Obama's Second Inauguration

I got a golden ticket!  The US Presidential Inauguration Committee allocates tickets to each Congressional office to award to constituents based on a lottery system.  I applied for tickets through each of my Alaska representatives' offices, and was awarded two tickets to Obama's second Inauguration, held on January 21, 2013.  My friend Adrien (also from Alaska) and I attended, braving the cold and the crowds to witness history!

For President Obama's first Inauguration in 2009, I was in Miami, Florida about to depart for my Peace Corps service in Nicaragua.  Wow, how time has gone by!  I remember the excitement and the energy my fellow volunteers and I felt as we boarded the plane to leave the country, with Obama just being sworn in.  We were on a "service high," and ready to work for our country.  Four years later, the excitement has lessened, and my idealism has been tempered by the very real hardship I experienced in Peace Corps.  However, my admiration for President Obama continues and I was very excited to be able to attend the Inauguration.

Here in DC, I live very close to the National Mall and the US Capitol, so thankfully Adrien and I got to skip the horrendous commute.  We got in line at about 8 AM, and quickly went through security (there were airport TSA screeners).  The photo below shows the lines to enter the white tents where the metal detectors were located.  The attendees to this Inauguration estimated to be about half of those in 2009, drawing 1 million people to DC.

The ceremonies started around 11 AM.  Adrien and I were in the "yellow standing area" behind the Capitol reflecting pool.  People brought blankets, picnic food, and plenty of warm clothing because it was very cold!  (Of course, it was also very sunny with blue skies, so on TV, it looked like an amazing day.  I, on the other hand, couldn't feel my hands or feet most of the morning). Obama scarves, hats, gloves, pins, and t-shirts were everywhere.  Some attendees had also been to his Inauguration in 2009; others had traveled from far away to attend for the first time.  During the down time between when we entered the secure area to when the festivities began, we chatted with other people, jumped around to keep warm, and people-watched.  This kid in the photo below even decided to take a nap on the grass while we waited...  I liked his initiative.

The view of the crowds looking behind us toward the Washington Monument

The ceremony did not disappoint.  Although we had to rely on the jumbo TV screens to see exactly what was happening, it was exhilarating to be in the presence of so many amazing leaders and even celebrities.  Obama's speech was inspiring; I especially enjoyed his focus on climate change.

The view of the Capitol from where we stood

After the ceremony ended in the early afternoon, Adrien and I stumbled home through the crowds to take hot baths and nap.  The city was abuzz all evening; I live near the Washington Convention Center where the official Inaugural Ball was held, and all night long I could hear helicopters, sirens, and yelling out in the streets.  ATVs had replaced many vehicles in the streets around my house since traffic was in gridlock, blocking any other way of transporting VIPs and others who needed to get places quickly.  Happy Hours, special Inauguration brunches, and parties were held all over DC throughout the day.  While I spend the rest of Inauguration Day 2013 sleeping, I was content in the fact that I had actually been there that morning and witnessed this historic event.

Life Lessons from Pitbull

So, hopefully you're at least somewhat familiar with the Cuban-American rapper known as "Pitbull." He also goes by the aliases Mr. 305, Mr. Worldwide, and his given name, Armando Cristian Perez.  He is 31 years old and grew up in Miami, Florida, born to Cuban parents.  Pitbull's style of music is eclectic, and has been changing as he gains popularity and appeals to wider audiences: Latin rap, reggaeton, hip hop, electronic, house, and pop.  I started listening to his music in college, loving his reggaeton beats.  When I lived in Nicaragua during the Peace Corps, his music surrounded me, and my fellow volunteers and I turned into forever fans.  We continue to listen to his songs back in the USA, converting many others to Pitbull-worship as well.  His music is so happy and optimistic, you can tell he loves his life, despite his rough upbringing.

Now, there are many "haters" out there who would disrespect Pitbull and belittle his music and lifestyle.  Recently, Pitbull - who promotes a certain brand of energy strips sold in Walmart stores - agreed to visit whichever Walmart got the most "likes" on its Facebook page.  A writer at a Boston newspaper thought it would be funny to "exile" Pitbull to the most remote Walmart in the US, in Kodiak, Alaska.  Of course, since I'm from Alaska and a Pitbull fan, I took offense at this practical joke.  The whole scenario actually ended quite well, with both Pitbull and the Boston writer visiting the Kodiak Walmart, and having a great time.  Who knows what drove the writer's negative feelings toward Pitbull: jealousy, annoyance at his confidence and swagger?? We will never know, but we can rest assured nothing will slow Pitbull down.

