Welcome Volunteers! is a multi-part, limited series of advice and tips for the new cohort preparing for service in Thailand. Each installment will focus on a theme of advice from members of Peace Corps Thailand Groups 133 & 134, compiled by Teresa Derr. Graphic created by Kayla Kawalec.
Teresa Derr, 134 YinD
My program manager came to visit me recently, checking to see how I was doing at my site. It was a great visit, in large part because I feel I am doing so well at my site! I have so much support, so many incredible students, and too many ideas to realistically implement in this next year (though I’m going to try!). It was amazing to look back over the past (almost) year I’ve been here and marvel at how far I’ve come! So much has happened: hard things, wonderful things, a few tears, a lot of laughs, and just all around a fabulous experience. I’m so excited you trainees are finally here, in the country, at the start of it all! I can’t wait to meet some of you and support you on your journey.
PST could have been a lifetime ago or it could have just been last week for how fast the time has flown. I remember how daunting it was, how stressful it was, and also how amazing it was. I remember getting thrown into teaching halfway through and feeling so very not ready, but also, I remember how well it turned out and how easy the students made it! So, as you’re here, ready to start this prologue into this new chapter of your life, here are some quotes from us current volunteers to encourage you as you go through these first days. And since you’re in country, reach out!! You’ll be seeing some of us very soon, as resource volunteers; get our Line or Whatsapp contacts, ask us questions, and, most of all, have fun!
“The thing I most wanted to hear at Staging is: it’s okay to be scared. In all the prepping and staging and even those first few days getting in country, Peace Corps asks 100% commitment and advises not going to site unless you’re really sure you can do this. But the more they repeated that, the more stress and self-doubt I had. I can’t see the future. I don’t know if I can do this, but I can dedicate myself to just putting one foot in front of the other, every day. You’ll never really know what you’re getting into until you do this thing. 27 months is a long time and you can’t predict what will happen. But I’ll never regret taking the steps that lead me here, 9 months into service, and I don’t think you will either. Take the step.“
-Kyra O’Connell, TESS
“Stick-to-itiveness“
-Symon Majewski, TESS
“It can be overwhelming at first, but everything falls into place as you go along. Don’t worry about what you need to do, just show up for the kids.”
-Raynna, YinD
“Thai people are excited to share their culture with you….be OPEN. Try new things!”
-Anonymous
“Be an observer. Truly try to listen and watch before you make any judgements. Be aware of your biases. Ask thoughtful questions.“
-Cadi Duncan, TESS
“You will come across many challenges. Just know that these moments of stress or anxiety will pass. Also, don’t compare yourself to others as we are all different and what could be challenging for someone, may not be for you and vice-versa. Believe in yourself and have good systems in place for yourself so when these moments happen, you are ready to deal with them. Be open to conversations and have patience.”
-Conor Gill, TESS
“Get plenty of rest, listen to the Thai staff – they are excellent, and ready your emails and materials. Everything you need to know is there.”
-Anonymous
“Try to sleep in a non-AC room during PST, at least 3 times before getting to site. You might be lucky and have AC there but I doubt you’ll have it during any scout or school activities. Just nice to be aware of what it’s like.”
-Annalise, TESS
“If it works for you, please do the following. Create a work schedule for yourself: Write it out, and plan it day by day, and week by week. Try and create it on holidays (when you will have the most free time). Make sure to leave – in the weekly schedule – time to have free time to yourself (to de-stress, to reflect, to relax).”
-James Mycek, TESS
“Just like when you turn 18 and legally become an adult, finishing PST and swearing in doesn’t automatically mean you feel ready. Just embrace the unknown. If something feels wrong, speak up.”
-Annalise, TESS
“We, as a collective, are striving for the same goals in the country and want to support you in whatever way possible! Enjooooy every day. PST is what you make of it, whatever you put in, you’ll get out. Reach out to people for help, for friendship, for a laugh :)”
-Kashmin Dalal, TESS
“Please don’t lose sight of how important it is to build relationships with the people around you; the impact of that will last much longer than any project you work on. Thailand is better than I dared to hope for. Even the hard days are like living in a dream.“
-Libby, YinD
“Believe it or not, you’ll reach a point when you’ve lived here long enough that you’ll look back on PST nostalgically.”
-Symon Majewski, TESS
Read more installments in the Welcome Volunteers! series.
Sticky Rice 
Share your thoughts