Being in Kazakhstan for almost two years now has caused me to look
at myself more than I would like to. I have seen many parts of me
dissolve within Kazakh culture while others, unknown completely to me,
surface out of nowhere. I had a long conversation with someone on a
train to southern Kazakhstan about identity. I have come to the
conclusion that where you are and who you are with definitely shapes a
lot of who you are. If you wish to seek yourself out and know more about your own
life, I advise you to be humble when the answers come, because not all
of them will be uplifting and wonderful. Be patient with yourself and
with others. Listen attentively and make an effort to remember the
seemingly meaningless bits about a person's life. Try to separate
your prejudices from yourself if you find it hard listening to a
person. Give everybody at least two chances because the first chance
is always for you. Notice your failure without complaining to anybody
or yourself, simply correct them. Laziness eats away at life silently
and comfortably; don't let it. Know that everybody suffers and do not
contribute more to their suffering.
Before becoming a Peace Corps volunteer, Mowatt was a record store employee. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a philosophy degree.
Before becoming a Peace Corps volunteer, Mowatt was a record store employee. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a philosophy degree.
