I've always known that I wanted to help people. Whether it was people in America or people around the world, I’ve considered myself a global citizen or some time. Getting the chance to serve in Thailand has been a life changing experience. Although it has been life changing, that doesn't mean it hasn’t been without its challenges.
As I celebrate Black History Month, I reflect on and am reminded of the seemingly insurmountable challenges my ancestors have gone through. It is not without them that I have the privilege to serve in Peace Corps Thailand. As Oprah Winfrey says, "we get to see and feel the sense of connection to our past that allows us step out of our history and into a future brighter than any of them could have imagined. - @jacob.milton.96 “We have thrived with
passion,
compassion,
humor,
and style.
The nights were long.
The wounds were deep.
The pit has been dark.
Its walls were steep.
Now,
clap hands!
Celebrate!
We deserve it.” —Maya Angelou
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#howiseepc #peacecorps #peacecorpsthailand #englishteaching #thailand #teachabroad #internationaldevelopment #serviceabroad #peacecorpslife #blackhistorymonth #bhm #hairlove
In the states I come from a huge family with deep roots in activism and humanitarianism. It naturally made sense for me to want to join the Peace Corps, so when then opportunity arose, I jumped. I chose Thailand because it is the only country in Asia to never have been colonized by Europe and as a Black American, that concept was mind blowing for me. I had never stepped foot on land that wasn't stolen or cultivated by a stolen people. I'm excited to be here in Thailand, as a Black American woman to experience the rich culture that is so deeply engrained here whilst also sharing my own lived experiences.
I was really apprehensive moving to Thailand because of the color of my skin. Living in a culture that glorifies skin bleaching had me beyond nervous. Today a man in my community approached me and in front of everyone, told me in Thai that the hue of my skin was beautiful. Even though it was one person, one view and one moment, I felt this immense sense of peace. His skin was the same color as mine and he created a space where we were both validated. I'm going to continue creating these spaces on my own from here on out.☺️ - @kayla.myelle
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#howiseepc #peacecorps #Blackgirlmagic #myBlackisBeautiful #peacecorpsthailand #englishteaching #thailand #teachabroad #internationaldevelopment #serviceabroad #peacecorpslife #blackhistorymonth #bhm
As the 27-month service of Group 130 comes to an end, we – Group 131 – have found ourselves reflecting on all that you have done to teach us, encourage us, and help us become better volunteers than we could have ever been without you. We have so many reasons to thank you, so many memories we will hold onto to encourage us to guide the next group as you have guided us.
Thank you, Group 130 and third year 129. We can’t thank you enough. Instead, we want to share with you all that you taught us.
Visit the website in our bio link for the lessons we learned from Group 130 and third year 129.
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#howiseepc #peacecorps #PCVCOS #peacecorpsthailand #englishteaching #thailand #teachabroad #internationaldevelopment #serviceabroad #peacecorpslife
