The Final Countdown

I'm headed off to Philly tomorrow for staging (that is if the incoming snow storm doesn't delay things at the airport), and I wanted to give one last update before things get going. I'll do my best to update when I can, but I'm not sure what the communication situation will be like until I get to Morocco and have a chance to look around.

Even if I don't get to update too much, with any luck I'll be able to IM or Skype on occasion, so if you notice me online, say hi! (If you need my screen names, just ask my parents [or facebook]).

And as for parting words, just know that I am unbelievably excited :)

Boom boom boom...

A Word to the Wise

Packing everything you're going to need for the next two years into two medium-sized travel bags is, as an intellectual exercise, awesome.

As physical reality, however, not so much.

From My Assignment Booklet

Country: Morocco
Program: Community Based Environmental Education and Awareness
Job Title: Environmental Educator & Community Development Agent

Your Primary Duties:
Working with Water and Forests Department counterparts and community partners, Volunteers' major duties and responsibilities include: promotion of environmental education (EE) outreach programs sponsored by the Water and Forests Department,the Ministry of National Education and other national and international organizations; coordination of community participation in environmental research and stewardship programs; and conducting environmental education programming for learners of both genders and all ages.

Specific Duties May Include:
- Designing and co-facilitating formal and informal EE lessons and activities designated for different audiences including elementary and secondary school students.
- Co-planning and facilitating EE training workshops for school teachers and Water and Forests Department technicians.
- Co-planning and facilitating project development and management workshops and training sessions for community partner organizations.

Opportunities for secondary projects include, but are not limited to:
- gender and development related activities, HIV/AIDS awareness and education, information technology education, and youth development initiatives.

This Thing Looks Like That Thing

You guys, John and Cindy McCain are totally Saul and Ellen Tigh!





If only John McCain had an eyepatch...

Morocco a Go-Go!

Hello! Welcome! Sit, sit. You've found my website. Perhaps you have some questions? Well, here's the story: as of March 2008, I'll be joining the Peace Corps. I'm headed to Morocco as a volunteer in the Environmental Education sector, where I'll be holding environmental education sessions and helping promote national conservation programs. I'll also be teaching basic health and English lessons, assisting with youth and women's groups, and basically lending a hand with whatever sorts of projects my community has an interest or need in.

Needless to say, I am pumped. I found out officially not too long ago, and just finished sending off the last of my secondary paperwork. I've been devouring anything I can get my hands on about Morocco, and everything I see just makes me more and more certain that this is exactly where I want to be.

I also know, though, that I'm going to miss a lot while I'm gone - my family and friends most of all - and I won't know my communication options until I'm assigned my final site a few weeks into training. That's why I thought a website might be a good idea. I can keep people updated on what I'm doing, and with any luck they can keep me abreast of all the happenings at home (not to mention Boston's conference ranking and who did what on Gossip Girl. Seriously, you're going to have to tell me about Gossip Girl).

So...yeah.

I'm moving to Morocco.