John F. Kennedy helped initiate the Peace Corps during the 1960’s. Fifty plus years later and the Peace Corps is stronger than ever. Professor George Heir of the Mathematics Department at PSU was involved with the Peace Corps and recommends it for graduating seniors.
A lot of seniors graduate from college and feel stuck on what to do next. For a lot of students out there who feel lost, the Peace Corps could be a wise option post graduation.
Heir said how much it’s changed since he was in the Peace Corps, “The government paid for me to go. They gave us a certain amount of money per month. It was stricter in the 70’s. The conditions have greatly improved. We all worked hard for our college degree, but things don’t always go as planned. Our academic and social strengths can help benefit countries in need.”
“Having the Peace Corps experience really makes you stand out on an application,” said Heir.
“One day I got a letter, and it told me where I was going.”
He didn’t have the option to pick and choose as he liked. We now have the option to choose in which country we’d like to help. On the Peace Corps website, www.peacecorps.gov, they write that they “make a thorough assessment of the health and safety conditions of the country.”
The Peace Corps does a thorough investigation of whatever country you decide to go to; which was a relief to hear.
Just because we can’t land a job right out of college doesn’t mean we aren’t worth it. If something isn’t happening, make it happen. We can control our success in the working world.
“A four year college degree is what the Peace Corps is looking for now…take an eighteen year old fresh out of high school and it just won’t work,” said Heir, “the Peace Corps is meant for the mature people who are ready for a real life experience. . .we have to go to these countries realizing that we are not going to a resort. We are there to offer our help in whatever way we can.”
Figuratively speaking, Heir, “went into the Peace Corps blind, but left with 20/20 vision.” He had little knowledge of what he was getting into but expressed how the Peace Corps changed his life for the better.
According to www.peacecorps.gov, “a normal trip is 27 months included with training.” When you train in whatever country you choose, you will learn everything necessary. The language, the culture, you name it. You are provided with housing, health and dental coverage and receive $7,425 at the end of our service.
When seniors graduate, they’re inevitably seeking job opportunities. It could take months to hear back from your desired job. With the Peace Corps, they encourage you to apply nine months before you plan on leaving. Once they receive your application, they will generally reply within two to three weeks.
“The Peace Corps is a tremendous springboard for other opportunities,” said Heir. “You’re exposed to other people that are from the states. You’re never alone. You learn more about yourself than you’d ever think imaginable.”
Having the opportunity to meet people from all over the globe will hopefully make you more accepting of different cultures. When the Peace Corps is over, you have that much more experience and motivation for your career.
Professor George Heir published his own personal memoir called “Box Seat to History” that is available through Amazon. Heir discusses the experiences he had during his time in the Peace Corps. This is a great read for anyone interested in joining the Peace Corps.
“The toughest job you’ll ever love” is the Peace Corps motto. Take a leap, and experience the world.