  my second peace corps essay... written in one breath in the last hour. think i'll go ahead and post it to my application... you know me and my aversion to rereading my writing. Essay 2: A Passion to Create the Change I Want to See in the World It takes little more than a quick trip to the grocery store to realize how incredibly fortunate I am to live where I do. Coming from a moderately wealthy family and having grown up in a city most consider a vacation destination, my sense of gratitude has the potential of being somewhat overlooked. So many of the fruits of a prosperous life remain out of reach for such large numbers of people on the planet. Simple things like clean drinking water, a rainproof roof over my head, and the shoes on my feet are essentials I overlook more often than not; let alone access to health care, food in abundance, and the freedoms of being an American citizen.
Living here, it takes a deliberate measure of recognition to draw my attention back to the larger picture, to the larger implications of safe and sufficient living conditions. This is where travel and intercultural exchange fulfills its most essential role. Its about developing and maintaining this world-view awareness. Coming from a culture where self-indulgence seems to be a requisite characteristic for citizenship, theres an added necessity to leave our comfort zone to experience how the rest of humanity is fairing in their plight to establish a harmonious existence. I live within an hour from the Mexican border and Tijuana in particular. A quick walk down one of the side streets can be a shocking experience for the unaccustomed.
Poverty and political corruption take their toll on the inhabitants creating a climate of desperation and corruption. Yet beyond this lies a vibrant people with an incredible history. Having studied the politics and the people of this nation in college, the education opened my eyes to the underlying factors that contribute to the countrys current troubles. Additionally, having grown up in San Diego, I share this culture and history to a great extent. Our lives are conjoined, defying the boundaries drawn geographically. And in fact, the entire planet is living a shared existence, disregarding the demarcations of national boundaries.
Technology has been able to connect us and bring about a shared awareness that has changed the face of civilization. We no longer live in our own private cities and villages; we regard matters that occur in remote parts of the world as serious and significant event. We share a sense of community that extends beyond the visible horizon of our daily doings. By virtue of this extended community, it is important that we strive to be good neighbors. Amplified by the current administrations foreign policy, our American reputation has been tarnished. It is programs like the Peace Corps that serve to amend this perception of our people.
By offering our assistance to those who express a willingness to accept it, we are effectively bridging the divide between politics and people. We are replacing the worlds speculative discrimination of Americans with real life experience that tells another story. We are replacing rhetoric with action. Helping others is key to living a fulfilling life. On whatever scale that takes place, the proactive attitude is one I value. I give my all to those who ask for my assistance.
Whether it is a child or a fellow classmate, I take pride and derive pleasure from being able to offer something of myself. I recognize that I am not a universe unto my own; and I do it out of love, not obligation. I see clearly that I am I tremendously passionate person. I like big projects, I enjoy seeing it through to an end, and I focus incredibly well. My drive enabled me to become one of the top five soccer players in San Diego County when I was younger. I channel a lot of my energy into language and writing these days, and I consider my endeavor a shining success.
More than that, I feel satisfied with my achievements and my ability to go further. My potential and my energy cannot be wasted. I realize that I am at a pivotal place in my life being on the cusp of graduating college. Many directions are open to me. Im blessed and grateful for the agency Ive earned and inherited. More than anything, my heart tells me to use this time to create positive change in the world; to utilize my energy for something that matters beyond what serves me alone.
The Peace Corps is calling me to contribute my gifts to the world. 
