Ok, so I promise I will post part two of the previous post soon, but I wanted to share part of the essay I wrote when applying to the Peace Corps. Enjoy!
My life's most central and abiding goal is that of education. I believe learning perpetuates our growth as human beings; learning is growth. Thus, I ever wish to learn more about myself, to grow as a human being, to accomplish what I set out to achieve. Indeed, I am fascinated with human life and, as an outgrowth of my passion for education, I strive to understand every aspect of its being in our world. When man encounters himself and others, his culture, his environment, when he encounters the world, how will he act? What will he do?
This preoccupation with the human experience is reflected in my formal education. In the study of History for instance, one builds an image of the past by attempting to accurately compile and represent the social, economic, and religious contingencies present in every society. It understands that life confronts the human being with innumerable questions. It attempts to articulate those questions and demonstrate each cultures response. As such, History regards mankind as a whole.
Whereas History reflects the course of human civilization, Philosophy focuses its attention on the human life. It concerns itself with virtue and moderation, goodness and justice, consciousness and existence. With reason as its tool, Philosophy works upon life's innumerable questions, attempting to demonstrate sound and principled answers. For some, it is even how man understands the very purpose and meaning of his existence.
Both studies are radical explorations of the human condition. However, academic studies are only sufficient to a point. While they have opened and broadened my mind, providing me with invaluable perspective, they form only one component of education. As I graduate this year, I wish to turn my attention towards a more experiential education. What better way to carry on in this way than to live and work abroad, far removed from my own culture, where I will be challenged to work hard, adapt to my environment, and form interpersonal relationships.
When I discovered the Peace Corps program, I could imagine no greater opportunity. Giving of oneself a term of service, proudly representing ones country and heritage, and making a meaningful impact on not only myself but the lives of many individuals shows a dedication to hard work and education that I want as an experience for myself.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Post Week 1 Recap: Partea unu
A full on recapitulation of the week's events I feel is in order, though, I will make an effort to be brief. The next day and night in the hotel were OK but I wasn't too crazy about the food to be honest. I did however receive my bags in one piece though my new backpack was dinged up a smidgen, but there isn't anything I can do about that. The next day we all met our Gazda's, our host families. There were a lot of jittery nerves and much visible anxiousness. We walked upstairs from lunch, took our seats at tables lain out with placards, our name on one side and our Gazda's name on the other. As the families filed into the room, my Gazda Dad immediately found me, and I found him with a big smile on his face, along with his lovely, smiling wife. As I fumbled through some half-forgotten Romanian phrases for “my name is ...” and “pleased to meet you”, he grabbed the placard and flipped it around. His side said Mihail C----- and it turned out he spoke a little English, enough to tell me that I was his first volunteer and that he has a son aged 19 and a daughter aged 26. After a quick few words from our programming director I retrieved my bags and met them at their car.
Their home is very nice and comfortable. I settled into my new room which my host brother was gracious enough to give to me for the few months that I will be here. I brought two gifts with me: a Yankee Candle set and a reusable jar of Maine wild blueberry syrup. Both seemed to be greatly appreciated. I also met the grandmother who is very sweet. When I walked in she grabbed my face and kissed both cheeks, it was cute.
The next morning we piled in the car and drove to a small village 8 km outside Târgoviște called Gorgota where we celebrated the first of May with their friends. After we arrived, Mihai and his friend Michael took me for a stroll in Michael's orchard; it was very pastoral and beautiful. There was a BBQ with mici (meech), or small sausages without casings, and chicken, cooked over a fire grill. I tasted Romanian and Moldovan wine, both of which were excellent. Also, I had some țuica (tsweeka), a homemade type of brandy, made with blueberries, which was incredible. We spent much of the day playing backgammon, table tennis, and relaxing.
Dinner at the Gazda's has been phenomenal. Aurora (I think that's how her name is spelled) is an excellent cook. Plus, the food is always fresh. Dinners usually consist of cheese, pork, bread, tomatoes and cucumbers, nettle, some potato dishes, and a few other items. At breakfast we eat cheese, bread, chicken hot dogs (they actually taste great and are good in the morning), and eggs, though I have to abstain from the eggs because of indigestion. Lunch always starts with a bowl of soup, which is great for digestion. There hasn't been any sickness due to food or water (they drink bottled water; it seems easier here than filtering the tap). I met their son later that day when we returned home. He is a super nice kid; his name is Gabbie.
School started on Monday morning and Mihai took the public bus with me to make sure I could manage it myself and knew my way around (that following day he dropped me off at the bus stop, said goodbye, and then met me at the bus stop on the other end to make sure I made it alright; what a great guy!). I don't mind taking the bus at all, in fact I enjoy it.
School is pretty good though it's tiring. It consists of 4 hours of language training and 4 hours of technical training, plus on Friday we started our practicum observations, and next week we are teaching 10 minute warm up exercises. My group is currently at a grade school/ middle school though we will be moving up to a high school soon.
Last night (Friday) a bunch of us went out for dinner and drinks, which was a great time. All my impressions I will save for the next post, hopefully tomorrow. Thanks for reading, check in again soon.
Their home is very nice and comfortable. I settled into my new room which my host brother was gracious enough to give to me for the few months that I will be here. I brought two gifts with me: a Yankee Candle set and a reusable jar of Maine wild blueberry syrup. Both seemed to be greatly appreciated. I also met the grandmother who is very sweet. When I walked in she grabbed my face and kissed both cheeks, it was cute.
The next morning we piled in the car and drove to a small village 8 km outside Târgoviște called Gorgota where we celebrated the first of May with their friends. After we arrived, Mihai and his friend Michael took me for a stroll in Michael's orchard; it was very pastoral and beautiful. There was a BBQ with mici (meech), or small sausages without casings, and chicken, cooked over a fire grill. I tasted Romanian and Moldovan wine, both of which were excellent. Also, I had some țuica (tsweeka), a homemade type of brandy, made with blueberries, which was incredible. We spent much of the day playing backgammon, table tennis, and relaxing.
Dinner at the Gazda's has been phenomenal. Aurora (I think that's how her name is spelled) is an excellent cook. Plus, the food is always fresh. Dinners usually consist of cheese, pork, bread, tomatoes and cucumbers, nettle, some potato dishes, and a few other items. At breakfast we eat cheese, bread, chicken hot dogs (they actually taste great and are good in the morning), and eggs, though I have to abstain from the eggs because of indigestion. Lunch always starts with a bowl of soup, which is great for digestion. There hasn't been any sickness due to food or water (they drink bottled water; it seems easier here than filtering the tap). I met their son later that day when we returned home. He is a super nice kid; his name is Gabbie.
School started on Monday morning and Mihai took the public bus with me to make sure I could manage it myself and knew my way around (that following day he dropped me off at the bus stop, said goodbye, and then met me at the bus stop on the other end to make sure I made it alright; what a great guy!). I don't mind taking the bus at all, in fact I enjoy it.
School is pretty good though it's tiring. It consists of 4 hours of language training and 4 hours of technical training, plus on Friday we started our practicum observations, and next week we are teaching 10 minute warm up exercises. My group is currently at a grade school/ middle school though we will be moving up to a high school soon.
Last night (Friday) a bunch of us went out for dinner and drinks, which was a great time. All my impressions I will save for the next post, hopefully tomorrow. Thanks for reading, check in again soon.
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