As the majority of my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers from my
group (SBD 56 I will miss you) gets ready to leave the country, I am forcing
myself to take the time to reflect upon the past two years. I have extended for
another complete year so I am not going to be saying goodbye to Nicaragua yet,
but it’s not a bad moment to reflect upon all the lessons I have learned since
arriving.
It sounds corny to say how much I have changed since
arriving to the country of lakes and volcanoes, but what most people say about
Peace Corps changing you is true. I think every volunteer changes in different
ways, and I have been privileged to get to work with 21 amazing volunteers for
the past two years, and hope to continue to make them proud in my last year of
service.
So what are the things I have learned over the past two
years?
1.)
Turning 30 is not that big a deal (at least not
when you are doing what you love)
2.)
Don’t let a blessing turn into stressing (we, as
Americans get far too stressed out about things that are truly blessings in our
lives)
3.)
Don’t compare myself to others and their success
(we are all different people and as long as I am doing the best/most that I
can, I am doing just fine)
4.)
Sometimes it’s easier to just do it all myself,
but working in teams (with the right team) is more fun.
5.)
Beans are a super food, and you can make them
100 different ways.
6.)
Taking personal time is not showing weakness,
it’s just plain smart.
7.)
Be happy for this moment, this moment is your
life
8.)
Family and Friends are important
9.)
Doing what you love keeps you young
10.) Slow down, amazing things can happen when you
are not rushing through life
