HI

Hi! My name is Cortni and I am currently entering Pre-Service Training as a potential Peace Corps Volunteer to serve a 27 month term in Guinea, Africa as a Secondary School Math Teacher. 

While I was attending Northern Arizona University in Fall 2016 I was finishing up my student teaching. Inevitably, many of my coworkers were interested in my plans after graduation. I didn't think such a simple question would stir up so much. As I pondered the answer the question, many responsibilities were running through my mind. Such responsibilities as student loans, insurance, retirement plans, and saving to buy a house. At first, the reasonable solution seemed to be, search for a job opening and start settling down. The thought seemed so nice. My tunnel vision had gotten me through college and I was finally going to be able to relax. As soon as I thought I was settled on the thought, I started to reflect on my college experience. Then I remembered. 

I don't know when I started to forget but it had been buried deep under signature assignments and stress. My passion- the reason I became a teacher in the first place. It's quite a long story so I'll save that for another day. However, all of my college experiences intertwined with certain events happening in our world right now had cultivated a dream career for me. One day, once qualified and fully prepared, I would love to have the chance at being a teacher in refugee camps. I don't possess many of the qualities typically needed in a refuge camp but I figure, education can set you free, so why not at least give them that, if I am able. 

I want to be clear. I do have other dreams. I dream of being a mom. Although, when I picture being a mom, I don't always envision a husband or father figure present. If you grew up in the 21st century, I really don't think I need to explain why. Yet, I cannot lie. Similar to many young woman, I always hope to find someone who understands me and I understand them and life together makes much more sense than spending it apart. I dream of living in my small town in Arizona with my family. But... you can't have it all. These dreams can't really co-exist. You can only live one at a time. 

Choosing the Peace Corps means I am putting that second dream on hold and many people in my life, while trying to be very helpful and supportive, minimize the pain and loss that I feel when thinking about putting off this dream by saying, "Don't worry, you're young," "You have so much time," "This is a much better option anyways." While these things may be true, it does not change how it feels. When I began applying to the Peace Corps, I was single and didn't feel like I was immediately losing anything. Instead, it felt like I was postponing my chance at even finding a start to this dream. Now, I have a boyfriend who has two beautiful children. Leaving them tore me apart. Thinking about missing out on two years of our life together almost made me rethink everything. 

Upon waiting to hear back from the Peace Corps, I chose to move back home and pray that I made it into the Peace Corps. Moving home was a bit of a mystery. I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. Somehow, a beautiful life unfolded in my small town. I started a job- a really great job in every sense that was not in my field but I ended up absolutely loving. I grew closer and stronger relationships with my family- they became my main support system. This was something I had not experienced in a long time. I was able to reunite with my amazing friends from high school and one of my best friends who I missed dearly. I found a new church family who challenged and loved me as an imperfect Christian. I met my boyfriend who I could gush about for hours if you let me. To sum it up, he keeps a constant smile on my face despite our initial challenges. I was given more moving home than I had ever hoped to have.

As I have always been fairly adventurous, my family and friends were not surprised about me leaving yet again. This time was different though. I had never been gone for over six months. The thought of losing two years together loomed over our heads. My family tried everything they could to bribe me to stay. Trust me, they were fantastic bribes. Even without the bribes, leaving had never been this hard. I had never felt like I had so much to lose. Nevertheless, the call was strong enough to push me forward knowing what I could potentially lose. 

I want to close with an apology. I have tried blogs before and hardly and able to keep up with it unless a grade is attached so I hope I am able to commit to this blog. It seems like easiest way to keep everyone in the loop and to document everything. 

I have no idea what is to come but we will find out together.  

FUN FACTS?

Age: 25

Sign: Libra

Faith: Christian

Ethnicity: Mutt

Degree: Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education with and Emphasis in Middle School Math

Myers-Briggs: ENFJ-T although I've had ENFP-T in the past

Love Languages: Quality Time, Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation

Food: Thai

Flower: Poppy

Color: Coral

Musician: Ray LaMontagne 

Baseball Team:  KC Royals

Hobby: Snowboarding

Sense of Humor: Dry