Graduated from college and worked my tail off for 6 years to climb the ladder. Hit a point where I was burnt out and asking myself if this was it? I had heard of the Peace Corps and on a whim I applied as a way to not only save myself but to help others.

I was accepted and sent to Peru! I lived for two years in a mud hut in the North, completely cut off from modern society….intermittent electricity, no running water, no internet and no local friends. Good god what did I get myself into?

To say those two years were challenging would be an understatement. I was raised to never give up and that was the only thing that kept me there. Almost half of my cohort dropped out before the end of the two years. By the end i was skin and bones (food scarcity in my area was a thing), I spoke like a native Peruvian, was a local celebrity, and had enough stories to fill a 300 page book.

Do I regret my experience? NO. Would I recommend it to people? Emphatically YES. Why? My two best friends, who are like brothers to me, are from my time there. I still use many skills I learned in my service to this day that have lent itself to being successful in my career (leadership, grit, determination). The memories and stories alone are priceless. Opening up your mind to other parts of the world outside of your bubble. Last, but certainly not least, you help others less fortunate and show them how kind, caring and friendly Americans can be.

My DMs are always open to anyone who is thinking of applying or those in-service who need any support.