I have devoted quite a bit of time to volunteerism. For two of my three post-college years, I worked as a full-time volunteer (the third in the nonprofit sector); during college I gave my time during summers and some weekends. Without exception, I have benefited enormously from every experience both[...]
Posts Tagged ‘impact’
October 28th, 2010 - 5:00 pm § in Honduras, In the Field, Looking for Opportunity, Nicaragua, Tips & Resources, Volunteer
Do as the Central Americans Do
When in Central America, do as the Central Americans do: slow down, make it count, and when in doubt, wing it. Things such as internet connections, water pressure, food service, bus travel, etc. run much more slowly here than in the U.S. In the communities I’ve visited, I’ve witnessed h[...]
October 22nd, 2010 - 3:00 pm § in Around Town, Guatemala
It’s Not You, It’s Me: The Mistake of Losing Focus
We set off on global excursions determined to not only discover foreign lands but also uncharted personal territory. Books are packed that inspire thought, a journal is bought to capture valuable reflections, and a pledges are made to focus attention inward. What kind of person is at my core? How wi[...]
Sowing the Seeds of Good Intentions
Back in July, I signed on to participate in a volunteer project through Montevideo’s Universidad de la Católica. Their extension office has a well-run program for their students in which the they identify local opportunities, match volunteers into groups, and guide them throughout the semeste[...]
How Much Difference Did I Really Make After 5 Months of Teaching English?
Jon Clarke likes to play with words, understand people, and vice-versa. He’s English, and this manifests itself through an uncontrollable desire to have a nice cup of tea whenever possible. Global wanderings have taken him all over the place, nodding and smiling in a variety of different i[...]
Ending on a Down Note
What a lousy piece of news to receive at the beginning of my last week. The Costa Rican Institute of Tourism opted not to renew its contract to place a CREST teacher in Puerto Jimenez for the next term. I know these things happen. The tourist season was slow this year, with the recession. I’m [...]
“When are you coming back?”
To go away is to die a little, it is to die to that which one loves. Everywhere and always, one leaves behind a part of oneself. – Edmund Haraucourt Field work requires comfort with transience. Many development workers parachute into places, build their lives from scratch, weave themselves i[...]
