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Returning to the states as a 24 year old RPCV I found that while prospective employers were always duly impressed at my service they had no idea what types of skills it had given me that would be relevant to the job I was applying for.  It took me several years and much frustration to be able to accurately articulate what I learned teaching subsistence farming techniques in West Africa and how that could help me in a career in 21st century America. 

I also found that while I was away, most of my peers had continued or begun paths from college related to relationships and career, and when I came back I felt woefully behind in these areas.  One of the things that is less talked about related to Peace Corps Service is how difficult it is to remove yourself completely from your circle of influence not once but twice within the span of three years.  Once when leaving home and then once again when leaving your new home overseas. 

posted 2 years, 2 months ago
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