People join the Peace Corps hoping to make an impact on the communities they serve, however, Volunteers are often surprised to find that the impact their communities have had on them has been the greatest contributor to making this the "toughest job you'll ever love."

Summer vacation means three months when many Peace Corps Volunteers are out of the classroom and responsible for finding their own projects within their communities. It can be daunting, but PCVs find ways to make a difference and build connections. Youth Development Volunteer Kerri organized and personalized a JumpStart Camp for her community in northern Costa Rica this year.

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, and as part of our three months of training before being sent to our permanent sites, all aspiring Volunteers are placed with host families. 

Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment that allows Volunteers to have the unique opportunity to spend time in their host communities throughout various holidays. While it can be difficult to be away from friends and family, PCV Tilyian brought her holiday traditions to her small, rural town for Christmas this year. 

Brothers first, Peace Corps Volunteers second, Zane and Alex grew up with a desire to travel and serve. That desire has led them to Costa Rica and Ghana, respectively.

As a Community Economic Development Volunteer, Nancy never anticipated working at a high school. Interacting with young entrepreneurs has become one of her most impactful projects as a Peace Corps Volunteer. 

The scary in life is only soft after we’ve laughed in fears’ face, and the awkward only normal after we’ve invited a group of apprehensive parents to a Sex-Ed workshop.

As I begin to near the end of my Peace Corps service as a Youth Development Volunteer in Costa Rica, I think about what I will miss the most. Quickly, a million things come to mind...

It all started with a simple message on Facebook back in December 2015, a few months before I arrived in Costa Rica for my Peace Corps service.