Peace Corps Chronicles - Part One

“Let us celebrate failure for once, as it holds a unique value in shaping and deepening our thoughts that no success can provide.” – Cheng Wang

This mini-series chronicles my ongoing experience as I navigate—emotionally and physically—the pre-departure process of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer for English education in Mongolia, which is set to commence on June 6, 2025. I haven’t even set foot in Mongolia, yet the past six months have been a wild rollercoaster. Plenty of materials were available to prepare me for my time abroad, but little existed to set my proper expectations for the process of getting there.

Part 1 of My Peace Corps Journey—Unfulfilled: Background

We often celebrate those who have reached off-the-beaten-path destinations, and for good reasons. However, the process involved in reaching those destinations, which often requires far more resolve, should be equally admired.

We don’t regularly take the time to recognize that process. But regardless of how it ends, achieving a goal is merely a byproduct for those who can endure the heart-wrenching and soul-searching journey that comes with it—sometimes even before it begins. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge my journey, although unfulfilled, and encourage others, who may or may not have had similar experiences to mine, to do the same.

This mini-series chronicles my ongoing experience as I navigate—emotionally and physically—the pre-departure process of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer for English education in Mongolia, which is set to commence on June 6, 2025. I haven’t even set foot in Mongolia, yet the past six months have been a wild rollercoaster. Plenty of materials were available to prepare me for my time abroad, but little existed to set my proper expectations for the process of getting there.

I expected that the Peace Corps and I would share a common cause and equal passion. And maybe we do in theory. But the theory hasn’t matched the reality of my experience thus far. I find myself bewildered and perhaps disappointed by that. Recounting this unexpected emotional turmoil compels me to delve deeper into it, contemplating the what, how, and why regarding my role and that of the Peace Corps.

This personal account, while still unfolding, offers a glimpse into the Peace Corps journey before it occurs. By sharing this ongoing process, I hope to encourage others to reflect on their life experiences, especially when things don’t go as planned. It is not often because we are not good enough or haven’t tried hard enough. And yet, there can be lessons to be learned nonetheless.

In the meantime, by sharing my story in this way, I hope to receive some constructive feedback for my self-assessment: Have I entered this with the wrong expectations? Were my thoughts of equal partnership with the Peace Corps for the common cause perhaps childishly naïve? Or was it simply a lack of due diligence on my part?

After hearing me out, you will be the judge of this. Please share your thoughts, experiences, and criticisms with us—whatever comes to your head.

However, one quick disclaimer: this series does not intend to involve politics. For those who believe everything is political nowadays, whether we like it or not, that is perfectly fine, provided we share our personal experiences to make a point.

Six months have zipped by since I started my application process. I have obtained all the required clearances—a few aspirational writings, two interviews, four personal references, thorough background checks, and my special Peace Corps passport and visa—except for one last hurdle: the medical clearance. This was something I thought would be smooth sailing, since I haven’t taken any medications (prescribed or over the counter) for years. I play tennis five times a week, swim regularly, and travel worldwide a few times yearly. I thought this would be the easiest step. I could not have been more wrong.

Grinding through the medical clearance with the guidance of a dedicated Peace Corps nurse, my original fiery zeal has diminished from a red-hot flame to the almost imperceptible flicker of dying candlelight. I can’t help but think: it shouldn’t have been this hard. We both want the same thing: able-bodied, passionate volunteers. Right?

In the end, it wasn’t any great disqualification or glaring ineligibility that failed me, nor a misconception of my own health or physical capability. Rather, it was an out-of-date criterion, according to my health provider, a renowned physician in the community, that has failed me. The precise details will be the subject of a later post (so that future applicants may be better warned than I), but it was the type of failure that affects me the most. I had come so far, only to get tripped up in the red tape and fail to pass the finish line.

Having come this far, I plan to continue on alternative options, no matter how frustrating it may be. If sharing it produces positive results for me and others, I will continue to do so until the end. So please, add your thoughts to the discussion in the Comments Section below.

EDIT: So please, add your thoughts to the discussion in the Comments Section below, and check out my next article in the series, “Mongolia: Hopeful Prospect vs. Disappointing Results.