Easy Shipping Instructions

1.) Go to post office and get a Priority Mail box. They are free and come in 2 different sizes.(If you use a different box shipping is significantly higher)

2.) Print address label and attach to box. The label has my address in English and Georgian. This is to make it easier for the post office in Georgia.

3.) Fill the box with up to 20 pounds. The price is the same for 1 pound or 20 pounds.

4.) Pay for shipping. The price is $35 at USPS.gov. The post office price will be $37. It is a flat rate for up to 20 pounds. You must use their box.

5.) Mail the box.

Shipping Label

Motivation Statement

Let’s face it, by education I’m a computer geek. Growing up, I enjoyed working with computers, and in college I found myself gravitating toward a career in that field without giving a lot of thought to the alternatives. In truth, I never thought much about the Peace Corps then. I’ve been employed at IBM now for about 4 years. I can describe what I do in a lot of techno-babble, but basically I solve problems people are experiencing with their computers, to make them operate faster and more efficiently. I like what I do, and I’m good at it.

So how does a computer geek become interested in the Peace Corps? People are not one-dimensional, and that’s even true of computer geeks. As an adult, I became exposed to people and cultures which I never encountered growing up. I am often referred to as a cultural assimilator by my friends. I always take any chance I get to go to a new cultural event. I’ve had opportunities travel abroad. These cross cultural experiences have been very enriching to me. They have opened up a whole new way to think about how the world works. They have changed my views and, more importantly, led me to think in broader terms about what it is I should be doing with my life.

It is natural (or so it seems to me) to want to make a positive difference somewhere. And if such a desire is natural, it follows logically that it is natural to want to make the biggest positive difference possible, consistent with one’s own capabilities. I feel I would be good at the Peace Corps. To the Peace Corps I would bring not only my training as an engineer and my ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, but also my love for the world and my desire to help a lot of different people. With no disrespect for the many other individuals of diverse backgrounds who serve in the Peace Corps, I believe I could be useful in ways that many people can't. The Peace Corps would allow all of my skills to be developed and put to use in a single place. I hope to be able to broaden my own skills and experiences at the same time that I contribute something of value for the benefit of other cultures with which I come in contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you going to Atlanta?
No.

So why did you choose Georgia?
Peace Corps assigns you a country based on their needs. I did not choose the country/region.

Are you quiting IBM?
No.. I am taking a leave of absence.

Farewell to IBM note.

Hi all,

I have accepted a volunteer position with the Peace Corps. I will be teaching English in the Republic of Georgia for the next 2 years. Georgia is located on the map South of Russia, and North of Iraq, Iran, and Syria. :-) Sounds like an interesting place eh? My last day of work will be on Friday June 8th.

Information on Peace Corps.
Peace Corps roots are based on a challenge by Senator John F. Kennedy in 1960 for students to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. The Peace Corps is a US government organization with people based in over 70 developing countries around the world. Volunteers work with governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, education, health, HIV/Aids, business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment. Currently there are 7749 volunteers serving in the Peace Corps.

Mission of Peace Corps:
Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of people served
Helping promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.

Peace Corps Website: http://www.peacecorps.gov/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Corps
Georgia Wikipedia Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(country)

Thank you all for helping me to grow professional and personally while I have worked with you over the past 5 years. It has been a pleasure working with all of you.

I will be reachable at TravisHaaschATmsn.com
I will also update a blog at http://TravisinGeorgia.blogspot.com


Thanks,
Travis W. Haasch, PMP®
PHYP, Virtual IO & Comm, System Performance Team
IBM Rochester, 507-253-1587, (tieline 553-1587)
email:

Hello World

Here is my first post in my new blog!