My first post...

So for many of you out there that know me, I am currently in the process of applying for the Peace Corps.   The application process is quite long and I fear I let the cat out of the bag a bit early since my nomination isn't until June 2011... my family keeps asking when I am leaving and I guess I am wondering that one myself :).  Thankfully, I have school and the holidays to keep be busy as I wait patiently for the news of my future! 


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