Official Closure
I'm back. It's over. Can you believe it? I know, it's hard for me too. Peace Corps is now just a part of my history. Just a crazy blur of 2 years of my life. Putting myself to the test and passing. I'll go ahead and answer publicly some of the questions I've been asked privately...
Do you miss it?
Well, there are certainly people that I miss, but I am very happy to be back home. I do not miss africa. It never really felt like home to me. Although I am amazed at how far I went to adapt to my surroundings. I sure as hell don't miss the food.
Was it worth it?
Yes. I consider the whole experience part of my education. It isn't the kind of knowledge you can get from a text book. It's life. I learned that happiness and physical wealth are completely independent (provided your basic needs are met). Yeah, you hear all the time that money can't buy happiness, but I've seen this principle in action and it gives me hope. I've learned what I'm capable of. I've got a much better idea of what it means to be American, and what common values we share with other cultures. As well as where our differences lie. I've learned I don't know everything. All the expensive knowledge I acquired in school didn't do me a damn bit of good out there in the real world. It was quite humbling, and I did need to be knocked down a peg or two. I learned that so far in my entire life I haven't had a real problem. Not like the problems faced by the people I lived with in Burkina Faso. Maybe next time I won't freak out when my computer crashes, or I stain my carpet. So it was worth it, because I needed that time to get my head on straight. But now it is time to move on to other things.
So did you help a lot of people/ did you make a difference?
Tough question...Yes, I did my job. I taught my students, and I think they learned something from me. I made real connections with my colleagues, we learned alot from each other. Still, all things totaled up, I probably got the better end of the deal. Other than fractions and atomic structure, and stories about America, I didn't have a lot of knowledge or skills that are useful to a developing community. But hey, they were all sad to see me leave and I was well liked by almost everyone. So I do not doubt that there were many intangible ways that I affected the people around me. But I'm not fooling myself into thinking I really changed the future of Bani.
Well there are other questions I've been asked....and if you have one for me please don't hesitate to ask. I enjoy sharing what I've learned. When you think of africa, I urge you not to picture what you've seen on TV. There is another way to look at what you are seeing. These people are not helpless, they are humans, like you. Don't forget that.
This is the official end of this web log (unless I think of something really important to add)
Thank you for following me on my adventure
Adam.
Do you miss it?
Well, there are certainly people that I miss, but I am very happy to be back home. I do not miss africa. It never really felt like home to me. Although I am amazed at how far I went to adapt to my surroundings. I sure as hell don't miss the food.
Was it worth it?
Yes. I consider the whole experience part of my education. It isn't the kind of knowledge you can get from a text book. It's life. I learned that happiness and physical wealth are completely independent (provided your basic needs are met). Yeah, you hear all the time that money can't buy happiness, but I've seen this principle in action and it gives me hope. I've learned what I'm capable of. I've got a much better idea of what it means to be American, and what common values we share with other cultures. As well as where our differences lie. I've learned I don't know everything. All the expensive knowledge I acquired in school didn't do me a damn bit of good out there in the real world. It was quite humbling, and I did need to be knocked down a peg or two. I learned that so far in my entire life I haven't had a real problem. Not like the problems faced by the people I lived with in Burkina Faso. Maybe next time I won't freak out when my computer crashes, or I stain my carpet. So it was worth it, because I needed that time to get my head on straight. But now it is time to move on to other things.
So did you help a lot of people/ did you make a difference?
Tough question...Yes, I did my job. I taught my students, and I think they learned something from me. I made real connections with my colleagues, we learned alot from each other. Still, all things totaled up, I probably got the better end of the deal. Other than fractions and atomic structure, and stories about America, I didn't have a lot of knowledge or skills that are useful to a developing community. But hey, they were all sad to see me leave and I was well liked by almost everyone. So I do not doubt that there were many intangible ways that I affected the people around me. But I'm not fooling myself into thinking I really changed the future of Bani.
Well there are other questions I've been asked....and if you have one for me please don't hesitate to ask. I enjoy sharing what I've learned. When you think of africa, I urge you not to picture what you've seen on TV. There is another way to look at what you are seeing. These people are not helpless, they are humans, like you. Don't forget that.
This is the official end of this web log (unless I think of something really important to add)
Thank you for following me on my adventure
Adam.
posted by Adam Cohen at 7/25/2007
4 Comments:
This was a Marvellous piece.
Sharing this with the public is service too. You never know who stumbles upon your blog.
Only fly in the ointement is that the effect of the stain on the carpet will depend to a certain degree upon the life experience of your future wife.
Good luck in chapter 3 .
Love, A
Wow, I really enjoyed reading this. It's sad that you're done.
I've enjoyed reading about your experience. Thanks for sharing!
well said, thank you for writing your blog
Post a Comment
<< Home