I am starting to think about what comes after Peace Corps. While brushing up my résumé, I've noticed that a lot of what I have learned has shaped who I am at this moment, but isn't necessarily going to be shared with a future employer.
Here are ten things that I've learned in Guatemala that you won't find on my resume:
1. I've learned how to fix a toilet.
In fact, this is tonight's victory.
2. I've learned to be a victim. (Actually, to be honest, this is a work in progress.)
You can prepare yourself with the most information and the best intentions, but every once in a while you fall prey to something out of your control: weather, crime, or ignorance, just to name a few. Sometimes this stress requires me to take a nap, but I try to get out of bed the next day with as much guts and grace as I can muster, and I just put one foot in front of the other.
3. I've learned how to spend time by myself.
My own house is a little quieter than the house I grew up in. (Scratch that, it's a lot quieter. Six people is a lot of people in one house.) I've learned to eat by myself, to spend Friday nights by myself, to exercise by myself, and to work quietly by myself, just to name a few. This definitely isn't my favorite part of the Peace Corps experience, but I'm glad to know that I can be content all by myself.
4. I've learned how to disagree.
This is true of my experience with Peace Corps Volunteers and with Guatemalans. My 'Peace Corps World' can be very small. The people I work with are also my best friends. Peace Corps Volunteers come from all over the US and each Volunteer has their own set of values and reasons for being here. We don't always agree, but I've learned to play nice and to respect people even if I think some of their ideas are really stupid or they really irritate me some days.
As for my work with Guatemalans, sometimes all I can do is say my piece and sit back down. I like to think that even if I just feel like I'm banging my head against the wall, at least I make a tiny bit of noise while doing so. I am a guest in their country and must always act as such.
5. I've learned that relationships really are the best investment.
I'm lucky to be part of a group of Peace Corps Volunteers that is absolutely the best support system a girl could ask for. The investments I have made in friendship (via lengthy telephone calls, long bus rides to visit friends, and shared care packages) have seen unbelievable returns. I would not still be here if it weren't for all of the wonderful people I have met. They have saved me time and time again.
This is the lesson that I feel most certain I must bring back to my life in the U.S. of A. A career and the "real world" will certainly take it's toll, but I know that I must continue to invest in friendships because... well... they're the best.
6. I've learned how to say "Go F*** Your Mother" in Spanish.
Unfortunately, there are people in the world who deserve to hear it. Every once in a while, for the sake of self-preservation, you have to stop making excuses for other people and admit to yourself that maybe there are jerks in the world and there probably is nothing you can do about it. I thought that two years in the developing world would make me a softer, more patient person and while this is true in many ways, I've also learned to stand-up for myself.
7. I've remembered how much I love reading.
Maybe it's a result of all of that alone time, but I have really fallen in love with reading again. I've always liked reading, but before coming here it had been a while since I was totally transported by a good book. Every once in a while, I really don't want to be in Guatemala and there is no better way to escape than a good book. I don't think I have loved reading this much since staying up all night to finish The Little House on the Prairie.
8. I've developed a whole new appreciation for electricity.
... And it really sucks when you don't have it. Especially if you happen to be hosting a Christmas party. Candle-lit dinners lose their charm real fast.
9. I've learned that I really love Latin Pop.
Because, of course. Exhibit A: The better, Spanish version of Enrique Iglesias' Bailando.
As always, thank you to everyone who has learned these lessons alongside me or has been incredibly patient while I have been learning these lessons.
