Here it is - my first blog entry. Exactly two months from now (fingers crossed!) it all starts. This blog is to keep in touch with family and friends, and post pictures for everyone back home. I'm a bit new to writing a blog though, so you may have to bear with me.
It has been a while since my Peace Corps application process began, but I tried to remember dates and made a list of all big and small events that have happened along the way. Reading others’ timelines on Peace Corps Journals has been so helpful to me in staying patient and waiting during the process. Hopefully this list can do the same for another applicant out there!
My Timeline (so far!)
June 2008 – Begin thinking of post-college graduation plans. Start considering Peace Corps, and complete a bit of the online Application.
Fall 2008 – Take a more serious approach, and actually start writing essays and completing the Application.
December 3, 2008 – Complete and send in Peace Corps Application.
December 10, 2008 - First hear from recruiter in Boston. Receive Info. Packet.
Late December-Early January - Peace Corps Information Packet completed and sent to Boston office: (References, Transcripts, fingerprint cards, NAC questionnaire). Interview scheduled for early February 2009.
February 3, 2009 – Two hour Interview with recruiter in Boston. Receive Nomination for Peace Corps service. My Nomination: estimated departure date of early 2010, English Teacher, Latin America/Caribbean Region.
February 9, 2009 – Receive Medical Packet in the mail.
Early April – Complete and mail in Medical Packet after multiple hospital visits, dentist appointments and 8(ish) blood tests.
April 24, 2009 – Dental Clearance is received.
July 6, 2009 – (Much awaited) Medical Clearance is received.
July 7, 2009 – First hear from Placement Office. Placement review begins. Send final transcript, updated resume and updated cross-cultural essay to DC office.
Early August – Phone interview with Placement Officer in DC. Told to expect mailed Invitation Packet in 6-10 days.
August 18, 2009 – Receive Invitation Packet in the mail to service in Dominican Republic starting March 2, 2010. Begin visa and passport application process. Send in updated resume and Aspiration statement to Caribbean Desk in DC.
So that's just about everything up until now. Mas or menos. The Staging Kit is the next thing I'm waiting for, and in the meantime, I'm attempting to figure out what to bring and exactly how to pack the next 27 months into two bags...should be interesting.
Be Well! xo
IMPORTANT SIDENOTE: Today is a palindrome: 01/02/2010. How wonderful is that??!
Hey don't forget our carry-on. ;)
ReplyDeletei leave for DR staging on March 2 too!
ReplyDeleteSarah - Good point, that helps!
ReplyDeleteAdkos - Congrats!
Speaking of luggage, do either of you know what you'll use for bags?