on that Peace Corps billboard and know that my goal in future endeavors will be never to feel as if I should have done more.

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