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
Recently Group 134 had our one-year anniversary in Thailand; you might have seen the video on Instagram. Thinking about being here for an entire year, looking back over everything that has happened and the differences between PST and Site… it’s a lot. I’ve grown so much. And it makes me excited for what you, Group 135 Trainees, will be able to say about your service a year from now!
It might seem like forever away, but I promise it is right around the corner. And yet, there is so much waiting for you between now and then! Here are some things we’ve identified that make all the pressure of PST: long days, studying, confusion, stress, and whatever other negative feelings you might be having all worth it (on top of all the laughter, friendships, new experiences and every other amazing thing you’ve already discovered). It just gets better from here!
Raynna and friends taking on Thailand!
“Getting to know the volunteers before site placement, so you have a buddy to call when you need to vent or chat when feeling lonely/lost.” -Raynna, YinD
“You will grow so much in a multitude of ways. From personal growth to learning about the Thai language and culture, you have so much to be proud of when you look back at what you’ve done and feel excited for what more you will do!” -Conor Gill, TESS
“All the little things.” -Libby, YinD
Bianca with her students
“100000% the students. They are going to be so excited you’re there. Their smiles will lift your spirits on the hardest days.” -Bianca, TESS
“When you start to see the ripple effect you have on your community, teachers, and students, it makes all the hard work worth it.” -Isaura Bozu, TESS
“The relationships you will build. Whether it is a 5-minute interaction, 2-month host stay, or 2-year site buddy.” -Kashmin Dalal, TESS
Kiddos at Cadi’s House playing Crazy 8s
“Kids will scream your name and run after you for hugs while you bike down the road. It’s incredibly heartwarming.” -Cadi Duncan, TESS
“Coming into your community with an open heart, and open mind and opening up the possibilities.” -James Mycek, TESS
“Finally getting to serve! Getting to go into the day saying, “How can I help someone today?” while not quite knowing what that answer will be is the best part of being a Volunteer.” -Bradford Reszel, TESS
Pa Nhue’s Site in the North
“The beauty that is waiting to be discovered in your host site and community.” -Pa Nhue Vue, YinD
“Getting to site. Learning all about a new area of Thailand and the people who live there in your community.” -Annalise, TESS
“The fact I get to wake up in an incredibly beautiful setting and work with truly the kindest community I have ever met.” -Anonymous
Kyra’s Wonderful Welcoming Committee at Site
“Knowing that I never would have met all these wonderful people, or had any of these amazing experiences if I hadn’t taken the chance and gotten on that plane. It is irreplicable. – Kyra O’Connell, TESS
“The people I have met. Thailand has some of the most welcoming and kind people I have ever met. I have formed life long friendships.” -Anonymous
“Being able to put down roots and develop relationships. It takes a while but is so rewarding.” -Virginia Jackson, TESS
Read more installments in the Welcome Volunteers! series.
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