I’m from Seattle, WA and am currently a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) serving in Ecuador, South America. I am enrolled in the Peace Corps Masters International program in Public Health at the University of Washington. After the completion of my service, I will return to graduate school and write a Master’s thesis based on my work in Ecuador.
The contents of this blog are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.
Hi there –
I came across your website and I think you may be able to help me. I served in Ecuador from 2001-2003, and I need the PC office’s address because I am filling out a background check for the California State Bar.
Are they still on Carondolet? Could you shoot that address to me if you have a chance?
Mil gracias,
Briana
Hi Ann,
I am amazed by your site! When I am older, I would love to do the Peace Corps. For now though, I am writing an essay on it. Would it be okay if I asked you a few questions? Here they are!
What was your training before you went to Ecuador? What degrees did you need? What languages did you know?
How long did it take for you to adapt to Ecuador? Or meet new people? Were they accepting of you?
What is the most rewarding part of doing Peace Corps? (You can name more than one if you want!)
Thanks so much if you can get the chance to reply!
Emma
Hi Ann,
Great website, thanks for making this available to people. I’m curious to know what sort of research you are conducting in Ecuador. Also, I’m wondering if you might have any contact info for anyone involved with Plan’s work in Manabí?
Thanks,
Miles
What’s your email?
Leon A. Walker
Freelance Writer
Pensacola, Florida
leonwalker@cox.net
March 5, 2008
Obama – Clinton: “Going Dutch”
After her wins in Texas and Ohio, (as considered in my previous columns) I have to give it to Senator Clinton. Not surprisingly, she has demonstrated some strong positive qualities and political savvy and appeal among her constituency that should be appreciated and more importantly, that should not be overlooked.
I have been reading and watching the Democratic Candidates and the political pundits since the results began unfolding last evening’s (Super Tuesday II). The theories and calculations range from basic arithmetic to calculus and from Dr. Seuss to Dante. The fact of the matter is, unless someone changes or bends the rules, Senator Clinton is and will remain behind on pledged delegates. There is no visible scenario to change that. There are countless possibilities with regard to manipulating Super Delegates that could swing the nomination, but none imaginable that would not be damaging to the credibility of the party or the process or Senator Clinton’s image. There are two other very important factors that I have not heard discussed enough so far. One, Senator Clinton most probably would have no chance of defeating John McCain in a run for the oval office. She is simply too polarizing and middle of the road voters, (including many of Senator Obama’s followers) would abandon the party (or vote Republican). Secondly, in her efforts to continue this fight she can do considerable damage to the party only to gain an opportunity to lose in the actual election, or weaken the chances of Senator Obama due to further delays and an impending smear campaign.
Now admittedly Senator Obama will be in a “dogfight” in November should he receive the party nomination he has seemingly earned. This is all the more reason that the Democratic Party must consolidate their efforts now in the hopes of putting together a strong movement that will secure November’s prize. With each passing day and with each new internal attack, the party will begin to feel greater negative effects. Oh yes, the networks and newspapers are clamoring for this to continue. Even wrapping this in a cloak of “politics at its best” as they scramble for ratings and sales. I freely admit that it has been both wonderfully historic and entertaining but the party leadership has got to be squirming. This is about to get really “ugly” and the scars may not heal by convention time or perhaps a very long time beyond. This is to say nothing of the fact that the Presidency hangs in the balance. The Republican side is salivating as they observe a potential implosion and they would much prefer to face Hillary, knowing she is a less formidable McCain opponent.
Senator Obama can win the Presidency. But he can only win it if he has the full backing of the party in time enough to build momentum and a broader base of support starting now! Senator Clinton can’t win the Presidency it no matter what. And at this moment even winning the party nomination is still remains nearly an impossible dream. Democrats absolutely cannot allow this to turn into a political nightmare, no matter how entertaining it may seem to political junkies. In terms of time and credibility the Democratic Party is approaching the tipping point. And if the leadership does not step up soon, the Presidency will be tipped right back into the Republican toilet.
I am an Obama supporter and I sincerely respect and admire Clinton. Both have repeatedly indicated that they have a mutual respect and admiration for each other and I am convinced that on some level those were true statements. But more importantly, the thing that they have both also clearly stated is that they want “What is best for Americans”. Well it’s time to put up or shut up! It is time for the ego’s to be set aside and for the issues to be challenged and for the party to become united. It is time to rescue America and to take back the White House from the Republicans. Few would argue that an Obama-Clinton ticket would be a tremendously formidable, if not a clearly unbeatable ticket. So what’s the problem???
Senator Obama has the first move I imagine. If he is sincere about wanting what is best for America (and I believe he is), he has got to ask her to be his running mate. If I were him, I would do it now, and very publicly. And if Senator Clinton is sincere about wanting what is best for America (and I believe she is), she has got to accept her place on the ticket as Vice Presidential Candidate. She may not be his type and no doubt vice versa (if I can be excused for such and analogy), but their combined forces would be indescribably potent and a beautiful conclusion to this historic chapter. Short of this, I sense we Democrats are headed up the walkway to disaster’s door.
When I’m in the mood for something light I really like “Queen Latifah” as an actress. I don’t know what it is about her specifically; in fact, I suppose it is a blend of things. At first glance I would have said “she’s not my type” but in observing and examining her performances, she is funny and displays sensitivity as well as attitude. This, combined with her own brand of classic beauty. So, if in my most bizarre imagining, she should ask me out on a date, I would not only accept, but I think we would have a blast! I’m tall and above average in terms of looks, and funny also. But then I’m also well… broke. So if she wanted to do the whole Hollywood glamour date thing we would have to go Dutch.
So realistically, am I expecting a call from “Queen Latifah”? Ah… no. But If Barack will call Hillary, I will ring up the Queen. Who knows one or both of us might get lucky!
Plus he’s got cash so they won’t have to go Dutch…
L. A. Walker
Hi Ann-
I just stumbled upon your blog and I am leaving to be a PCV in Ecuador on June 16!! I am so excited and ridiculously nervous at the same time. I am going to be a Community Health Volunteer as well. Reading through your tips entry helped a lot. I have a million questions I could ask you, but I’ll only bother you for one. What is the one thing you wished you had brought with you? Oh and do you think it’s necessary to bring a computer? ( I have a lab top and I don’t plan on bringing it…)
Thanks and hopefully I will meet you soon!
-Corrie van Amerongen
cvanamer@gmail.com