I am in the process of applying for the Peace Corps. Here is the essay question:
Peace Corps service presents major physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges. In the space below, please provide a few paragraphs explaining your reasons for wanting to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer and how you plan to overcome the various challenges associated with Peace Corps service. This essay is the writing sample Peace Corps uses to assess your professionalism and maturity as a candidate. Please spend time editing your essay/writing sample (less than 500 words).
Here is my draft:
Not too long ago I heard someone say, "[...] the world gets a lot bigger when you're living small." Those words really resonated with me. Since high school, joining the Peace Corps has always been in the back of my mind as something I wanted to do. The idea and the thought of immersing myself in a different culture and seeing the world from a new perspective has always been very appealing to me. Although the service presents very obvious physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges it provides an experience unlike any other.
I made the courageous decision, a little over a year ago, to leave my home and my family in New Jersey and move to Wisconsin. I moved here for one simple reason: to help animals. Currently, I'm working as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator at an organization that is dedicated to the care of sick and injured birds. One of my biggest passions in life is the environment and everything that encompasses. While my passion is an obvious strength it may also be seen as somewhat of a weakness in that it makes me very empathetic.
It's devastating to see some of the patients that come through the door on a day-to-day basis. I will never understand how a Bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States of America, is shot out of the air. We all know that bad things happen every day and I am excited to be just a small part of alleviating that plight.
Throughout my life I have learned that I am able to adapt fairly quickly to most situations. My experience in the field and the knowledge I've gained while working with wildlife makes serving as an Environmental Education Volunteer in the Peace Corps an easy decision for me. Many people think that professionals who work with wildlife, or animals in general, have little to no contact with the public; this couldn't be further from the truth. I spend a good portion of my time educating the public on various laws and regulations, animal behavior, and natural history. I would be honored to utilize, as well as challenge, my knowledge and skills to promote environmental awareness among rural communities.
I can't say that there was one defining moment when I knew I wanted to serve in the Peace Corps but I can say that every time I treat a bird, whether an owl, a hawk, or even an eagle I know that I can't imagine my life doing anything other than helping others.
I think you did a good job summing up your experience that would make you good candidate. Your work with birds shows you are sensitive and empathetic. Plus you are working with people, which the Peacecore does!
I believe your tone of sincerity will help you bring in a positive result. I don't think you can be too sensitive.
Also, your organization and grammar are good, as is your punctuation.
In addition you mentioned two qualities which would come in handy with the Core: courageousness, and adaptable, both of which would be great
for possibly serving overseas with them.
I think this is a fine start, good job!
