Volunteerism...

I have long thought that what makes America great is “volunteerism”.  It is the willingness of Americans from all walks of life to volunteer their time and resources to help others.  In my community, volunteers man food pantries, distribute meals to elderly people, help with disaster relief, mentor English language learners, support young people in need of role models, and the list goes on.  I have volunteered my whole life through girl scouts as a child, Special Olympics in high school, a service sorority in college, through various church programs, American Red Cross, Rotary International, the national park system, and now the Peace Corps.  While Rotary International is an international organization, it was founded in the USA and RI’s motto is “Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best”. 

The statement is key, because I have always felt I have gained more as a result of my volunteer work than I give.  Not only that, but I meet the most wonderful people while serving.  To me the ultimate in service is serving for two years with the Peace Corps.  My husband and I decided to give it a try after we retired and eventually we were invited to serve in Kosovo.

Although it is hard to spend two years away from family, friends, and the comfort of home; it is an amazing experience.  It stretches your limits and helps you to gain empathy with those around you.  On April 29th 2025, I will complete my first year of service.

During that time, I am thanked almost daily by people in my community, students and staff at my school, and Peace Corps staff.  I can remember back at the start of the school year, students would thank me and I would say “but I haven’t done anything yet”.  They continue to thank me and tell me they love me as a teacher.  Once again, I have gained more than I have given.

I am stronger, more resilient, and capable of living in another country.  Each day, I am a little better at speaking Albanian, and I have a better understanding of a culture that is majority muslim. It helps me to be more understanding and to be a better member of any community moving forward.

My wish for Peace Corps is that it continues to attract the most fantastic people and that it continues to add value throughout the world to some of the neediest countries.  I hope that its value (which is definitely not a monetary value) is seen as important and that the organization can continue to grow and attract more volunteers for years to come and that Americans will continue to benefit from the passion of returned Peace Corps volunteers and knowledge and wisdom that is brought back by those that serve.