Rookie Vagabonders

The time has come, folks, for me to finally leave to cozy confines of academia. Well, in approximately 77 days actually, but who’s counting. So as I race toward the looming storm cloud that is ‘THE REAL WOLRD’ upon graduation in May, I have begun to explore the myriad of opportunity that stands before me. It has been a bumpy ride of self-discovery and I have come to the conclusion that, at this point in my life, there are really only two things of which I am certain: first, I have an insatiable, almost painfully unappeasable curiosity to explore the world around me. And second, I want to work in a field that provides the capacity to genuinely improve the lives of others.

I have therefore begun to explore the possibility of embarking on a long-term volunteer post with the Peace Corps or its Canadian/British counterpart, VSO. Whether working in public health in Malawi or microfinance in India, these two respected organizations give the young and young at heart the chance to help those in need. What excites me so much about these programs is the possibility of combining my love of travel with my voracious desire to improve the world around me. Nothing like a trip you can feel good about right?

Tee Hee

Both VSO and Peace Corps require a fairly lengthy time commitment, generally around 2 years (although VSO does offer some 8 month posts as well), so this ain’t your typical overseas expedition. Make sure you take some time to weigh the pros and cons before you jump in head first. But lucky for you, the application process can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, so you’ve got some time on your hands (and you also may want to plan ahead)!

And while I don’t want to influence you too much, I have to say that both these programs offer some really great benefits (you know, in addition to the life-changing experience you’ll have). During your post, you’ll be offered a monthly stipend, living accommodations and in many cases, the opportunity to study the language of your assigned country. The Peace Corps also provides returned volunteers with special consideration for federal jobs and scholarships for those seeking to pursue a graduate degree at participating universities (all of which are not too shabby…umm Yale anyone?).

Warning: this may be a little bit sappy and more information that you ever wanted to know about this little ole’ blogger here, but I’m feeling a little sentimental now that undergrad is coming to an end…

I have been very fortunate to have had so many wonderful and unique experiences in my short 22 years. With dual citizenship in the United States and Canada, attending universities in both countries, and working and traveling abroad, I feel privileged to have lived such a rich and diverse life. Although I may not be able to change the world singlehandedly, I hope that my determination and spirit will motivate others, and together, we can make an enduring and positive impact. So as much as I will deny it, I am excited to be moving forward with the next stage in my career and personal development. And while I am still figuring out exactly what I want to do, I am excited at the possibility of embarking on an exceptional journey with one of these fantastic organizations…won’t you join me?

P.S. There are bajillions of other, equally respected organizations besides Peace Corps and VSO, many of which offer more short-term volunteer posts, so definitely do some research!!

So I was cleaning my room and looking through some old pictures as I was packing to head back down south, and I came across an old diary entry of mine from about 1994 (age 9). I love finding stuff like this, the huge handwriting, the oh-so-many crushes I used to gush about; it’s like an archaeologist finding remnants of an ancient civilization…kinda. Anyways, so this one entry in particular, I was discussing the Egyptians, our latest topic in school and I ended the paragraph with a resolution to see every country in the entire world. It’s kind of funny how some things never change…boys may come and go, handwriting gets slightly neater, but the desire to travel NEVER fades.

What a classy broad

But what really inspired me to wax poetic about my nine-year-old self was the mention of one of my favorite TV shows and top ten idols of all time, Carmen Sandiego. Let me tell you, I loved this woman. She was the epitome of cool with a dash of mystery and a killer fashion sense (the color red and giant hats are always a good choice…just ask the Brits) And her TV Show? Where do I even start? I loved both Where In The World and Where In Time. I mean, there’s not much to dislike: educational content, cool costumes and a sweet villain…everything my young self asked for on a Saturday morning.

I don’t know about you, but I always wanted to be Carmen; she was way cooler than the Chief and she had gumption (something I like to think I have a little of). She was clearly too cunning and sexy to ever get caught, plus she had a one way ticket to some amazing sights on the way. Now don’t get me wrong, the Chief was a good boss. Boy, she meant business and I respect that in a women. Although I think I would be a little scared to have her as my supervisor, even if I did get to explore the world in pursuit of Ms. Sandiego and her cohort of V.I.L.E agents.

So, what’s the point you ask? Well, I think it’s pretty fantastic that, despite it being 10+ years later and I no longer resort to pink diaries equipped with brother-proof locks to divulge my deepest, darkest secrets, I still want to be Carmen Sandiego. Lucky for me, I have never lost this insatiable yearning to explore every corner of this globe (and perhaps even dabble in a little time travel while I’m at it) More importantly though, I want to inspire the same curiosity in YOU, my VBs, my partners in crime, whether by providing you with a few pointers on how to book a hostel, or stealing history textbooks with my fellow thugs (or whatever it is that those sneaky rascals used to do). So vagabonders, or should I say gumshoes, let me be your Carmen Sandiego in 2009. It would be my pleasure to lead you all around the world in pursuit of the latest, greatest mystery and take you to places not even the Chief could have imagined.

It shouldn’t be too hard to find me seeing as I am hoping to update frequently – but I do plan on getting my own Rockapella theme song for starters, and maybe even a fashionable red hat to bring out my eyes. So, where do we begin gumshoes? That’s for me to decide and you to find out…the possibilities are endless!