I was going to re-open my blog from my journey in Egypt when I arrived in Jordan in August, but then I realized that all of my pondering and fear and excitement now is part of my Peace Corp Journey. So here I present to you my new blog. Previously named "Right Girl" as a place of discussion of campus activism and educational journeys, I found it fitting to rename it "Beyond the Steps of the Union" because my journey of campus activism and of educational discovery began at the Michigan Union. Most of my college days were spent in the Union studying, socializing, or in the Student Organization offices on the fourth floor or of course in the MSA office on the third. And how wonderful that my future endeavour--the Peace Corp--also began on the Steps of the Michigan Union. So here begins my journey of discover, enlightenment, perseverance, trials, fear, and service.

THEN

"Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed—doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language. But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps—who works in a foreign land—will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace." John F. Kennedy, former U.S. President

AND NOW

"America needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every part of the world. So we will renew the promise of the Peace Corps, double its volunteers over the next five years and ask it to join a new effort to encourage development and education and opportunity in the Islamic world." President George W. Bush State of the Union address 2002