DEAR ABBY: This is in response to "Bad Idea," (Dec. 15), the parents who don't want their daughter to join the Peace Corps for fear she will return only to mooch off them until she's gainfully employed again.
I agree they should voice their concerns to her before she goes, but you missed an opportunity to educate your readers. Yes, she is putting a lucrative career on hold, but she is doing it to serve her country. I doubt your response would have been the same had she been leaving her job for a military career.
The Peace Corps will train her to work in a developing nation where she will be sharing her expertise and American goodwill with others while learning a new language and culture. She will gain compassion, understanding and a world view that will influence her decisions for the rest of her life. She will learn that success is not just about the almighty dollar; it's more about finding meaningful work you enjoy and can be proud of.
Although the Peace Corps is a volunteer organization, volunteers do receive a stipend upon completion of their service so they can ease back into the American workforce without a handout from Mom and Dad. And by the way, I nailed every job interview upon my return from my years of service because I had something unique and interesting to bring to the table. -- RETURNED PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER (SWAZILAND 1980-82)
DEAR VOLUNTEER: Volunteerism is a boon to our society as well as other societies who benefit from it. Almost 25 percent of Americans volunteer their time and talents at one time or another. Many readers besides you wrote describing the satisfaction they have derived in addition to what they learned while working in the Peace Corps. I hope your letter will allay the parents' fears.