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If you have come to help me, you’re wasting your time. But if you’ve come because your liberation is bound up in mine, then let us work together. ~ Lilla Watson

Our Country Director ended a presentation with this quote during our first day of orientation. He encouraged us to hold on to Lilla’s words during our service and to consider what it means personally. Lilla’s message immediately resonated with me because it aligned with my decision to volunteer with Peace Corps (PC) again.

As PC volunteers we have three goals to accomplish. Goals two and three are focused on the intentional exchange of culture and knowledge between volunteers and Host Country Nationals (HCN). Working alongside HCN during my first PC experience in Ethiopia challenged me as I confronted implicit biases toward others and internal biases toward myself. At times my PC experience felt lonely, as I wrestled with these thoughts and uncomfortable experiences. But I learned how to be comfortable with loneliness and spent hours and sometimes days processing my feelings. My two years in Ethiopia shaped my worldview, informed my personal and professional desires, made me a better human, and clarified my purpose.  

Last year, I found myself searching for this moment again, for a chance to disconnect from my day-to-day to find clarity in my purpose. The PC experience is filled with endless opportunities for self-discovery and liberation. I knew that it would be the perfect tool to find clarity in what is next for me.

I am only two weeks into my service and have been inspired and impacted by the tremendous work being done by Zambians, as they uplift the most vulnerable in their country. This is a shared experience I get to have with three courageous women that are pursuing self-discovery as much as I am. I am thrilled to introduce you to Lauren, Julia, and Julia (video below).

About the quote: Lilla Watson does not take credit for the quote but attributes its origin to a community group she worked alongside in Australia. Here is a link to her keynote speech, where she referenced the quote. If anyone comes across a different source, please share it with me. Happy reading!

VIDEO BELOW