Greetings!

I have found so many Peace Corps blogs online, and nearly all I have found were on blogspot.  Now, I have my own website, but for some reason, blogspot being so popular with the PC, I couldn't help but get my own! Hah! I've only just started my application process for the Peace Corps, but I wanted to make sure to document it for me and everyone else who is thinking about the Peace Corps or beginning the process. I know lots of blogs certainly answered my questions and gave me ideas.  

I was first introduced to Peace Corps in high school, Mr. Seigert had one of the lower school teachers come talk to us about it during Sociology--she had been a PCV in Thailand, I can't remember what she did there.  I thought it was really freaking cool, but also thought it sounded so hippie and like so much work (don't those two contrast?) Oh well, a handful of years later as college was coming to a close, I started thinking about options after graduation.  Work abroad? Peace Corps? Grad school? Job? Teach for America?  I did apply for TA, but without enough experience, I got rejected (how lame!).  The same time I was applying for TA, I tossed around the idea of Peace Corps. I was then (and still am) an international/travel fanatic and wanted to do things for* people.  At the time I dismissed the idea thinking it might be too much for me, besides, I had a long term boyfriend.

Yet, over the next 2 years, it was always in my mind, and every time I'd think of it, a new idea or question about the Peace Corps would come to mind. I found myself asking:

Why have I been holding back? Well, I'm doubting myself, and a boy. I love the boy, but that reason is stupid, I can't live for another person. But as for doubting myself, why am I doubting!? I love travel and learning about cultures, I would love to teach or work with youth, even volunteer in health in the Peace Corps. I don't have much work or volunteer experience, but that's something to easily change.

As soon as I got over the "boy" reason, I was able to do more with my life. For example, I spent over a month studying in China last fall. I'd always wanted to study abroad, but always held back because of him. I finally told myself that it was something we could both figure out how to deal with, and we both did. I loved China.  Still, it took me a long time to come to the realization that, yes, I wanted to apply to the Peace Corps, and if lucky enough, be accepted and join. 

Only recently did I figure this out, but now it seems clear that it was always the answer, I was just scared.  And not even scared of something of substance....like getting malaria....or being mauled by a lion! Hah! Silly fears: me and my boy. Bleh. I got over it.

This is my timeline thus far:

• February 26th, 2008: complete the Volunteer Application & Health Status Review Application.
• February 27th, 2008: notified 3 people that I was hoping they could provide the required recommendations for me. Later in the day, when I heard back, I then added them to the recommendation list.
• February 28th, 2008: receive an e-mail thanking me for my application, in the next 2 weeks I should be notified of an interview, and should be receiving a letter in the mail about the online Toolkit.

What I am in the process of doing:

• submitting an application to the local Red Cross for a March 15th class to certify me for "Adult, Infant, and Child CPR/AED and First Aid
• find out how to volunteer at the Red Cross or the AIDS Resource Group
• signing up for an online class for TEFL + Young Learners through ITTT
• looking for a good Youth Organization to volunteer for (many require at least a years commitment, which I unfortunately cannot make since I'm not sure about the PC timeline)
• tomorrow will harass all 3 recommendors to SUBMIT MY RECOMMENDATION! :)

Well, I'm waiting, anxiously. I guess I could start to prepare some answers to interview questions. I have found some sample questions online from people who have completed their interviews.  I'm hoping for something soon!