Thursday, August 28, 2008

My Journey Continues...

So, hopefully you've read my last entry and see my plans have changed...maybe your saying "What will Meresa do now?" Well, I've enrolled in classes and I'm continuing my education in pursuance of a Bachelor of Applied Science, Major in Veterinary Technology. As opposed to being a Licensed Veterinary Technician, I would be a Licensed Veterinary Technologist; my emphasis in administration. This is a stepping stone for my Veterinary degree.

I have a fully case load, six classes, 12 credit hours. Three courses are one credit classes however I must have online attendance two days a week for one of them, three days a week for the other. My classes include:
  • Advanced Veterinary Terminology
  • Tools for Success
  • Safety and Regulation Compliance
  • Veterinary Hospital Marketing
  • Intermediate Algebra
  • Studies in Applied Ethics

Plus I am also in a 13 week class locally called the Citizens Police Academy.

Other than the police academy course, my classes started this last Monday and continues until December. I'm very excited and a tad nervous. All of my courses are Internet based. I've had Internet courses in the past, but not solely. My college isn't in the same state I reside so at times I feel a little anxious when I cant get someone on the phone with the college or if I think they haven't responded very soon to a request, concern, or question. But, this will pass when I develop a routine (still in progress) and know what to expect.

I have some work to do, I'll keep you posted and until next time...take care and God bless...

Thursday, August 14, 2008

A Blessing in Disguise...

Over the last few months, my blog title "Live. Learn. Laugh. Love" has held true for me. As it seems like I've condensed all of those in a very short amount of time from the death of my grandmother, to the change of my Peace Corp goals, to the decision to return to school.

If you've been checking back periodically to see if I've made another post, I'm sorry. These last few months, at best, have been incredibly trying and essentially sad...my Grandmother, after less than three weeks of receiving a diagnoses, died of esophageal cancer. My Mom, Brother, and myself spent the last two weeks of her life caring for her with the assistance of Hospice (a wonderful organization). As strange as it may sound, it hasn't fully kicked in. When we found out she had cancer I told myself it would hit me when she came home...when she came home I said it would register with me when Hospice came out...then the shock will end we I see her at the funeral home...then it was when I return home and she's not there. I cant think of another instance of when I should say "My Grandma died of esophageal cancer" and actually 150% believe it. I cry...there are times I'm obviously sad, but I haven't fully accepted it. Maybe it will hit me when she's not here for Christmas...

So, I didn't make it into the Peace Corp. After speaking to someone in Washington DC, the reason was explained simply there isn't a program open for me. I can only fit into Agriculture and they are focusing on nurses and teachers. At the time, I felt crushed...disappointed. But it was one of those situations where I say "Thank God I hadn't gone!" And it doesn't mean I cant participate in the future.

In the meantime I'm returning to school. I start back at the end of this month to pursue a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology; one step closer to my final professional student career as a Veterinarian (formally anyway). I'm excited! I'm also a Animal Health Technician with the National Animal Health Emergency Response Corp (NAHERC) which has opened up some additional training opportunities as well. And I'm currently participating in a citizens police course in my area; nine weeks in duration and ends with a graduation ceremony and certificate.

Thank you for your interest in my blog. Although my original purpose was to blog as a Peace Corp Volunteer, I will use it to document my progress as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) utilizing every opportunity to better myself professionally and personally. I hope you enjoy my journey...

Take care and God bless...

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Not the End...

I was hoping my next entry would be great news...its not good news, or bad news for that matter. My application is still under review. I contacted Peace Corp (PC) and requested a review of my application.

My hopes were set on becoming a Peace Corp Volunteer (PCV), again. I'm one of those people that believe you do everything you can do to accomplish your goals and then if its meant to be it will happen. No matter how bad you may want something, you cant make it happen. But, the up side to working towards a goal is even if it doesn't work out you can take solace in knowing it didn't happen because there's more you could have done.

I have been looking into other opportunities. I'm not one to be comfortable staying idle. I'm not sure if I mentioned this in any of my previous entries, so I apologize if I'm redundant...my original goal remains to become a Veterinarian. Not gaining admittance in the PC would be very disappointing, but in so many words...life goes on. So, I'm considering returning to school this fall.

I currently have an Associates in Applied Science, major in Veterinary Technology and I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician (having attended an American Veterinary Medical Association school and passed the boards for the State of Michigan). I have plans to acquire a Bachelor's in Veterinary Technology. From the research I've done St. Petersburg College (Florida) offers an awesome Internet program for a BA in Vet. Technology. This is one of my options.

