The statement of purpose isn't everything, but it is a crucial part of your application. The recruiters want to know you and see if you are a good fit to serve as an American citizen and a global citizen.
I am sharing my statement of purpose because it may help someone. I was never able to get in contact with any of my local recruiters, so I was searching for any online resources that could give me some tips. In your essay, be sure to be yourself; be unique, honest, and clear about your reasons for applying. Afterwards...
Take it to the writing center
Take it to your local recruiter (if they're available to you)
Take it to a returned peace corps volunteer
*You don't have to take all the advice thrown at you, but just having the advice may be helpful.
Below is my statement of purpose:
I want to join Peace Corps to assist young people discover future possibilities for themselves by honing in on their skills and develop them further. Working with young people became a passion of mine when I came to college. Before then, I could not tell you where Morocco was on the map. However, taking French class served as a catalyst to expanding my studies outside of what I had learned prior. Because my French professor was Moroccan, I had the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of a country that I had only heard about in music. I do not know if I would have continued with my French or Arabic, taken courses such as Francophone and African literature, or studied abroad if my professor had not taken the time to work with me. Mentorship is important in the lives of young people, and I want to be instrumental in helping shape the lives of young people through active service in Peace Corps.
Studying abroad in Morocco allowed me to learn about the historical, political, and social context of the region. There, I was able to engage with Moroccans my age, many of whom want to leave their country in search of more opportunities due to Morocco’s current economic situation. Though Americans have many opportunities to succeed, as a black woman in America, I understand that privilege has historically been linked to how you look. My unique perspective has been essential when working with diverse populations such as racial minorities, people experiencing homelessness, incarcerated people, and women. I want to take what I have learned from my experiences in and outside the classroom to youth in Morocco because the realizations that led me to apply for the Peace Corps could lead these young people to make change in their own communities.
I was excited to see Youth Development Specialist as a volunteer option because of my passion for young people. Working with young people through Orita’s Cross Freedom School gave me the chance to see what they can do when supported and encouraged, while teaching English to international students helped me to experience my native language in different way. One thing I truly look forward to about the Peace Corps is the opportunity to learn and grow from training as well as from my experiences over twenty-seven months.
I understand that Peace Corps is not meant to be glamorous; I am commiting to service for a long period of time, I will be separated from family and friends, and I will not always have access wifi nor running water. Understanding this, I recognize that Peace Corps Volunteers grow in ways that most people cannot attest to, and the impact that their service has is incomparable to going without 24 hour wifi service. I am willing to dedicate my time and effort to working with disenfranchised populations such as youth and women, and using the skills I have gained towards development of communities and dreams. This volunteership also serves as a stepping stone into my future in the field of community development which I am interested in.