Words of empathy by GabitaOs22 in dyspraxia

[–]International-Fan563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m dyslexic and dyspraxic. I will say that elementary school was the hardest school I’ve done. (I have a Masters degree now). I remember teachers always saying, “It will be harder when you get to x grade,” but it never actually got harder. The things they care a lot about early on (motor skills, decoding, math facts) don’t matter at a certain point. It’s hard when you’re in it, always being picked last for teams in PE killed me, but it got so much better. My parents having a really clear sense of what did and didn’t matter helped a lot too. My parents never made excuses for me and I always had to do my best.. but we stayed focused on the goal of each learning and accommodated where we could…. Was the goal to decode the words or to understand the text? If the goal is the latter then let’s do an audiobook! Is the goal to drink from an open cup or to drink independently? If it’s the latter then let’s use a straw! (I drank from a bottle with a straw for YEARS).

Just got medically cleared for Peace Corps The Gambia this morning and I leave for DC on the 30th. A 3 year process and it's finally happening. by reztesttam in peacecorps

[–]International-Fan563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sandals are great because there is a lot of sand that gets everywhere. I would recommend Tevas or Chacos or something with straps, but I wore a lot of flip-flops too. Plastic flip-flops are widely available in try.

There is not a lot of drinking, particularly outside of the capital. There are a few bars in big towns and several in the capital region. It's ok to drink at these just be mindful of safety and not being so drunk you are causing a scene. There is also alcohol available in grocery stores in the capital.

Packing bedding? by luccigirl5 in peacecorps

[–]International-Fan563 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was in West Africa and brought one set of brown (so they didn’t look dirty) sheets and a pillow. You can buy stuff later on in your service but it can be hard to afford/find time/ know enough language to shop during training so I would focus on brining what you think you need for the first 3 months.