Home for the Holidays - Questions

During my recent visit to the US, my family and friends had many questions about my past year living and serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions...

1. Have you gained weight?

Barely. In the past year, I've gained exactly 2kg (roughly 4.5 lbs), which is barely noticeable on my small frame. Those familiar with my Peace Corps journey may know that my application/medical clearance process was complicated and prolonged due to my perceived "underweight condition" and that I'd been actively trying everything to gain weight since then and even after I arrived in Thailand. This became an unhealthy obsession for me, yet and still, my efforts did not yield much. I've since decided to just eat as normally and as healthily as possible, appreciate my genes and metabolism, and not worry about my weight.

2. Can you cook Thai food?

Unfortunately, No. I have picked up a couple things along the way, but the majority of my meals are prepared behind the scenes. I take opportunities to observe and even help in the cooking process when possible, but more often than not, I'm shooed away to sit and wait until the food is finished. I suppose I could be more insistent on learning how to cook/prepare Thai meals, but really and truly, I've never had the gift/inclination or whatever it takes to actually cook, so... I think I'll make more of an effort this year though, because I don't think that I can return to a life of microwaveables and takeout... We'll see...

3. Can you speak Thai?

Yes, I can. I wouldn't consider myself fluent, but I know enough to get around comfortably living and working among non-English speakers, I also know enough to travel out and about the country by myself, and of course, shop and get bargains. About 90% of my everyday interactions (including classroom management) are in Thai. My reading and writing skills aren't too great though, but I can read most street signs and complete forms with my basic information. (Thai has actually been categorized as being one of the most complicated writing systems in the world, this video explains why.)

4. Are inter cultural relationships common in Thailand? (Sometimes phrased as "Are you dating anyone over there?")

From my observation, most Thais seem to "couple up" among themselves at a fairly young age, but it is not uncommon to find old white retired foreign men with very young Thai wives or girlfriends. I have yet to see a Thai man of any age with a foreign (non-Asian) wife or girlfriend. (And nope, I haven't explored the dating scene either. I'm very focused on my roles as a Volunteer.)

5. So really, what do you do?

As a Youth Development Volunteer, I do activities and programs with youth in my community to help them to develop life skills; this includes making healthy choices, promoting positive self image, addressing gender norms and biases, improving communication skills as well as English language skills. This satisfies the first goal of Peace Corps to help interested countries in meeting specific needs. The second goal of Peace Corps is to promote a better understanding of the United States to the people in the country of service, so I find ways to share aspects of American culture with my community and students whenever possible. The third goal of Peace Corps is to promote a better understanding of other peoples and cultures among Americans, which I do through blogs and emails.

6. What are your plans for Post-Peace Corps?

First and foremost, I would definitely get my social work license. Beyond that, there are a few options that I may explore. I vowed to dedicate my 20's to service, but I may take a shift from volunteerism to take advantage of my NCE (Non-Competitive Eligibility) Status. This gives preferential consideration for employment with the US Government for up to one year after completion of Peace Corps service. Veteran's Affairs has been on my mind, or Family and Children Services at the state level, I've also considered returning to AmeriCorps or doing international service work with my church. I plan to explore each of these options more carefully towards the end of my service.

7. What do you miss the most about America?

My family, having a car, and the wide variety of foods.

8. What will you miss the most about Thailand?

My host family and community, the people in general, and their tremendous hospitality. I will also miss how inexpensive everything is! 

9. How much longer will you be in Thailand?

Until the close of my service in March 2016. 

10. Can I come to visit you?

Yes!!! Just let me know when!

My family. I miss them the most!

I'm always happy to answer questions about my life/service in Thailand.  Feel free to comment below if you have any!