I've wanted to write this blog for a while as a counter to the negative opinions I hear about Pitbull (see example at left).  Like most rap and reggaeton music, his songs can be degrading toward women at times.  However, I believe that Pitbull has his priorities in order, works hard, and respects his fans and the Latino population.  His unabashed pride in who he is and where he comes from is admirable and in many ways he is a great role model.  I have found Pitbull's music and his persona to be inspiring, and indeed he has taught me many life lessons.  Read and learn.


1. He remembers his roots; he doesn't change who he is.  Pitbull remains true to himself, being a voice for the Latino-Americans in the US.  Over the years he's been in the public eye, he hasn't significantly altered who he is or tried to hide his background.  He is proud to be Cuban-American, often raps in Spanish, and always remembers he is first and foremost from "the 305," Dade County in Miami.
2. He learns from his mistakes. Pitbull began rapping in high school after his mother kicked him out for dealing drugs. After this setback, he managed to graduate and began to focus on his career, hanging out in clubs and performing wherever he could. He never went back to drug dealing.
3. "Haters gonna hate." This popular saying is commonly spoken by Pitbull, who has his fair share of critics and "haters."  However, he has embraced this criticism and the idea that "haters gonna hate," realizing that it's very hard to change the mind of a negative person.  You have to learn to live with the negative feelings being projected upon you, and the best mechanism for dealing with it is to ignore it and move on.
4. Optimism is the best policy.  In his music and his life, Pitbull has overcome adversity to stay positive and optimistic.  I think this has led him to success, and it's an infectious quality that his fans appreciate.
5. He isn't afraid to dance.  More people should dance with abandon like Pitbull.  Just watch this video if you don't believe me.
6. Work hard, play hard.  Pitbull always talks about how he got himself to where he is today: through hard work and by never giving up.  He sets a good example to younger generations, yet also balances his life with enough fun to make it worthwhile.
7. He's not afraid of making fun of himself.  On Pitbull's Facebook page, he regularly posts internet jokes that are aimed at him: his lack of creativity in his rapping, his obsession with the female rear end, etc., but he turns the jokes around and finds humor in them as well.  He's not too self-absorbed to fail to laugh at himself, and he doesn't take himself too seriously.  I really admire that.
8. Family is important.  Like any good Latino, he always "shouts out" to his family in his songs, and you know that it is one of the most important things in his life.
9. He respects his mom and the ladies.  Pitbull often mentions his mother in his songs.  As a single mom, she struggled to make ends meet by working two jobs.  Pitbull shuttled from one run-down home to another, even spending time with a foster family in Georgia.  Rather than becoming hardened at bitter through this experience, he came out of it stronger and with a deep love and respect for single mothers and how hard women work to keep families together. The lyrics from his recent song with Jennifer Lopez say it best,"We're cheering to everything the women do...single ladies, single mothers, and those that are out there just working hard."

10. He believes in collaboration.  It's a running joke how much Pitbull collaborates and sings with other artists (see below):

 

Yet, his ability to work with dozens of artists across the musical spectrum is quite amazing.  He appeals to a variety of ethnicities and ages through his collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Akon, Alejandro Sanz, and The Wanted.

So, in conclusion, I hope you'll take a listen to a few of his songs.  One of my favorites is Echa Pa'alla which tells you to throw all of the negativity in your life away.  Rain Over Me with Marc Anthony is also a great song.

And I hope after listening and learning more about him, you'll jump on the Pitbull train with me, because hey, haters are gonna hate.

Hillary Clinton Comes to Georgetown!

Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Georgetown University last week to speak about "Energy Diplomacy in the 21st Century."  I was one of the lucky few who stood in line and was able to see her speak.  Being from Alaska, the topic of energy is of particular importance to me.  It is surely one of the largest challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and beyond.

My ticket!

 Seeing Secretary Clinton in person was surreal.  She was my first "political celebrity," yet her voice, mannerisms, way of speaking, and even her hair was already familiar to me.  I greatly admire her leadership and what she has done at the US State Department since being appointed by President Obama in 2009.

Dean Carol Lancaster (Dean of Georgetown School of Foreign Service), and Secretary Clinton

Clinton’s speech came a year after the State Department established the Bureau of Energy Resources, which leads the State Department’s diplomatic efforts on energy. “In the coming weeks, I will be sending policy guidance to every U.S. embassy worldwide,” she said, “instructing them to elevate their reporting on energy issues and pursue more outreach to private sector energy partners."

