Reboot
Some time ago, I wrote about starting a new adventure* .. I was cryptic at the time because I did not want to 'jinx' the process by talking about it incessantly. My "secret mission" is now revealed for all: I am joining the Peace Corps.
I am assigned to MOROCCO, 13-Sept-05 to 7-Dec-05 with the job responsibility of Small Business Development Advisor. As much as I love all things electronic, a "real" postcard (rather than an "ecard") would be most appreciated (of course, send me an email with your address if you want a postcard from Morocco):
Nam LaMore, Trainee
s/c Corps de la Paix
2 rue Abdou Marouane Essadi
Rabat 10100 MOROCCO
One of the last requests (just like the Rolling Stones, there's never a "last" concert/request) the Peace Corps asked me to forward my Aspiration Statement** and updated Resume. I'm not reposting the resume, it's dull as a doorknob.
This entry represents the last regular entry, as, going forward, this blog evolves into a photoblog, with the occasional entries taken from my journal. Frequency of blog posting depends on access to the Internet via Internet cafes. Wish me luck as I learn French and Arabic!
I am on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (think of the movie "Rocky"). Yes, I look tired and sleepy due to the red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia (for orientation before flying to Morocco) .. with a bit over two hours of sleep, I just wanted to take a nap.
* posts Start of the Journey Part I & Part II.
** This is the aspiration statement:
Expectations
Though managing expectations has always been a key strategy for success in corporate culture, I am keeping an open mind with regards to my Peace Corps experience. I have spoken with many returning Peace Corps volunteers, and feel prepared to deal with and accept the challenges of living in a different culture. General and specific expectations include:
Strategies for adapting to a new culture ...
As I prepare for my Peace Corps experience, I have given thoughts on how to adapt to a new culture to avoid home-sickness, culture-bashing, etc. General and specific strategies include:
Personal and Professional Goals
Though I plan to return to corporate life (perhaps in the non-profit sector) after my Peace Corps experience, I have entertained the possibility of going back to school for an MBA degree. I suspect that my Peace Corps experience will greatly influence where I work and what I choose to do. As an “Idealist” (“INFP,” according to Jung’s personality profile), I believe the Peace Corps is an opportunity to improve the overall quality of my life, and those I come in contact with.
I am looking forward to two-years of exceptional experience.
I am assigned to MOROCCO, 13-Sept-05 to 7-Dec-05 with the job responsibility of Small Business Development Advisor. As much as I love all things electronic, a "real" postcard (rather than an "ecard") would be most appreciated (of course, send me an email with your address if you want a postcard from Morocco):
s/c Corps de la Paix
2 rue Abdou Marouane Essadi
Rabat 10100 MOROCCO
One of the last requests (just like the Rolling Stones, there's never a "last" concert/request) the Peace Corps asked me to forward my Aspiration Statement** and updated Resume. I'm not reposting the resume, it's dull as a doorknob.
This entry represents the last regular entry, as, going forward, this blog evolves into a photoblog, with the occasional entries taken from my journal. Frequency of blog posting depends on access to the Internet via Internet cafes. Wish me luck as I learn French and Arabic!
I am on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (think of the movie "Rocky"). Yes, I look tired and sleepy due to the red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia (for orientation before flying to Morocco) .. with a bit over two hours of sleep, I just wanted to take a nap.
* posts Start of the Journey Part I & Part II.
** This is the aspiration statement:
Expectations
Though managing expectations has always been a key strategy for success in corporate culture, I am keeping an open mind with regards to my Peace Corps experience. I have spoken with many returning Peace Corps volunteers, and feel prepared to deal with and accept the challenges of living in a different culture. General and specific expectations include:
- • Contribute and improve the lives of people I serve
• Have an exceptional, life-changing experience
• Establish life-long friends and contacts
• Learn about a new culture
• Communicate about the diversity of the U.S.
• Return home with stories to share (photos, journal entries, etc)
• Access to necessary tools and training to successfully complete job
• Have a safe experience through awareness of local and global current events
• Stay in periodic communication with Peace Corps team, friends, etc.
• Project leadership quality and resourcefulness throughout my Peace Corps experience.
Strategies for adapting to a new culture ...
As I prepare for my Peace Corps experience, I have given thoughts on how to adapt to a new culture to avoid home-sickness, culture-bashing, etc. General and specific strategies include:
- • Make use of non-verbal communications and listening skills due to possible language and cultural barriers
• Understand Muslim culture, specifically do’s and don’ts
• Stay “grounded” about my identity as an Asian American (“Asian pride” phenomenon)
• Avoid destructive behaviors when possible, such as bashing of any culture, engaging in sensitive topics, etc.)
• Attend festivals and celebrations, religious or otherwise
• Blend in and live modestly to avoid unwanted attention
• Awareness of immediate surroundings and global happenings
Personal and Professional Goals
Though I plan to return to corporate life (perhaps in the non-profit sector) after my Peace Corps experience, I have entertained the possibility of going back to school for an MBA degree. I suspect that my Peace Corps experience will greatly influence where I work and what I choose to do. As an “Idealist” (“INFP,” according to Jung’s personality profile), I believe the Peace Corps is an opportunity to improve the overall quality of my life, and those I come in contact with.
I am looking forward to two-years of exceptional experience.
tags: peace corps.morocco
another point of view ...
Have a great adventure -- I have a few friends who have done the Peace Corps, and they all way the same thing: This is the best thing they could have done.
speak up!
Have a great adventure -- I have a few friends who have done the Peace Corps, and they all way the same thing: This is the best thing they could have done.
speak up!
previous 10 posts:
- Blog Suspension
- The Start of the Journey, Part II
- Time Out
- Marketing 101: Word Continuity
- Slogans: Something for Everybody
- Closet Hanger-Ons
- The Start of the Journey
- While You're Down There ...
- Translating Content Out of Context
- Slow for the Cone Zone
