My Life in Azerbaijan - Volunteer, a Life Time commitment

September 24, 2011

Years ago, I watched a special program on PBS and learned about a very touching story. A successful young eye doctor decided to give up her career in Europe and went back to her own country in Africa and helped those who had suffered years of unnecessary blindness. Accidentally, I saw her again on TV today, she is a bit older now but is still as energetic as the first time I saw her on TV.

Over the years, her story inspired many eye surgeons in the world. Once a year, they joined her and donated their service to help her people. She told the TV reporter that she was deeply humbled by their kindness. Some of the volunteers came from far places; and paid for their own plant ticket and brought their own supplies. Most of them came year after year. She continued to tell the reporter that when she first met those volunteer surgeons, they all had dark hair; today nearly all of them have grey hair. She laughed after she made that comment, but I found myself not laughing.

Before today, I convinced myself that serving the Peace Corps for two years; I had done my share of goodness to the world. After Peace Corps, I can move on to pursuit my own happiness with no guilt. Today, watching this young woman’s interview, I feel ashamed. These doctors have made volunteer work their life time commitment. They never thought of their action as “their share” of kindness to the world, they put no time limit as how many years of volunteer service they should do. They did it year after year for they believe in doing it. They have the true spirit of volunteerism. I am forever humbled by them.

Tomorrow, I will begin a search for my next volunteer work. Like those doctors, I will made volunteerism my life time commitment, whether it is just a few hours a week or once a month.

My Life in Azerbaijan - Director of my Bank

September 9, 2011

For the twenty months working at the bank, almost every week I could hear our director screaming at someone on the phone. Our director is a gentleman; he is always calm and polite to greet me in the morning. Sometimes I wish I could communicate with him better, he seems to be a man with knowledge, deep traditional culture and value. His yelling perplexed me so one day I decided to find out the reason of his anger from my co-worker.

My co-worker was embarrassed first, and then she explained. Our director is responsible to ensure all bank loans are paid on time. If a customer misses a payment, he has to call that customer to remind (more like “threaten”) him/her to pay. Most of the time, the call embarrasses or even terrorizes the customer. In Azerbaijan, most folks still hold on to their traditional value; still believe in “not able to pay their debts” is a shame, a humiliation. More often than not, the director’s call works and the customer shows up next day to pay. If that customer still refuses to pay, every morning that customer will receive an even louder and angrier call from our director.
In America, it is considered unprofessional to threaten any customer. If a customer misses a payment, it is not a big deal. A friendly computerized notice will reach the customer and remain him/her to pay. If the customer is behind the payment more than six months, then the account will be handed over to a collecting agency or bank attorney for legal action. (Something like that order, not 100% sure) Neither the loan officer nor anyone at the bank would make any “threaten” phone call to a customer. Eventually, the loan defaults, the bank forecloses or sells the property. The entire processes may take months or year, and it costs the bank thousands of dollars.

I compare the two methods and could not help but wondering which method is more effective and efficient.

My Life in Azerbaijan - Job Hunting

September 8, 2011

News from AZ6 (the group left last year) that lots of them having difficulty finding jobs in the States. Some advised us to begin job searching as soon as possible, even before we leave for the States. I am a planner and I have started my job searching back in January. As of today, I have already sent out 65 Federal job resumes, received six potential interviews, two telephone interviews and in fact one job offer. The reply ratio is 9% and successful rate is 1.5%. When compared to others’, my response ratios are considered very high. One of the RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) told me that he sent out 150 resumes and received NONE, yes zero response.

I was a little distressed when I received my 1st rejection letter. The rejection letter was just a standard computerized e-mail, no personal touch, plainly say “NO, thank you for applying”. After the 2nd, 3rd…. and the 50th negative response, instead of being upset, I simply joked around with the RPCV that 60 resumes down and only 90 more to go. By now, I am used to all the rejections but I am not giving up.

I never held a Federal job which could be a disadvantage. Federal job usually opens to veterans first, their spouses, disable applicants, federal employees, former federal employees, and finally candidates under special appointing authority, such as RPCV. Even I am an over-qualified RPCV candidate for the position, someone who is a “Status” applicant and meet the minimum education or experience requirements, he/she will be considered for an interview before me. All and all, I am on the bottom of the list but slightly better than average non-status US citizen.

