After high school, the choices are somewhat limited. A graduate may choose to go to college, apprentice for a trade, join the military or work. But after college, the list becomes almost limitless. Tasks such as working in a chosen field of study, furthering an education and traveling abroad are only a few of the many options that come to mind.
Wanting to combine all of these things can become a familiar problem to recent grads, but for Ball State senior Sarah Keller, there was a solution. Her answer was the Peace Corps, a way to intertwine learning, helping and committing all into one.
The Peace Corps is a non-profit organization that was established in 1961. Its purpose is to help people of less fortunate countries and to help promote a better understanding of other people in different parts of the world.
Currently, the Peace Corps is sending volunteers to 70 countries across the world, and Keller will soon be one of them.
Keller said she became interested in the organization during her junior year of college because of her major and minors.
"I am majoring in sociology and have also chosen minors in anthropology and interpersonal communications. I really didn't know much about the Peace Corps until last year, but because of my classes and background in traveling and volunteering, I knew I wanted to do it," Keller said.
The Peace Corps has helped 135 countries over the past 40 years, and is currently serving 70. Some of the focus areas that the organization concentrates on are environment, agriculture, health and community development. Within these project areas, the Peace Corps also develops programs to address rising needs worldwide. For example, HIV/AIDS education is a crucial challenge in countries such as Africa, which is where Keller will be traveling.
Keller had previous experience doing mission work in the Philippines while she was still in high school. She has also traveled overseas to places such as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Mexico. Keller believes that along with being somewhat well traveled, she will also be able to offer her open mindedness while volunteering.
The application process for the Peace Corps is not an easy one, and it can become overwhelming and trying at times, Keller said.
"The most frustrating part for me so far has been the time it takes for the entire application process," Keller said. "The progression has taken so long, and all I really want to know is when I am leaving."
The application consists of nine different steps. Keller has completed the first four, which include basic application forms, references, an interview with a Peace Corps recruiter and a recruiter's recommendation for further consideration. After these steps, the decision is made to determine an applicant's qualification. The last five phases consist merely of a health screening, background check and placement between the applicant and a country.
The nearest recruiter to the Muncie area is located in Chicago. The Chicago Regional Office serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky. All of the recruiters have served in the Peace Corps and are available during any phase of the application process.
Keller's recruiter is also based in Chicago, and her interview was conducted over the phone. This means that not only are the recruiters accessible, but they also cater to applicants needs. Keller did not have to travel for an interview, rather it was held at her convenience.
Keller said it is not a requirement to speak a foreign language to be in the Peace Corps. The organization actually teaches more than 180 languages and dialects. During the pre-service training, volunteers receive intensive language instruction to prepare for living and working in overseas communities, although some of the countries do prefer people who have studied French or Spanish.
Keller has a background in Spanish from three years of instruction in high school, however she does not feel she will use it in the countries that she has requested.
"I want to do my volunteer work in Africa, so I don't think I will use Spanish very often. But I think that from the training in another language and the experience of being around those who use it will help me learn very quickly," Keller said.
Volunteering in the Peace Corps consists of a two-year commitment to a designated country. Instead of a salary, volunteers receive a stipend to cover basic necessities such as food and housing expenses, but Keller thinks that if people do choose to obligate themselves to this organization, it is not the money they should be interested in; it is the enjoyment of knowing their hard work helped others.
"I hope to come away from this experience with new ideas about life in general and the knowledge to not be ignorant about simple things," Keller said. "I also hope it helps me in jobs after my volunteer work is complete, which is working through The United Nations doing urban planning in third world countries."
In order to become a Peace Corps volunteer, an applicant must meet certain education and work experience requirements. The organization looks at the individual as a whole, which includes life experiences, community involvement and previous volunteer work. For more information and to fill out an application for the Peace Corps, log onto www.peacecorps.org.
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