Life After Peace Corps
Posted By Sika on February 19, 2008
I have been thinking about what I’m going to do with my life after Peace Corps (can you believe I’ve already been here for 8 months?!?). Specifically, I’ve been thinking about if and how I want to take advantage of the Peace Corps Fellows program. Suddenly it ocurred to me that I might want to get a Master’s in Journalism. (Although I have also been thinking about conflict resolution, even though that would mean that not only did I get a degree in nursing after swearing off all medical fields, but I would also get a degree in a law-related field, after swearing that off too.) I like the idea because between writing, finding stories, and trying to get to a truth with research, both the analytical and creative parts of my brain would be put to good use. I don’t like the idea because it’s a damn hard field to break into, and as my dad pointed out, there aren’t many outlets for people who think like I do, although there are a lot of people who think like I do, and so the competition is fierce.
I’d like to write. I was semi-joking with my mama a while ago that her mom waited until she was in her 60s to start writing her novel, and mom watched her do that and then will probably wait until she’s in her 60s to start writing a novel, and who knows, maybe I’ll wait until I’m in my 60s to start writing for real.
I don’t want to wait until I am in my 60s to start writing for real. I don’t feel that I have any fiction in me right now. I know myself well enough to know that whatever goals I want to meet in my life, I have to incorporate them into my career, or I will get so caught up with work that I won’t do the things I feel to be more important. So, somehow I have to turn writing from being that thing I do when I’m not making a living to being that thing I do. Full stop.
Writing! Do it.
I remind you that competition to get into the UW is high, and into NYU, and even getting into the Peace Corps. You rock! You are actually good enough to beat competition at the things you’re passionate about.
You are well traveled, have been raised to see things comprehensively, and even have a good eye for the best camera shots. And you write well. However, reading today’s journalists, that is clearly no longer a requirement. Which puts you ahead of the game!
If you would like to start working up articles (to publish AFTER you leave the Corps, obviously) I’d be happy to help you edit, revise, build your skills, etc.
love,
Sarah
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think writing is something I need to do. As I’m doing research, though, everything I worry about journalism appears to be an issue (most noticeably that it’s hard to break into and that the only way a degree in journalism is worth anything is for the practical experience you get.) And the program I like the best so far–International and Intercultural studies at University of Denver–appears to be light on practical experience. So I’m still trying to figure out what to do.
Thanks for the offer of help.
When you gather the graduate level writing experience you’ll be able to publish academically. It’s much easier than journalism. However, it can give you a resume that breaks you into journalistic writing.
I’ve got that experience now, and have even been editing fellow graduate student’s work, so I’m still here if you want some help along those lines.
Good luck!
Writing is very rewarding!
But regardless, you should take a moment to pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments. Of all the people I know, I’ve come to really admire your intelligence, drive, and perseverance. When I heard you were going to join Peach Corps, and then read about in your blog, I was amazed.
PS: happy belated birthday