Monday, December 15, 2008

Introduction

I've decided to start a new journal that will consist mostly of my adventures of becoming and [hopefully] being a Peace Corps Volunteer!

I actually started my application at the beginning of October. Submitted it in mid-October and completed my interview during the first week of November. It all seemed to go by super quick!

After my interview, my Recruiter told me that she was planning on nominating me for service, but was still waiting on my final recommendation. At that point, it looked as though my nomination would either be for Central/South America or Sub-Sahara Africa leaving in early to mid-June. Both would be for Environmental Education, although I am qualified for other areas. :)

I guess I am most qualified for Environmental Ed considering I am an Environmental Science major and LOVE it!! However, I also teach First Aid, CPR/AED, and Lifeguarding courses for the American Red Cross which makes me eligible for Health stuff..and I'm pretty sure my camp jobs would place me in Youth Development. Mostly though I really want to work in the Environmental field considering it is my first love!! Also, the Peace Corps seems to be looking for volunteers with an Environmental background.

Anyways, November 19th!!NOVEMBER 19, 2008

i was getting ready to head to class today and my phone rang...
and...
it was my peace corps recruiter.
&&&
I AM NOMINATED FOR PEACE CORPS SERVICE!!!
EASTERN EUROPE! MAY 2009!!
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION!!

so freakin excited!!!
but at the same time..i'm really scared. :)
fingers crossed i can make it through medical fine.

Pretty much I was given the option of Eastern Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, or Central/South America and I couldn't choice. I literally have no preference and all of them sounded SO good to me. I told my recruiter to choice the one she thought would be the best. She said that the Eastern Europe post was looking for someone with prior teaching experience..PERFECT!! All my work as an ARC instructor has paid off!!

The following Monday I got a total surprise! Not only did I recieve my official nomination letter, but I also got my medical packet. Nearly freaked out looking at the size of it. It is going to be crazy trying to get this thing filled out. Mostly due to all of my allergy problems and not really knowing if they are allergic reactions or just asthma or what...

I kinda put the packet aside for a few weeks...mostly for 2 reasons:
1) I am really scared that I am going to be declined or deferred from service. Mostly this is due to my allergy problems [since I have an epi-pen] and also since I am anemic. :(
2) I am still covered by my parents insurance. Hence I wanted to talk to them in person before racking up a huge medical expense for the Peace Corps.

The good news is....Last week I talked to my Mom and discussed the Peace Corps Paperwork. She told me to go for it. Anyways, Mom encouraged me to go ahead and get appointments and get my physical. If worst comes to worst I will at least have a physical done in case I need one in the future!! :)

So tomorrow..my first appointment over at the FANTASTIC UT Student Medical Center. Nervous and excited all at the same time!!