That's "Ursprache" in German, Dr. Dorian

Today while picking up my tickets for graduation it hit me ... I'm about to enter the real world, and what a strange world it will be. In my spare time I have been reading up on Mongolia and have already fallen half in love with the "land of blue sky." Yet, at the same time I'm starting to really miss America (despite still being here). For instance, I can't shake my irrational "fear" that I'm about to go two years and not be able to eat a real peanut butter and jelly sandwich (because come on, we all know that pb&js are a consumptive corporeal embodiment of the American dream ^_~). Despite this, I'm getting really excited (and just a bit nervous) about leaving sooooo soon. Like my Aspiration Statement says, "the knowledge and experience I will gain in Mongolia will go a long way in helping define the individual I will become."

However, if I plan on even making it to Mongolia, I need to pass all my finals and graduate ... so it is off to bed to dream of distant lands, exotic peoples, and debating Zach Braff about Lexicostatistical Glottochronology (yes I actually dreamt that ... hahaha ... I found it very interesting if just a bit strange, blame it on watching Scrubs while studying).

Aspiration Statement

Just thought I would share the Why's and How's of my PC decision as expressed in my "Aspiration Statement" submitted to my superiors in Mongolia

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A: The professional attributes that you plan to use, and what aspirations you hope to fulfill, during your Peace Corps service.

As an anthropologist the most important professional attribute I plan to use is a mindset of cultural relativism. I am aware that I have various ethnocentric biases, but I feel confident that I can keep them in check and hopefully even diminish them. My greatest aspiration for my Peace Corps service is to gain a greater knowledge of the vast spectrum of human existence, while in turn serving as a representative of the United States to show through my actions that while much of the world is displeased with our current policies, the American citizens are still decent people.

B: Your strategies for working effectively with host country partners to meet expressed needs.

My primary strategy for an effective working environment is to cultivate a positive and symbiotic relationship with my host country partners. In addition to being the least experienced, I will also be an outsider. Thus, it will be necessary for me to follow the lead and examples of my host country partners. Only once I have proved my competency to them and gained a level of respect, would I feel justified in suggesting various means of accomplishing the expressed needs.

C: Your strategies for adapting to a new culture with respect to your own cultural background.

Being a military child, I was perpetually the “new kid” and thus learned very early to adapt to various cultural norms. This combined with the fact that I am an anthropologist and am highly aware of the necessity of cultural relativism, I feel that I will be able to acclimate myself into Mongolian culture with ease, once the initial culture shock passes.

D: The skills and knowledge you hope to gain during pre-service training to best serve your future community and project.

In addition to learning Mongolian, and proper English teaching techniques, I feel that the greatest skill I hope to gain will be that of social interaction. I am of the opinion that the most good can be accomplished if everyone is comfortable with each other. It is important to me that I learn what my body language and manner of communication conveys to the Mongolian people so as not to inadvertently offend them.

E: How you think Peace Corps service will influence your personal and professional aspirations after your service ends.

Being of a relatively young age, I am still unsure as to what my ultimate goals are. However, I know with out a doubt that Peace Corps service is right for me, and I know that the knowledge and experience I will gain in Mongolia will go a long way in helping define the individual I will become.

T-minus 46 days

Hello Friends, Family, and the random passerby ^_^

Welcome to the blog that shall catalogue my many misadventures as a Peace Corps Volunteer (a journey that begins in a mere 46 days :::gulp:::). This is where I will try to update with photos and accounts of my goings on as often as possible.

You can learn more about the Peace Corps here...and you can learn more about Mongolia here.

So enjoy and feel free to comment, ask questions, or whatever!

Peace,
Cassandra