I REACHED MY GOAL THANKS TO YOU! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated through my LFEBridge campaign, Venmo and cash. In less than a week I have reached my goal and I am beyond grateful and amazed at the ongoing support, notes of encouragement, and community I have all over the world. I will be departing for South Africa tomorrow afternoon with the Peace Corps cohort and I am so excited that this dream has finally become a reality. I have been able to pay off my medical and legal expenses and purchased most of the necessities for this two + year trip. As I reflect on this upcoming life transition I can’t help but feel an overwhelming gratitude for the international community I have. Thank you for holding space for me and believing in the work I will be doing enough to want to be a part of it! I will most likely have limited internet access when I arrive and will be quite busy during the first three months of training in country but I will do my best to stay in touch through social media. Once again, I’m beyond grateful for all of you. Prayers for safety and a smooth transition in South Africa are greatly appreciated. Cheers, Beck My name is Beck Jungen, and I am soliciting donations so I can do humanitarian aid work as a Peace Corps volunteer. Assignments last 27 months and I intend to complete at least two years of service as a Primary English Teacher (grades 1-3). I will be departing for South Africa exactly a week from today. I cannot express my excitement to work as a Peace Corps volunteer and for being given this rare opportunity! If you are not familiar with the Peace Corps, here is a link to the organization’s website: https://www.peacecorps.gov/ My Journey My motivation to apply to the Peace Corps was two-fold: the opportunity, in many ways, mirrors many of my experiences in childhood. I have been lucky enough to grow up in rural settings throughout South America due to my parents’ professions, and the prospect of the Peace Corps’ first goal (“To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women”) truly resonated with me. This experience will not only serve as an amazing opportunity for personal growth but also as a chance to help others. I am passionate about working with children and promoting literacy—and now I have a chance to do both! Although exciting, this has been a lengthy process. I applied for the Peace Corps during my last semester of college in October of 2024 and I accepted my invitation to serve in February of 2024. Yet, to serve abroad in the Peace Corps I had to undergo a lengthy medical and legal clearance process. In the last five months, I have been going through numerous checklists to receive clearance. I just recently received my legal clearance, so I can finally say that I am officially cleared for service. (Hence, the last minute-campaign!) Use of Funds For those who do not know, the Peace Corps is a volunteer position. The Peace Corps covers the cost of travel to and from South Africa and basic in-country costs of living. Yet, during this lengthy application process, there have been unforeseen expenses. I have been able to cover most of the financial load on my own but am requesting support for the two needs listed below. These are the two major reasons for this campaign: 1. Packing preparations: The Peace Corp packing list, while very thorough and filled with needed supplies, is demanding. There is a hefty list of supplies that I need to bring with me to secure my safety and wellness. 2. Medical & Legal expenses: There is a long series of medical exams, dental exams, and immunizations required to travel overseas and serve in the Peace Corps. Although the Peace Corps does minimal reimbursement for these medical visits, I have had to pay for several exams out-of-pocket. Breakdown of funds -$1,000 for travel equipment/supplies for a 2-year assignment in South Africa -$500 to pay off medical/legal expenses before leaving the U.S.A. **NO funds will be used to support me in any way on vacations in the field or for expenses not mentioned above** How You Can Help To anyone who is still reading at this point, I would like to take this time to thank you. If you feel that supporting my Peace Corps service is something you want to get involved with, please consider donating or sharing this link on social media. I will be sending a postcard from South Africa to every donor. Anything helps! Cheers, Beck Jungen Ph credit: Angie Sanchez
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