RENO, NV - For many jobless residents in our community, the recession means a reason to rethink their career, head back to school, or simply start over.

And with a clean slate, some people are pursuing a dream that many of have always wished we had the guts to do--join the peace corps.

Nationwide, the peace corps has seen an 18 percent increase in applicants this year, the largest number of volunteers in peace corps history. 21 people from Washoe County and Carson City are already serving in the peace corps, one is set to leave in a few days, and countless others are seriously thinking about taking on the challenge.

A packed meeting at UNR Tuesday night demonstrated just how many people in our area are thinking of volunteer service instead of a nine-to-five. Most of them were the stereotypical candidates, recent or near-college grads with enough sense to face reality.

"There are no jobs out there for an English Lit major with a BA. This is gonna give me something a lot of other people don't have. Serious life skills," said UNR senior, Nate Walsh, who wants to teach English overseas.

But there were others, like assistant professor Christine Aramburu Alegria who came to learn of ways to spend her retirement because these days, she says: life is uncertain.

"Planning ahead. It's aways away; however, you never know. It's something I am thinking of already," said Alegria.

San Francisco Regional Recruiter Yune Lee says there's been an up-tick in the number of people over age 50 heading into the corps, as well as mid-career professionals starting over. She says the recession, and our new president's call to service have both been contributors, but not everyone who applies ends up joining.

"We don't want to say no, but there are only so many positions open and the application process is long," said Lee.

90 percent of the positions require a bachelor's degree. Volunteers do get health care, plus a living allowance, but the pay only equals out to an average of just a few hundred dollars per month. While some may think any job would be 'good enough' during these tough times, Lee says joining the corps is a life-changing decision--one you shouldn't take lightly.

"Definitely not. 27 months is a really large commitment and you really have to be ready for it," said Lee.

For those still hoping to build their resume, change careers, or start their life, they each have their own reasons for wanting to join.

"How much will you know about yourself unless you put yourself through trials and tribulations?" said Walsh.

"Gosh, I think retirement is a whole other starting point to your next chapter in life, so this is a way to approach that," added Alegria.

The late President John F. Kennedy started the peace corps in 1961.
Four-thousand new volunteers are needed each year, in order to full fill needs in more than 70 foreign places, including Africa, South America and the Middle East.

For more information, head to www.peacecorps.gov