Nearly one year ago I moved to Boston to work in a charter middle school as a tutor for five 6th graders. I lived with my co-workers and spent long days coaching, tutoring, completing administrative duties, and generally learning what it means to work in education. The learning curve was incredibly steep; not only were my 31 fellow tutors working in a school for the first time, but this was our initial exposure to a "no-excuses" school environment. We have spent nearly every minute together for 11 months and have grown together in indescribable ways; I can't believe it is now over, that we are all moving forward and continuing on our own journey that we have set for ourselves. Some tutors are going back to graduate school and many are teaching, but I have decided that this is the perfect time in my life to move abroad.
The idea of working internationally entered my mind in the Fall, yet I did not apply to the Peace Corps until February. From that point forward, everything has been somewhat of a blur. I interviewed in the Boston office on March 5th, was immediately nominated, and invited to serve the day before my birthday, June 7th. I will be moving to the Dominican Republic on August 18th to work as a Youth Development Promoter, and I can't wait for the adventure ahead. It is a strange feeling, to know that in two months everything is going to change. I have no idea what I will learn, who I will meet, or how I will change. All I can do is smile and trust that it will be a grand adventure. Before my departure, I will be busy spending time with family and friends. Besides learning Spanish, my priority for the summer is to cherish all the "small" moments with everyone I love... sounds like a good way to spend the summer to me!