Video of her speech on Energy Diplomacy and transcript is available here. If any other political celebs visit, I'll try and be first in line!

Welcome to DC!

Adios Alaska, hello Washington, DC!  I've officially transplanted myself to the east coast and have been living here for 6 weeks now.  Graduate school started a month ago, and I'm in the midst of writing papers and preparing for mid-term examinations.  I have a new roommate, apartment, and new friends, but I'm still the same old Penny (just slightly more stressed and busy).

Row Houses

If you were wondering, graduate school at Georgetown is no joke.  I knew going back to school would be difficult, but this is quite intense.  I've been trying to make a concerted effort not to "complain" about school or try and get sympathy from my social networks (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) (I mean, I chose to come here and I'm paying lots of money for it, so why complain?), so I'll try keep it brief here, too.  Basically, I feel like I could be studying or reading about 12 hours/day, and I would still have more work I could do.  One of the biggest hurdles I'm facing is actually remembering how to be an efficient student again: note-taking during class, reading comprehension, critical thinking, concentration under pressure, time management, eliminating distractions...  It's been four years since I left undergrad, so it's been a while...  And Georgetown is more intense than any other educational experience I've had before.  I feel challenged, but as I told my mom, "I'm treading water, I'm not drowning yet!"

Georgetown University (bears a resemblance to Hogwarts Castle, eh?)

My classmates are very interesting and diverse; arguably the best part of the program (besides its location in DC).  About 40% of my incoming class (there are a little over 90 of us), is international.  Students have come from Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Germany, France, Spain, Columbia, Australia, Singapore, China, Japan, Moldova, Dominican Republic....  Of course, there are students from all over the United States as well (even another girl who grew up in Alaska!)  It's amazing to hear the different accents, opinions, languages, and stories from this diverse group.  What is even more intriguing is that we all share certain things in common: interest in the international community, intercultural interaction, politics, and the improvement of our shared world.  We've been organizing barbeques, parties and happy hours; along with study groups, and study sessions.  This makes for some extreme bonding.  Although I've only known my classmates for a month, I feel very close to many of them.  I know this group of people will be very important for the rest of my life, professionally and personally.  It reminds me a lot of Peace Corps: a small group of people going through the exact same experience together for two years, sharing the same stresses and joys.

My program's student lounge

Working on our international economics course

I've been trying to get out as much as I can into DC and nearby areas when I can escape from studying.  The summer is winding down and the weather is beautiful now.  Apples, pumpkins, and yellow leaves are everywhere.  Young people are the majority in this city and there is always something going on: concerts, cultural events, poetry slams, international leaders speaking, film festivals, new Smithsonian exhibits, disc golf tournaments...  I'm in a bit of shock after two years in rural Nicaragua, and a year in dark, cold Alaska.

Farmer's Market

Georgetown Law School Library I often read in

Washington, DC is very diverse.  On my walk from my apartment to the metro, I pass through a largely African-American neighborhood with a soup kitchen and large homeless population, the "Chinatown" neighborhood with its endless dumpling and noodle restaurants, and the Georgetown Law School, which is full of very smart (mainly white) students.  It's quite the juxtaposition...  DC is so small and so diverse, you can walk a few blocks and be a world away from where you started.  Obscure cuisine like Ethiopian is "big" in DC, also brunch and "Happy Hour" (illegal back home in Alaska since it promotes drinking).  I'm enjoying observing a lot of what goes on around me; people watching provides endless entertainment. 

View of the US Capitol building from the top of my apartment complex

More to come soon (and hopefully better written and better organized).  I just wanted to jot down a few of my recent thoughts about DC and graduate school and share some photos.

No Love for Sitka??

This month, there was a buzz in my hometown of Sitka over an article in an Australian newspaper over a botched trip to Alaska.  The article, What's the Value of a Wasted Day in Alaska? tells the story of a group of Australian tourists who come to Southeast Alaska on a seven-day cruise, hoping to see the town of Skagway.  Instead, they are stuck in Sitka, on what they call "a wasted day."  After returning to Australia, they sued the travel agency that had stuck them on the cruise (although it was really their own fault for not reading the tour itinerary beforehand).  Each of the six tourists who sued were awarded $250 in damages.

