Marc Calilan

I grew up in a typical Filipino-American household in Los Angeles. My parents wanted me to become a doctor or a lawyer, but life had something else in stored for me. I was never the type to be seen as adventurous, daring, and independent. I thank my high school English teacher for opening the doors, showing me that there is more than just living in Los Angeles. He instilled the idea of traveling and working abroad. During my third year in college, I had the opportunity to live and study abroad in Thailand for several months. I was able to backpack throughout the country. Eating. Making friends with the locals. And, eating more.

After graduating from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Anthropology, I left America to teach English in South Korea. It was a life changing moment. I lived in a small rural town teaching English to 72 students for a year. After my contract ended, I traveled throughout Asia, again. And, Europe, again.

Now that I am 24 years old, I am starting a new chapter in my life, the Peace Corps.