Onu munywani wange, Ibara Melissa

Onu munywani wange, Ibara Melissa
Originally uploaded by Carrie May.

Remember those photos of family and friends I collected before I left? Well, they are a great ice breaker and easy way to pass the time waiting for more people to show up for a meeting. It's also great for sharing that American culture. People love it ~ I keep the small album in my backpack and take it where ever I go.

Considering finishing that degree...

I have applied to two different schools for admission into their Bachelor’s of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies for an Individualized online degree program. They include Metropolitan State University in Minnesota and Empire State College in New York.

 

I had to write an essay for application to admission for one of the schools. I thought I would share it with all of you as well.

 

“At this time, I serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda until November 2008. I envision my future employers may be an international development/grant making foundation, an NGO, the United States Federal Government or self employment as a consultant. After living in Alaska for five years, I have become accustomed to the developing, rural areas and prefer a simple independent life living overseas while still holding on my American culture.

 

My professional experience includes work over six years with school districts, small non-profit organizations and at the State Government level. My dedication to service learning is demonstrated through pervious leadership positions with community based groups and student organizations. It is now, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, that I gain valuable experience in the international devolvement arena. 

 

An interdisciplinary degree, online from Empire State College, will allow me to practice a new disciple in learning, It will also bring together my life and work experiences into a cohesive degree; a degree that represents me, my future and my interdisciplinary strengths.

 

Entering as a transfer student with potential elective credits already in horticulture, education and social work – My interests are now aligned to  maximize my capacity for work in the international development and public administration arenas. This could include courses in grant monitoring and evaluation, programming for capacity building, organizational or workforce development.

 

Labor market information on America’s Job Bank shows an average increase of 21 % (in Michigan) for positions such as Social and Community Service Specialists with average salaries that can more than support my desired lifestyle. Because my interest are varied, yet connected, I appreciate the opportunity to self design my degree with a mentor for added guidance and value. Weather I pursue self employment, non-profit work or public service – I know adding value to my current skills and experience will prove to be an investment with dividends beyond my imagination.”

 

Sound open ended yet convincing? There are definite undertones of my work with the State of Alaska Department of Labor. One of the best things I got out of that professional experience was a practical approach to education and training as it relates to a real job. How much education and training is really needed to do the job you want to do?  I constantly ask myself this. That, and of course… How much will it cost ;)

 

I have done pretty well for someone who does not have a degree. There is a tipping point really between using the skills and experience you all ready have and can maybe build on through on-the-job training and that added value of a formal degree from academia. Maybe it’s the allure of a higher earning potential or prestige that causes so many to jump into degree programs at the Bachelor and Master’s level.

 

For me, it’s more of a cosmic alignment. If you remember from my previous post… I have three current goals. 1. live and work overseas. 2. have a home. 3. finish a degree. I never thought I may be able to accomplish all three by doing the Peace Corps. But, as my fate would have it, it just may be possible by starting an online degree while I’m here and using the re-settling in allowance for a potential down payment upon return. J

 

 

Blurb about rafting

About a month ago I went rafting on the great Rile River. The source of the Nile is Lake Victoria in Uganda, near Jinja town.  Sorry, didn’t take any pictures. But here’s the highlights: Several, several grade 5 rapids and real water falls. I wasn’t scared going into it. I’ve been rafting before, in Chile during a study abroad. But, let me tell ya on a rapid they call the ‘G’ spot I really thought I was going to die. I had fallen out of the boat before and made it back to the raft with out any problems. The ‘G’ spot was a different story. It was extra long and powerful. The current kept pushing me down again and again. And, I needed to breathe. Just when I thought I made it back up to the surface, I was pushed back down by another rapid and took in more water. I have never felt this way. The key is to not freak out. But, when you are under water being tossed around without a sense of which way is up – who doesn’t freak out? Death by drowning is no way to go.

 

The rapids eventually calmed down. I hacked and coughed my way into some sort of composure, laid on my back with my feet up and just drifted until a rescue kayak came to pick me and bring me back to the raft. As they hauled my exhausted body back into the raft, I thought…Man; I can’t believe I just paid money to feel that way. Will I do that again? No, I don’t think so!

 

Moments thus far in Kampala

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. It seems for one reason or another I end up coming into Kampala about once a month. Could include: medical visits, passing through on the way to a training/conference or just for some good ol’R&R.

 

Each visit opens a world of possibilities I never knew existed. Maybe a newfound resource or contact through the Peace Corps office, a great Indian restaurant, city night life and ‘muzungu’ hang outs, an easier route from the taxi park to my hotel, a near by supermarket that has the crackers and peanut butter that I like (still not as good as American peanut butter) or discovering a different suburb of the city.

 

This recent visit included a tour of the US Embassy here in Uganda. Impressive, just about sums it up. All of our jaws dropped at the site of the building. I think it is fair to assume it’s the largest Embassy in Uganda. I’ve passed by several European Embassies while walking along the road. They are nice. But, the US Embassy was like an institution. What a presence.

 

Our tour included briefings from some Embassy staff, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Consular Office and from USAID. It was a theoretical ‘Career Day’ for anyone considering life in the Foreign Service. I really enjoyed it. Why is that? Maybe because the thought of working life back in the States seems to be an enormous monster, ready to suck my very essence of being only to recycle it back into the masses. Am I jaded? Or, do I just know what I want and not willing to settle for less?

 

Meeting these people and hearing their stories validates my desire for life outside the US. It really is possible. Life and work over seas is a far cry from my upbringing and family history back in Michigan. I like to think I am paving the way for future generations to think outside of the box, outside of what they see day in and day out. Coming from a strong blue-collar, low to mid class family makes one better equipped for life in a developing country -  Being able to relate to people on a tangible level through struggle, hard work and dreams allows for trust, honesty and patience.

 

My most recent great time in Kampala included several soul comforting hot showers, a homemade meal and easy conversation with a new found friend, the music of John Mayer, James Blunt and listening to old pod casts of the NPR show – The News from Lake Wobegon. Oh, and I can’t forget the newest great find… DVD’s of seasons one and two of Grey’s Anatomy. Some days I have all I enjoy of American culture right at my fingertips.

 

 

One of my first meals in the new place!

One of my first meals in the new place!
Originally uploaded by Carrie May.

Thanks to Aunt Jen for the spagetti sauce mix and Aunt Lisa for the Oprah magazines!