I have quite a few problems with these Aussies and their argument that a day in Sitka, my beloved hometown, was "wasted."  They argued that Skagway was superior.  As the visitor guides tout, "a place where romance and excitement of yesteryear linger around every street corner...the sounds of bar-room pianos and boomtown crowds ring out into the night."  While that may have been true back in Gold Rush days, Skagway is now a town that exists to cater to summer tourists.  During the winter, it's population is miniscule. Most people who work at the saloons, gift shops, and plentiful jewelery and fur stores are from outside of Alaska, or even out of the country.  I'm sure it's a fun place to be; several of my college friends have worked for may summers in Skagway.  Pretty much every cruise ship that visits Southeast stops in Skagway since it has a deepwater port that can accomodate many ships and is the gateway to the mainland and the rest of Alaska (Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Anchorage...)  Sitka is quite different, and in my biased opinion, a better option if one wants the real Alaskan experience.

Sitka was the Capital of Russian America when they occupied Alaska, and was the site of the transfer ceremony when Russia sold Alaska to the US in 1867.  Sitka is like the Granada, Spain of Alaska; a place where different cultures melded and clashed.  While we don't have the Christians, Moors and Jewish history Granada does, historic battles over culture, religion and ownership of the land and resources between the Tlingit Natives and Russians occured throughout the town.  This has left behind a rich history to the area.  We are located on an island on the edge of the Pacific, a wonderful place for both salmon and halibut fishing.  Mt. Edgecumbe volcano looms just miles from town; hiking and kayaking is accesible and breathtaking; Russian and Tlingit dance groups perform daily; and our downtown shops are less focused on selling furs and jewelry to tourists than they are on supporting local families.  Sitka is the most pictureque town in Alaska, and there are abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.  Okay, okay, perhaps these disgruntled Australian tourists visited Sitka on a rainy day.  Yes, the weather here is not for the faint of heart or the easily depressed.  We get more rain than sun (around 90 inches and 232 precipitation days annually) and this can make the town dreary and sleepy.  I'll give those Australians the benefit of the doubt and muse that it must have been raining, since any person in their right mind who saw Sitka on a sunny day would definitely not be dissapointed.

I'll let some photos of Sitka speak for themselves. 

And now, here is a photo of Skagway.  Think any more cruise ships could fit in there??

I'll just let the photos speak for themselves.  I'm sure Skagway has its charms, but I would bet that you'd be more likely to have an authentic Alaskan experience in Sitka.  Australian tourists, feel free to come visit again.  I'll personally show you a great time in Sitka!

Graduate School and Debt - The Big Decision

I've been back in the United States for a year now. Wow!  The familiar weight of my iPhone is a constant presence in my hand or pocket, and my fingers can type a text message without my eyes' help anymore.  I've become accustomed to drinking tap water and not getting sick, I can sleep through the night without worrying about my house getting broken into, hot showers no longer feel like a luxury, and I'm beginning to lose my taste for beans.  My Spanish doesn't come as easily as it did, but I cultivate it through monthly calls with Nicaraguan friends on Skype.  I'm officially converting back into an American again... We all knew this day was coming.

When I first arrived home, it was initially hard to find a job.  For the summer, I worked as a sales associate at an outerwear store.  I was grateful to have something, but I was starting to freak out about my future.  Then an opportunity came up to work at an Alaskan foundation that grants millions to nonprofit organizations in our state every year.  I worked there as a temporary employee for four months, getting my feet back on the "professional ground" as it were, and remembering what it was like to be in an office and work at a computer every day.  After that, I moved to Alaska's capital city, Juneau to work as a Legislative Aide for the Alaska State Senate, a position I currently hold. 

Working for the Legislature has been a whirlwind experience.  This is my first experience with state government and policy making and I felt like I was trying to drink from a fire hose.  Every day brought new challenges and the short 90 day legislative session put everything in a time crunch.  Working late and on the weekends was normal for our office, so the fact that Alaska received record snowfall this winter didn't phase me much; I was inside for most of it. 

Despite these great jobs, my long-held goal of earning my Master's degree persists, and I applied to several schools to study international relations.  I have accepted admission at Georgetown University and will begin graduate studies in the Master of Science in Foreign Service program this fall.  While I'm excited to begin school and live in Washington DC, I waffled over the decision as I thought about the repercussions of taking out large student loans.

