My Story... Over the last few years of my life I have contemplated, reflected, and prayed about my personal vocation. I have had trouble finding the value I bring in my current profession, constantly thinking 'there is more to this life than work'... Keeping that focus, I'm happy to claim I've volunteered more of my time to various events and functions in the past two years than most of my life. However, I want more. I feel I am being called to a greater purpose in giving my time and talent. Volunteering is where I have found value - where my eyes have been opened to the world around me and what is going on that needs my attention. Long story short, I came across MyEco.org and learned about international volunteer opportunities. "This is IT!" are my initial thoughts. I've read reviews and spoken directly with representatives and past volunteers to ensure the program is legit. Many opportunities to give time and put in my "sweat equity" towards various programs exist and I want to take part in. The one I feel called to the most, where I can give many of my current talents and VALUES, is supporting sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica. In addition to putting in physical labor, being flexible with my time and openness to new surroundings, I speak Spanish and can help locally in the community - from improving buildings/schools, to having an opportunity to teach English as a second language. I studied abroad more than 10 years ago in Spain, with a mindset that teaching English as a second language would be a dream. However, I lost that dream in the midst of the "American Dream" and working for the corporate side. I believe I've been called to this opportunity and second chance... and I don't intend to lose it this time around. The program I look to do is three weeks long, and I plan to use it as a trial run. Assuming it is everything I imagine it to be, and I truly place value in the work performed, I have no doubt upon my return from the experience I will plan financially and logistically for one to two years out, and then pull the trigger... take a longer term sabbatical from Corporate America to pursue the life of volunteering and providing value where it belongs. I look forward to this opportunity and cannot wait to bring passion to my funding campaign! Thank you for providing the tools to help me achieve my passion!!