Jon Thomas served as Peace Corps Recruiter at Rutgers University in 2021. Jon attended Eastern University near Philadelphia before joining the Peace Corps in 2018. In Peace Corps, he served in Malawi as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) volunteer and lived in a the small village of Chitimba in the northern region. During his time in Malawi, Jon worked as a secondary school educator teaching English and life skills subjects. Here he shares about his experiences with the Peace Corps.
What made you want to help others?
One of my cousins was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia. When I was young, I remember listening to her at family gatherings as she spoke about her experience with such enthusiasm. Once I took the time to research more about Peace Corps’ history and purpose, I believed that it was an experience worth having. Personally, I didn’t see it as helping people necessarily. I saw it as a chance to learn valuable skills while being able to live in fellowship with people across the world.
You’re a Peace Corps recruiter. Is there a myth about the Peace Corps that you find yourself constantly dispelling when talking with potential recruits?
I often find myself explaining that not every Peace Corps volunteer’s experience is the same. Volunteers serve in more than 60 countries across 7 different regions. One of the great things about Peace Corps is that it’s a worldwide community. It’s always great to network and hear about volunteers' Peace Corps experiences.
Is there anyone you meet that you think may not be a good fit for the Peace Corps?
Peace Corps is a journey and a learning experience. It’s safe to say that one thing that is common in everyone’s Peace Corps experience is that it provides the opportunity to grow. The most important advice I would give for future Peace Corps volunteers is to come with an open mind.
How do you handle people who seem like they might just want to go to the beach for a few years?
Peace Corps is truly a 24/7 commitment. As so, volunteers are expected to be present in their community and work with the people they live with in order to be effective. The fulfillment that comes with living in fellowship with your community is matched by few experiences.
What about your personal life while you’re away? Did you have breaks to go home or even just breaks throughout the workday to make calls or write emails?
Your personal life can definitely change after joining the Peace Corps. I was able to return home and meet up with family members on multiple occasions. With technology, I was also able to frequently communicate with friends and family through text and facetime on WhatsApp. That being said, it’s important to remember that each volunteer’s experience is different and much of your personal life depends on your country of service and personality.
What was the most satisfying moment of your service?
As a secondary educator, I offered after-school tutoring for students at the school I served in. Although I tutored high school students in English, math, and life skills subjects, it also served as a mentorship opportunity because I had the privilege of chatting with students about their personal and professional goals along with sharing my own experiences and insights. Witnessing students succeed in the classroom, and in life, is honestly its own reward.
What would you say was one of the hardest parts of your service?
I served in Malawi from 2018-2020 up until the Peace Corps evacuation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges about my service was the fact that Peace Corps is a 24/7 commitment. Mental health is increasingly more relevant. It is extremely important for volunteers to take the steps they need to avoid burnout and take care of their mental and physical health.
Can people do more than one Peace Corps program?
Definitely! I plan to do it again in the future and I know several other people that have served numerous times.
Do people ever leave before their term is up?
It happens but I wouldn’t say its common. Peace Corps takes health, safety, and security very seriously. If a volunteer feels as though they need to leave, Peace Corps will respect their wishes and will present them the opportunity to return home.
What are some of the top reasons people leave, and are there countermeasures to prevent it?
The majority of people who leave before they are able to complete their service do so for medical or family issues. Although medical issues cannot always be prevented, Peace Corps truly does everything they can to prevent the preventable. One piece of advice is to make sure that you do everything you can to take care of yourself while on site. Exercise, eat nutritious food, do things that make you happy, and surround yourself with people that will help you when you need help.
To learn more about Peace Corps at Rutgers, visit: https://global.rutgers.edu/peace-corps