I applied to schools without thinking about the cost of attendance; I just wanted to see where I could get in.  Now that the decision is finally upon me, I'm realizing that taking out around $80K in loans is no joke.  I have no loans from undergraduate study, and I appreciate and enjoy the freedom this gives me in my life.  Having my Master's will undoubtedly open professional doors that would have been inaccessible otherwise, and allow me to earn more over my lifetime, but it also means that I will have to be working from the moment of graduation until they are paid off (possible 10+ years). 

As I contemplated this decision, I looked to many friends and family for advice.  Everyone told me something different.  "Debt is just part of life," some would tell me.  "Don't take out more loans than you can expect to make in your first year after graduation," was another piece of advice I often heard.  "Follow your heart!" my friends would say.  "Move to California with me!" one friend countered (I do have to say this was the most tempting option...) 

I stumbled across a great blog by a Harvard University Master's of Business Administration (MBA) graduate: www.nomoreharvarddebt.com  He chronicles his journey into over $100K of debt, and how even after making 21 payments of over $1000, he still owes over $90K due to accumulating interest.  He sees his life being eclipsed by a downward spiral of debt, but is smart enough to take drastic measures (selling off cars, motorcycles, getting roommates, living more frugally...) and pays off all his loans within seven months.  Of course, a lot of this is a no-brainer.  If paying off the debt is really a priority for someone, they can make it happen (of course, it helps to have a Harvard MBA and a well-paying job like the blogger does, too)  As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, I already know how to live frugally, but this is harder to do in the US vs. a developing country.  I'm not a great budgeter, but I think that's because I've never really had to do so before.  I've always had "enough" money to get by and with merit scholarships paying for virtually all of my undergraduate education, I've been able to spend my summer earnings how I pleased.  I know I could work another year or two in the job I have now to save money for graduate school (it's a great job, really), but I'm ready to leave Alaska and advance my education, despite the inherent loans.

I ultimately decided that graduate school at Georgetown University is the best path for me right now.  I've visited the campus a few times, met and spoken with several professors and students, and am familiar with the DC area after living there for an internship in 2008.  I've decided to go for the debt, and I'm at peace with the decision.  Let's just hope all goes as planned (I remember when I joined Peace Corps in January 2009, I thought the recession would be long gone by the time I returned in 2011.  Not so...)

I'm excited to begin this new chapter in my life, although starting school again is intimidating.  I'm going to try and update my blog more often now that I'll be leaving Alaska and my life will probably (*hopefully*) get a little more interesting.  Who knows, maybe I'll start blogging about my own student loan debt, too... But for now, I'm just savoring the sweet feeling of having made my decision, and looking forward to an upcoming winter spent outside of Alaska.

Summer Jobs for Teens - A Thing of the Past?

Today, I read an article about how the typical "summer job" for teens is fading away.  With a U.S. economy that is trickling along, more young adults are taking entry-level positions and seasonal jobs that teens would normally fill. 

The article states that fewer than 3 in 10 Americans teenagers hold seasonal jobs.  This is really hard for me to believe.  Perhaps that is because I've spent most of my summers in Alaska, which despite the economic downturn, has summer economy that provides as many jobs as a kid can take on, and still has to bring in folks from out of state to fill positions. 

I started working at the age of 16 at a local museum and gift shop.  My summers were filled with selling Alaska trinkets and souvenirs, and giving detailed historical tours about my community of Sitka.  This job undoubtedly increased my public speaking abilities, self-confidence, and not to mention gave me some cash to do my own back to school shopping in August.  We all know the benefits of having a job for a young person: increased problem-solving skills and ability to work in a group, learning the value of money, respect for others, time management... After my job at the museum, I went on to work at several other summer jobs up until I was 23: Naturalist/tour guide on a glass-bottom boat, server at a fishing lodge, housekeeper at another fishing lodge, ATV tour shore representative, and sales associate at an outerwear store/gift shop.  The money I earned during these summer jobs allowed me to have more freedom to open up a debit card account, buy the CDs I wanted, go to the movies, and later on, help pay college tuition.

As a teen, I recall hearing of cousins around my age who lived in other states and had trouble finding summer jobs.  Also, European friends my age said it was virtually impossible to find summer employment growing up.  My Alaskan friends and I balked at this.  What the heck did one do in the summer if you didn't work??  An economist for the Federal Reserve point out that jobless teens are not utilizing their time to go to summer school or do other college-preparatory work.  His analysis of government data found that jobless teens across all income groups were often spending the extra time watching TV, playing video games and sleeping rather than on educational activities.  I would recommend that teens who are unable to find work to seek volunteer opportunities and community involvement to have something on their resumes to highlight when they apply for college.  While jobs may be hard to get in this economy for the young and under-skilled, I know that employers and institutions of higher education look highly upon self-motivation and commitment to service in a young person.

