Peace Corps headed to Western campus

By: Erin McCarthy

Posted: 10/6/08

A Peace Corps information session will be held Tuesday in the University Union Fox Room from 6 to 8 p.m. Students interested in pursuing a career in the Peace Corps after graduation are encouraged to attend.

Aimee Schattner, a Peace Corps volunteer, will show footage of volunteers in their global communities, teach prospective volunteers about the application process and inform students about the benefits volunteers receive.

"We really want students to gain an understanding of what the Peace Corps is all about," Schattner said. "It's the experience of a lifetime, and it's a great way to gain perspective on the world outside the United States."

Western Illinois University alumnus Richard Burbridge is currently volunteering in the Federated States of Micronesia and is very pleased with his decision to join the Peace Corps.

"I spend most of my time teaching young children, and the rest of my time just enjoying the people and the land," Burbridge said. "The Peace Corps allows me to help less fortunate people, get their voices heard and their bellies full."

Membership in the Peace Corps is not exclusively limited to recent college graduates. Several retirees also choose to volunteer, remembering President Kennedy's call to service.

"Senior citizens are a great asset to the Peace Corps," Schattner said. "Not only can they contribute their years of experience, but they can continue learning far into their later years."

Glenna Sabo, junior English education major, said she aspires to join the Peace Corps and plans to attend the information session.

"I really want to get started with the application process sooner than later, because I heard it takes a long time," Sabo said. "I am really excited to hear what the returned volunteers have to say about their experiences."

Schattner and other volunteers will answer questions and tell their stories about their overseas adventures at the information session.

According to the Peace Corps Web site (www.peacecorps.gov), applications are first considered by one's basic eligibility and degree of seriousness. Because the Peace Corps is such a significant commitment, they must assess each applicant's genuine interest.

Also considered in the application process is educational background. While they do encourage a college degree, they still accept non-graduates as well. Life experience, as well as participation in various volunteer activities, may qualify individual applicants for certain positions.

Once an applicant has been accepted, the question remains: What do volunteers do? According to Schattner, there is a wide range of positions for volunteers.

"They may find themselves helping out with anything from agriculture to working with information technology," Schattner said. "It really just depends on the individual's background experience."

Other positions listed on the Web site include business, community development, education, environment, and health, among others.

Students interested in meeting with a recruiter and learning more about the Peace Corps are encouraged to attend the information session tomorrow evening. Those who cannot attend the session can visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov.