When Service Gets Tough, Remember Your 'Why'
Finding Strength and Meaning in the Peace Corps Journey
Peace Corps service is full of high-highs and low-lows. There will be days when everything clicks and you see the impact of your work. Other times, challenges may make you question why you applied in the first place. In those moments, remembering your "why" can make a difference.
Why did you apply to the Peace Corps? Was it a desire to make a difference? To travel and immerse yourself in another culture? To challenge yourself in new ways? That original spark can be a powerful way to ground you when you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure.
But let’s also admit this: holding onto your “why” isn’t always simple. Sometimes it can feel hollow when you're dealing with isolation, cultural differences, or limited resources.
For Peace Corps volunteers, "remembering your why" isn’t just about getting yourself through tough times — it’s about reflecting on what your service means to you and letting that change over time.
Your purpose doesn’t have to stay the same throughout your service. Just like the communities you serve, your "why" will grow and shift. Maybe it becomes about building relationships, learning resilience, or finding small moments of connection.
At its core, your purpose in the Peace Corps is uniquely yours. Let it be a source of strength and let it remind you to stay curious, engaged, and adaptable.
Remembering your "why" isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about finding meaning and motivation in the journey, even when the road is rocky.
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This reflection was inspired by: 'Remember Your Why': How My Grandmothers Affirmed My Purpose as an Educator