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/06/13/2502888/economy-cultural-changes-mean.html#storylink=cpy

I'm glad I was able to grow up in a place where summer employment was the norm, and even an expected part of one's yearly routine.  I think that living in Southeast Alaska also fosters entrepreneurship in its residents, urging people to tak advantage of the tourism and natural resources potential around them. 

I'm sad to see the decline of the "summer job," and I urge any young person in the "lower 48" states to come on up to Alaska if they're wondering what hard seasonal work is like.  I can guarantee you can find at least three jobs to suit you, although the price of a gallon of milk, or a week's worth of rent in this state may be the harder part to swallow...

Alaska Sudan Medical Project

I wrote the following blog post for my job at the Rasmuson Foundation.  It will soon be published on Rasmuson's blog, but I also wanted to share it here:

Earlier this year, I returned to Alaska after 27 months of U.S. Peace Corps service in Central America. I worked as a community health volunteer in Nicaragua, the second-poorest country in the western hemisphere (after Haiti). The often deplorable living conditions I experienced and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health’s lack of resources were astounding. Water and vector-borne diseases were rampant, and many people lacked the resources to purchase a simple tube of toothpaste, let alone vital medications. Despite these hurdles, I was inspired by Nicaraguan nurses and doctors who worked long hours trekking through rivers and over mountains in 90-plus degree heat, just to deliver a few drops of polio vaccine or to check-up on a newborn in a far-flung village.

After returning to Alaska, I began to search for local volunteer opportunities. A friend told me of the famed Dr. Jill Seaman and her involvement with the nonprofit, the Alaska Sudan Medical Project (ASMP). Since 1989, Seaman has split her time between Bethel, Alaska working for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and in the outer reaches of South Sudan in Africa.

In July 2011, after more than 50 years of bloodshed, Africa’s largest country split in two and the Republic of South Sudan became the world’s newest nation. I thought Nicaragua had dire health conditions, but after speaking with Dr. Jack Hickel, founder and board president of ASMP, I realized that South Sudan’s plight is much worse. The nascent country has no health care system and very limited access to infrastructure like running water or electricity. Hickel has a diploma in Tropical Medicine and began his work in Africa in 1982 as a medical missionary. In 2007, at Seaman’s invite, he visited the remote village of Old Fangak, South Sudan.


Dr. Seaman (left) and Dr. Hickel (right) at work

Hickel was shocked by the desperation and death he saw during his 10 days in the Old Fangak. The remote reaches of South Sudan carry some of the worst health statistics in the world. According to ASMP’s website, the infant mortality rate is 1,700 deaths per 100,000 births. Thirty-six percent of children are malnourished and just 10 percent of children have had full childhood immunizations. Due mainly to substandard healthcare, average life expectancy is just 42 years. Upon returning to Alaska, Hickel gathered together friends and supporters and formed ASMP.

With help from ASMP, the village of Old Fangak is now is in the process of building a health center. Past successful projects include completion of two wells, construction of six latrines, and the development of a vegetable garden small-business. ASMP strives for sustainable development where it works – ultimately providing jobs and opportunities for locals. Villagers have been trained to be community health workers (similar to Alaska’s Community Health Aide Program), or to work as welders. ASMP also hopes to train locals to use the drilling equipment and build new wells, creating a lasting impact in the region.

As Rasmuson Foundation’s visionary and former president, Elmer Rasmuson said, “Helping others is an Alaska tradition.” Seaman, Hickel and the over 30 volunteers who have traveled to Old Fangak since 2007 epitomize this Alaskan tradition.

Filmmaker and ASMP volunteer Todd Hardesty recently completed a video spotlighting the organization’s work entitled “The Village.” Portions of the video have been posted on ASMP’s YouTube channel. I had the opportunity to see part of the video at a recent ASMP fundraiser in Anchorage and was left speechless by the stunning contrast of the agony of human suffering and the beauty of the country and its people.

ASMP volunteers began the annual trek for the fall/winter building season in October and teams are still departing. Goals for this year include finishing the new health clinic building, beginning construction on a second clinic, completion of a water well, drilling of two wells in nearby villages, and fence construction around the medical compound.

Building the clinic

Seaman and Hickel remind me of the Nicaraguan counterparts I worked with in Peace Corps and admired for their perseverance and commitment to public health. I have been inspired to volunteer locally with ASMP, and I hope to make the trip myself to Old Fangak next year.  Many ASMP volunteers are spending this year’s holiday season in Old Fangak – a testament to their dedication and spirit of service. The tasks at hand for the new country are great; I am heartened to see an organization like ASMP that is leading the way in healthcare, development and service. To learn more, check out ASMP’s Facebook page.

Wasted Potential of RPCVs

I’ve been back in the U.S. for almost seven months now (Whoa, where did the time go?! I still feel like I just returned). While I have a job, albeit a temporary one, some of the returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) in my group and groups that followed mine are still jobless and trying to readjust to life in America. As I talk with my RPCV friends and read blogs, I realize this is quite common nationwide. Many dedicated, smart, responsible, young Americans are being under-utilized in this country, due in large part to the current economy. I see a lot of wasted potential and wonder, is this a Peace Corps epidemic?

When you return from Peace Corps, you feel on top of the world. You’ve accomplished something you set out to do – you pushed through 27 months of blood, sweat, and tears (not to mention vomit, diarrhea, dirt, manure and torrential rains). In Peace Corps, you command respect in your community.  You can call together a meeting of the mayor, local leaders, teachers and parents with a simple handwritten note. They will attend because you are the token American. Your opinion and you matter. After such a positive experience, you return to the U.S. ready for a change.  You're ready to see family and friends, enjoy creature comforts, and to make some money!

My Peace Corps cohort with our end of service certificates. 
Ready to go back to the U.S. - we had no idea what was coming....

But reality quickly sets in. Back in the U.S., you’re just another face in the crowd of 20-somethings looking for a job. Yes, Peace Corps sets you apart and can often make the difference when you’re looking for a job; but in the current economy, this might not matter. When my cohort left for Peace Corps (the day after President Obama was sworn-in), the economy was just beginning its downward spiral. We felt lucky; we were leaving at just the right time. By the time we finished our service, the economy would be on the upswing, right? Right? Wrong. The deep valley of the recession seems to have no end.

Looking at the RPCVs from my cohort, I see that a few are now in graduate school (the ones that filled out grad school applications while in Peace Corps - not an easy feat!), a few are working in professional jobs, but the majority seems to be struggling to answer the question of “what’s next?” One of my RPCV friends wrote on Facebook recently that she was “wondering what to do with this life??” Some, lacking direction or not wanting a long-term commitment, decide to do another stint in Peace Corps in the “Peace Corps Response” program. The Response program allows RPCVs to serve 6-12 months in Peace Corps’ countries working in more advanced and managerial positions than normal volunteers. Others join AmeriCorps or Teach for America, continuing in the theme of service, and still living in poverty. A few of my RPCV friends are working various part-time jobs and networking and applying with a vengeance to jobs in their career field. One girl has visited numerous RPCV career fairs in Chicago and Washington DC; applied to probably 50 jobs; flown out to DC two times for interviews; but she is still working as a part-time caterer and cow-milker. Way to use your youth, America.

I feel lucky to live in Alaska right now where the recession is being felt somewhat less than in most states. Jobs seem plentiful, and although they may not be in my idea career field (International Relations), I can get good experience and make some money to save up for graduate school and beyond. I get frustrated though when I see my RPCV friends’ Facebook updates and we talk on the phone. I can tell many of them are getting burned out in the job search and are starting to feel without direction and lost in the crowd. I know that I'm just one job offer away from that as well. Who knows, maybe if this goes on for long enough we’ll all go back to Nicaragua or maybe we’ll give up on the whole idea of a career and a successful life in the U.S altogether. Nah – we’re Peace Corps volunteers. We can take a beating and we come back for more. Anyone who has been puked on by multiple small children in a “chicken bus” or pooped their pants from a bacterial infection and lived to tell the tale should never be underestimated.

Shoes inspired by Peace Corps volunteers

SeaVees has come out with a shoe commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps.  See article here: NY Times

At $78, it's too bad current PC volunteers could never afford them!

Summer Hiking in Sitka

Since I’ve decided to stay in Sitka for the summer, I’ve been trying to make the most of small town island living by getting outdoors as much as possible. Usually I do this through hiking since Sitka has a wonderful trail system, maintained by a local nonprofit organization and the U.S. Forest Service.