Another thing I want to point out is the application process, from the time you send in your on-line application to the time you receive (If you do receive) a response, average time span is 45-60 days, sometimes it is even longer. My country director told me that she did not hear about her application until 9 months later. On top of that, writing a Federal Resume and KSAs (knowledge, abilities and skills) essay are exasperating. You have to use the exact wordings on the job description to prepare your resume. Every resume is first screened by computer, not someone from HR. If you don’t use the language that the computer is expecting, your resume will not be picked up for further review. That means each job you apply requires a customized resume. It took me six months to become proficiency in my Federal resume writing. Now I have set up three standard resumes: one for Accountant, one for Budget Analyst and one for Financial Analyst position. Each time I apply for a new opening, I just have to revise some wordings to match with those on the job description.

Finally, the technical and assessment questionnaires, which can add up to a hundred questions to answer. I usually print them out, study them and use the questions to adjust my resume as well. All these never ending processes add up to many frustrations. A lot of people did finally give up.

But I am not giving up. I will continue applying for that Federal “Dream” job. I truly believe that if I work hard, I shall be rewarded. In addition, I really like President Obama; and I love to help him to straight out the Federal Budget. :-P

My Life in Azerbaijan - Strong is Beautiful

September 12, 2011

I was watching the US Open on Azeri TV. It was the final match and Stosur from Australia won the championship. As I looked at both players: Williams and Stosur, I could not help but noticing physically how strong both of them are. Their arms and legs are muscular, tanned and with athletic curvature. Maybe according to the Hollywood standard, they are not feminine enough to be called beautiful. To me, they are striking, eye-catching, stunning.

I have always admired athletes: sportsmen, dancers, runner, and mountaineers. How discipline they train every day in order to achieve most human beings cannot accomplish, how determine they are in order to win the competition. They are mentally and physically powerful, have strong will and restraint. To me, they are exceptional human beings.

Most my friends in New York my age are either over-weighted or completely out of shape. Their muscle is drooping everywhere with floppy stomach, sagging bottom and wilting figure. Numerous times, I advised them to take good care of their bodies, do moderate exercise; tune up their muscle, and to be physically and mentally healthy. Middle age women do not have to grow old like a piece of “SHIT”. With daily exercise, we can look as well as younger women. We should all grow old with grace and dignity. Unfortunately, my friends’ altitude is “Why bother, men don’t even look at me any more”. I got frustrated every time I heard this. Why we continue to allow men defining us?

We all should insist on having a quality life; a healthy, independent, productive, and happy one. Human life span is very short and I wish I could live a hundred, two hundred or a thousand years longer and experience more of what life has to offer. Unfortunately, I could not so I must live every second of my life to the fullest. In order to do that, I have to be emotionally and physically energetic, this drives me to go out everyday; run, walk, climb, jump, smile, and be active.

After a prolonged rain, the sun finally came out yesterday. I watched the sun peered through dark clouds, suddenly it came into full view on the horizon, hitting the earth like thunder! Life is beautiful!

My Life in Azerbaijan - Little friend from Azerbaijan

September 3, 2011


Even Peace Corps discourages it, but every year, one or two PCV would bring an Azerbaijan animal home, usually it is either a cat or a dog. Not only it is a very costly arrangement, it is also a tiresome process, tons of paperwork to fill. Dog and cat are not well cared for by the Azerbaijani and it is not difficult to understand. Some Azerbaijani do not even have enough money to feed their kids; so how can they afford to treat an animal as well as the way the American do. Personally, I would never go through all these trouble to bring an animal home. However, I fully understand why someone would do that.


Few months ago, while I was running by the park, out of nowhere, a little yellow object leaped out from behind a bush. I was startled by it and my immediate reaction freighted the little creature as well. It, in return, ran back to the bushes and peeked at me coyly. When I finally realized that was a puppy no more a month old, I approached it with extreme gentleness. The puppy was still afraid of me but its curiosity overcame its fear, slowly he came out from the bushes, hopping up and down to greet me. The little thing was just a ball of furs, so tiny, so cute and so adorable. But as I got closer to it, I saw ticks covering the puppy’s head and body. I was sick to my stomach. The puppy was abandoned by its mother and it desperately needed affection. I wanted to touch him so badly but I would not dare, just left him there with those “begging for attention” and innocent eyes.

