Personally, I hope to come away from this experience a better person. I anticipate being challenged in nearly every way and hope that I am able to grow through these challenges. I want to gain insight into not only Mauritanian culture, but, more generally, the culture of a country other than my own. I want to see how other people live and better appreciate the opportunities I have been given as an American. I also want to understand how my having been given those opportunities fits into the �bigger picture� of the world.
Some smaller, less cosmic goals include learning another language and learning to slow down. As I plan to work internationally, preferably in Africa, mastering French will be invaluable. I am excited about the idea of speaking a language in addition to French, whatever it may be, but am particularly interested in learning at least a little Arabic. While it will take some time to adjust to it, I am looking forward to a slower pace of life, where I am not constantly connected. I think it will be a wonderful exercise in patience and a good introduction to this way of life if I am to work there in the future. In addition, it will allow me time to reflect on my experiences and to fully appreciate the benefits of having lived somewhere one can always be in touch.
I expect that many of my current perspectives will be challenged, particularly my feminist sensibilities, and welcome this. I may not change my views, but hope to augment my capacity to see issues more completely. This should not only help me personally, but will allow me to be a better resource to people outside the Mauritanian culture. One of the first things people ask when they hear that Mauritania is a Muslim country is how women there are treated. I look forward to the opportunity to find out and to share that firsthand knowledge with people who may otherwise think only of the oppressive stereotype, or not know what else to think.
Professionally, I want to gain international experience, particularly in public health. I am still unsure of what field of study I want to pursue when I return to the States, but am considering a Master�s in Public Health. My time in the Peace Corps will help me decide whether that is the appropriate degree for me and, if so, in what area I want to specialize. The opportunity to be part of and work with other development organizations will assist in determining the role in which I will be most effective: direct service, program administration, or public policy. Regardless of the role I play in an organization, the technical skills I gain in the Peace Corps will be valuable, as will understanding the complexities of and strategies for program implementation.
Perhaps my most important goal for Peace Corps service, both personally and professionally, is to make a difference. I realize that I will only be there for a short time and that the impact I can make as an individual has limits, but I want to be part of the discourse, the education, and the empowerment it will take to effect lasting change in a community. I may never see tangible results of my efforts, but I will be satisfied if I can return to the States knowing that something I did, said, or worked on, had a positive impact on the life of another; I am certain that this experience will have an exceptionally positive impact on my own.