I grew up volunteering in many different organizations, such as 4-H and Girl Scouts. Philanthropy became a common theme in my extracurricular life. In high school, I was a member of the student council, class treasurer and president of both the art and drama clubs, and captain of the soccer and color guard teams. I volunteered as a teen for the local library, helping to create community outreach programs. In college, I joined Best Buddies, an organization that creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also volunteered as an English tutor for Spanish speaking community members. After college, I moved to The Netherlands and became an Au Pair for a year. In this year I cared for two young girls, teaching them English as a second language, while learning enough Dutch to communicate efficiently with the girls. Two years ago, I became the volunteer Community and Outreach Coordinator for an art initiative in my hometown. The purpose of Maketank Projects is to bring art and entertainment to our small community. After volunteering in that position for two years, I organized and taught art classes for the community members. Because philanthropy has always been a major part of my free time, I have decided to pursue opportunities that allow volunteering to become the full focus of my attention.
A term in the Peace Corps will not be easy. I understand and have experience with the difficulties of culture shock. A difficult aspect of the Peace Corps will be earning and retaining the respect of the local people I will be working with. To overcome this challenge, I will be respectful of their culture, professional, friendly, and patient. I realize that within my time in the Peach Corps, I will face many challenges that I have yet to imagine. Being a well-adapted individual, I have overcome physical and emotional hardships in the past. I am ready and eager to apply what I learned through these experiences to my volunteer time with your organization. An assignment in the Peace Corps will be an immensely rewarding life-changing experience. This volunteer opportunity will allow me to help strengthen a community and bring my volunteer and leadership experience into the focus of my time.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Jahni Ittelis an artist residing in Tbilisi, Georgia after serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer. She has a BA in Studio Art from Hanover College (2011), She is available for custom portraits, murals, invitation design, and other art projects. Archives
July 2020
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
988 |