For the next few days, I continued seeing him, each time, he greeted me with the same eagerness and affection, and each time, I avoided him. After a week or so, I did not see him anymore and I just assumed that he was death (most dogs in Azerbaijan end up that way).

Few days ago, I came to the same area and met an old lady with a dog. The dog seemed to be very happy to see me. He kept using his feet to touch mine. I did not recognize it first but as I looked into its eyes, I saw that innocent look again. It was the same dog! He was adopted by this kind Azeri grandmother. He was tick free and had grown much bigger but it was still a playful puppy. The following day, I brought him a bone. As soon as he saw me, he ran so fast to greet me, again hopping up and down to show its affection. I told him “otur” (to sit), and he understood! He let me took a photo of him. My heart just melted. It was lucky that this puppy was adopted or I had to worry about leaving him behind.

Now I am seriously thinking about getting a dog or a cat when I get home! Hum……

My Life in Azerbaijan - Reflection of My Peace Corps Dream

I chewed over this statement for a long time:

“Peace Corps was a lovely idea-for idle and idealistic young Americans. Gave them a chance to see a bit of the world, learn something. But as an effort to “improve” the lives of other peoples, the inhabitants of the so-called “underdeveloped nations, it was an act of cultural arrogance. A piece of insolence.” - Edward Abbey

Edward Abbey is my idol but when the first time I read this, I was angry. What did he know about Peace Corps, he had never been a Peace Corps volunteer! Now as my Peace Corps dream approaches to an end, I can not help but brooding over his statement once again, and this time, to a certain degree, I agree with Ed.

Recently, I read an article written by Paul Theroux, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) served in Malawi in the 1960’s as a English teacher, his reflection of Peace Corps experience somewhat resonates Ed’s opinion:

“My teaching had its uses for them, but what I taught was negligible compared to what I learned.....most people would not see what I saw in Africa: the resiliency of the people. Africans knew neglect, drought, flood, bad harvests, hungers, disease…..and yet in the face of these adversities they had developed survival skills, and prevailed….today... despite forty years of volunteer efforts, Malawi is probably worse off than it was back in 1963…”

So what is the point of Peace Corps?

“I became a teacher in Africa and my whole life changes. I was happier; I had a purpose…… I was becoming the person I wanted to be, not just a young man with a job but someone developing a sensibility....”

The time I spent in Azerbaijan, without a doubt has a greater impact on me than on the people whom I was trying to help. How much I have changed since I set foot in this “underdeveloped” country. I know I can tolerate a much higher degree of discomfort, no regular running water, gas or electricity is not the end of the world. Having lived with people with so little material provisions, now I can go home and be happy to live simple. I don’t need a high paying job; I can survive with less income. I don’t have to live in a luxury two-bed room condo. I can be just happy to live in a cozy studio. I don’t have to drink Starbuck coffee, eat imported cheese, and indulge with expensive wine. I don’t need fancy jewels and designer clothing to look good. I don’t have to compete with colleagues and friends. I don’t have to rush going from point A to point B.

I will return to New York with a much lighter spirit. Three most valuable lessons I learned from my Peace Corps experience: be patient, be flexible, and always have a sense of humor. I have grown to love life with a different attitude, I become more sensible and understanding, learn to listen more, have less self-pity, care more about my community, friends and family, recognize there are many people in the world with real problems, be more supportive with their needs rather than constantly complain about my own problems. Life in Azerbaijan has made a profound difference in me.

As my Peace Crops journey comes to an end, and soon there will be more new faces (the AZ9) coming to Azerbaijan in October. I wish them well and my advice to them is another quote from Paul Theroux:

“…don’t make a mistake in thinking that you will make an important difference in the lives of the people you are among. The profound difference will be in you”.

Value your time here for it will forever change you. Good luck AZ9, and be a good Peace Corps Volunteer!