So why do I want to join the Peace Corps you may ask? Well... Ever since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of living in another country, working with the people and fully immersing myself into their culture... I kid you not. I can remember reading about organizations in 7th and 8th grade about saving Africa from aids and I knew that someday I would be doing something positive that would leave a footprint. This is my chance to use my education and ambitions to make an impact (big or small) on someone else's life. I don't want to save the world (although that would be nice but lets be realistic)... I just want to know that someone else is better off because of me. Peace Corps will give me the opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally... my experiences will help me grow as a person and meet a lot of new, amazing people along the way.
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
Saturday, August 21th, 2010 @ 2:00am - I finally began my application after a few months of research. When I do something, I do it 100% so I wanted to make sure I was ready to make the commitment.Thursday, September 18th, 2010 @ 2:00pm - Met my soon to be recruiter at CSUS
Friday, September 17th, 2010 @ 11:55pm - Submitted my application
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 @ 12:30pm - My recruiter Jennifer calls... she wants to set up an interview... BTW this was my birthday so I was overjoyed.
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 @ 10:00am - Interview... lasted about 1 1/2 hours... She is NOMINATING me for business advising in Africa :)
Friday, September 24th, 2010 - Send off my official transcripts
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 - OFFICIALLY NOMINATED for Business Advising in Africa -- expected departure date June 2011
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 - Receive medical packet
All of October - Medically appointments and dentist appointments
Monday, November 1st, 2010 - Send in my complete medical and dental packet
Monday, November 8th, 2010 - Peace Corps receives my packet
Thursday, November 11th, 2010 - Receive information in mail regarding dental clearance... looks like I need to get a couple cavities filled ... schedule appointments for December
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 - Still waiting on any news. I know it will be a while so I am patiently waiting... I expect medical clearance sometime between Feb. and April... hopefully :)
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 - Dental Clearance :)
Monday, February 7th, 2011 - Medical Clearance :)
Friday, March 11th, 2011 - Placement contact- request for updated resume.
Monday, March 28th, 2011 - Updated application status online.... No interview or contact.... BUT INVITED :)
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 - Invite coming in mail.... Officially accept my invitation as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon as a Farm and Agribusiness Advisor... Departure September 15th (Later changed to September 21st... my birthday :))
Monday, August 22nd, 2011 - Staging email, flight booked... things are becoming real!!!!!
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 - Flying to Philly
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 - Staging event
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 - Flying to Brussels, then to Cameroon
Friday, September 23rd, 2011 - Arrive in Cameroon :)
That's all I got.
xoxo
Katie
