Because of its people, D.C. is beautiful

I packed Friday, finished last minute errands, and celebrated my final hours into the early morning before landing in Des Moines Saturday. Throughout the last four months in D.C., I was shoved, yelled at, and upset by strangers. But I also experienced the city's random, unexpected acts of kindness and hope I was able to reciprocate to those I encountered. I leave D.C. appreciative and thankful for the memories, which are endless, I will always remember.

Trading in the heels for flip-flops, or possibly a straw roof

Update: It's down to the last few days, and we are finishing-or starting- papers that could have been written weeks ago. But of course, the majority of us procrastinate.

Not only is my time ending here in D.C. , but my junior year is as well. Technically, I have one semester left at Simpson, which has me thinking the "real world" could be here sooner than I realize. Do I continue on, spending an additional $7,000 to fund a semester in the French Polynesia? Or do I graduate at semester, hoping to leave next spring as part of the Peace Corps? Or do I take on the extra monetary burden and then join?

Let's be honest, joining the Peace Corps is a serious commitment. It takes a specific, dedicated individual willing to commit more than two years to serve in an underdeveloped region. Not being allowed to choose your placement makes an individual even more hesitant to join. You are physically and psychologically challenged. Not only that, but expectations of the Peace Corps and the people you serve are demanding. Because of this, I ask myself, "Why would I not join?"