Here are a few pictures from some of the hikes I’ve been doing with friends and family. Sadly, most of the big hikes we’ve done up the tallest mountains have happened to fall on cloudy, rainy days so the view was less than spectacular. We climbed Mt. Edgecumbe volcano one Saturday (14 miles round trip), but at the top were faced with less than 20 feet of visibility due to heavy fog at the crater. After so much work, it can be very frustrating to not be rewarded with the wonderful view you were waiting for, but I just have to remember that this is Southeast Alaska and rain is the norm…

We also hiked Harbor Mountain on a rare sunny day in Sitka (64 F!!) and I was reminded again how beautiful it is here and how lucky I am to be able to call Sitka home. I’m enjoying the summer here and while I can’t see myself living here long term, I do plan on enjoying all Sitka has to offer in the meantime!







Up the volcanic rock summit of Mt. Edgecumbe





My father and me hiking Mt. Verstovia



Looking down at town from Harbor Mountain



Peace Corps Nicaragua Reunion in Alaska!

Me, Danielle, Liz and Elisa

Although we spent about 27 months together in Nicaragua (in separate villages of course), apparently that wasn’t enough!  We just had to organize a post-Peace Corps (PC) reunion!  My good friends Elisa, Danielle and Liz who were in my same “group” of health volunteers during my PC service came this month for a two week trip to Sitka (my hometown) and Juneau.  The girls are from Minnesota, Texas and Oregon respectively, and this was their first time in “The Last Frontier.”  I was thrilled when they decided to do the trip last fall and we have been planning the trip using spreadsheets and Facebook groups for months.

Sunny Sitka!

Sitka's Mt. Edgecumbe volcano - it looked like it was erupting this night! (It is dormant however)

It was so nice to see their familiar faces again after having been back in the U.S. for a month.  We were able to re-connect, talk about readjustment to the U.S. and its culture, job-seeking, future plans, and our general feelings about life in America after Nicaragua.  After spending so much time together in PC training and finding weekends to be together throughout our service, I feel like I’ve known these girls my entire life.  After serving in PC, you find that no one quite understands what you’ve been through and can talk about it with you like other volunteers in your group.

Sitka National Historical Park (aka Totem Park)

We had fun seeing the sights of Alaska and enjoyed some amazing weather.  Although we had our share of rain and mist, we also had quite a few cloudless, sunny days with temperatures in the low 60s F (pretty good for southeast Alaska!)  We hiked a different trail just about every day, went camping at a beautiful Forest Service cabin outside of Sitka located right next to a natural hot springs, took the ferry to Juneau for a few days and saw the Mendenhall Glacier and the Alaskan Brewing Company, went out to Sitka’s “fisherman bars” – quite an experience, sang a lot of Nicaraguan reggaeton songs that we missed, made Nicaraguan food, gave a talk about PC and our service at the Sitka high school and the local library, and just sat around enjoying each other’s company and watched movies.  With just under 9,000 residents, Sitka is pretty small and the girls joked that after their two weeks here, they started to recognize most people in town.

The educational talk about Peace Corps we gave at the Sitka library

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

Juneau from above - we went up the Mt. Roberts tram

Hiking the glacier in Juneau

The chicas took off today and I already miss having three buddies to do things with.  I’m also a bit stressed about what’s next for me.  I haven’t planned much beyond this trip, and now that it’s over, I’m finding myself still conflicted about my next steps.  I’m debating between staying and working here in Sitka for the summer and living at home, or moving up to Anchorage (Alaska’s “big city”) and looking for work there and rooming with friends.  I plan on applying to graduate school this fall and would start in 2012, but after PC I realize that plans (even the well thought out ones) can change in a flash.  

Cabin we rented for a night

A friend we made

Nicaraguan food we made! (everything is basically fried...)

Like the "Words with Friends" iPhone app, but in real life!  Playing Scrabble...

I’m so happy that Danielle, Elisa and Liz were able to come up and I hope they had as much fun seeing my home state as I did showing it to them!  I enjoyed being a tourist as well as I showed them the sights and even learned a few things about Alaska myself! My family friends in Juneau the Trivettes, as well as my parents here in Sitka were wonderful and hospitable hosts.  We felt very cared for and I know the girls felt like they were “en casa.”  I can’t wait for our next PC reunion… we’re talking about a return trip to Nicaraguan next spring!

Until next trip!