More than 3 years after my last post, I'm finally picking up and dusting off the old blog in preparation for my Peace Corps Service. Having talked with hundreds of people about my upcoming time abroad, I'll try and get the gist of what's been going on in my life since the last post. I might even go back and fill in some of the holes in the last few years. We'll see. As you'll doubtless discover if you follow this blog long enough, I'm good at saying things are going to be here in the blog but many times life just gets in the way. I like to think that it's a result of being too busy being awesome but frankly it's probably just because I tend to write a lot and I dread the amount of time it takes me to write some of these posts. In any case...here goes.
I'm currently a Peace Corps Master's International (PCMI) candidate at the University of Washington's Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs studying Non-Profit Management (MPA). Essentially, I am taking a year of master's classes, volunteering for 27 months in the Peace Corps, writing my master's thesis while serving abroad, and then returning to Seattle to finish my studies. I purposely chose this path because it allowed me to work and demonstrate proficiency working with non-profits abroad and gives me the opportunity to spend my time in Seattle doing internships with non-profits here in the US as well. Though I have the opportunity to finish my studies shortly after returning, I'm instead planning on taking a full second year. After learning my core concepts during the first year of the MPA program and applying them while in the Peace Corps, I will return with a better knowledge of my competencies and will be able to take courses that either shore-up my weaknesses or augment my strengths. Though this does mean a total of 4 years to finish my studies, I am well satisfied that I will emerge on the other end with a strong resume demonstrating my dedication to social justice work.
In September of this year, I will be departing for my Peace Corps Service in the Republic of Macedonia (or the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as they are referred to in certain International institutions). I will spend a few days in DC tying up loose ends before flying off to Skopje. While there, I will spend 3 months in intensive language training, cultural awareness training, and learning my role in the country as a Peace Corp Volunteer (PCV). At the end of this time, I will learn my site placement where I will live and work for the next 2 years. I have technically been assigned to a non-profit posting, but what that actually entails I have no clue. After perusing other blogs, I have found volunteers working with both local non-profits and with international NGOs. I think either would be a great learning experience for me, so I'm not too concerned at this point about which I will be working with.
I'll be updating this blog periodically throughout my time in Macedonia. I've learnt that Facebook is a great way to post pictures and keep people updated on occasion with my comings and goings and whereabouts, but I've found that blogging is a great way to put all those posts and photos into context. Plus, this blog has the possibility of being a resource to any potential volunteers or any who are posted to Macedonia in the years to come. I hope you all enjoy this revival of the old blog and I certainly look forward to sharing my experiences with you.
-David