I leave you, my readers here...still up in the air. My next entry will probably be the deciding yeah or nay from the PC. Until then...take care and God bless...

Friday, April 11, 2008

To be Continued...

I haven't received any news yet, but I have an inkling to blog. Since I had last made an entry, I've spoken to a few Peace Corp Volunteers I had the privilege of meeting during my short time in Niger.

To be absolutely honest, I felt a little heart ache thinking I was in Niger and returned. If I said otherwise, I would be lying. But it makes the urge, or internal encouragement, really strong to be part of the Peace Corp. You may ask why I want to be a Peace Corp Volunteer so badly...well, I'll try to summarize.

I've been in the animal/veterinary field for more than 10 years. I've worked as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), adoption counselor/euthanasia technician, kennel attendant, to name a few. I've been present and worked on abuse/neglect cases. I've helped people reunite with their pets. I've been there when their dog has been hit by a car and requires emergency surgery. And I've been there when pet owners have to make the decision to allow their beloved companion to pass on.

I cannot imagine a better use for my degree, knowledge, and love of learning then to help those in need while simultaneously representing my country. The ultimate expression of learning is by passing on your knowledge to others. As a Peace Corp Volunteer, I would be able to help people better their food source through demonstrating and encouraging different ways to keep their herd (or flocks) healthy. Herd (or flock) health is maintained, for example, through vaccination, animal hygiene, and proper nutrition. I realize with working in a third world country maybe one out of the three can be pursued. But if I can help create a cleaner, healthier food source, to any degree, isn't it worth. Of course! How that would be achieved would depend on observations and evaluations once in country and could not be determined with all of the book studying in the world. The Peace Corp offers the best method...hands on, culture assimilation.

I've sent my letter to the regional manager, hopefully my next entry will be a positive one, discussion on the next step for the Peace Corp application.

Take care and God bless...

Sunday, April 6, 2008

A Shock

I debated about posting this because I feel a little defeated and kind of embarrassed (to be posting this anyway)...however, I started this blog to encourage individuals in joining the Peace Corp and to explain/demonstrate the process.

I received a letter on Saturday (yesterday) stating "Our analysis indicates that there are other applicants whose overall qualifications are more in line with our requirements. Therefor, we are unable to accept you for Peace Corps service." Of course, there's more to the letter, but I think those two sentences summarize everything accurately.

Sincere I have been accepted to the Peace Corp previously (~18 months ago), I'm surprised my qualifications aren't enough now. Actually, I've taken advantage of this downtime I had from my knee surgery and have taken some on-line courses including courses through FEMA. Taking these courses have added to my more than 10 years in the veterinary profession, a formal degree, state licensure as a Veterinary Technician, and the numerous volunteer positions I've held over the years.

It didn't sink in until this morning that I was denied for the opportunity to serve as a Peace Corp Volunteer. Disappointed is an understatement. However, its not over as I honestly look at this as a mistake. The letter explained I can have a review of the decision by the manager of the regional office; which I will be pursuing. I have the knowledge, motivation, interest in helping globally, and the push to use those qualities in representing my country.

If its meant to be, this will be worked out. For an update, stay tuned.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

The Process has Begun

The Process has begun...today, via the Peace Corp website, I submitted my application to become a Peace Corp Volunteer (PCV). If you've followed my blog from the beginning you've read about my Peace Corp experience, for those that hasn't I'll briefly recap. I was in the Peace Corp last year and had to return due to a knee injury. I had knee surgery last August. Thursday, March 27th, my orthopaedic surgeon medically released me.

I started the application on Thursday night and finished it about 15 minutes ago. If I would have sat straight through, the application could have been completed and submitted in about four or five hours.

Before you start the actual application, you complete a mini version that takes roughly 10 minutes. It simply establishes your age (must be at least 18), your education (preferably a bachelors degree but will accept someone with an associates and experience), and your citizenship (must be a US citizen by the time you apply).

The full blown application, the one that has taken me two days to complete, covers personal information, employment history, degree information, extra curricular/volunteer information, two essay questions, debit information (such as student loans), and three people you can use for references. The second part of the application is your health status. There is roughly 90 questions and covers every body system from the nervous system to reproductive system and everything in between. If you decide to to apply to the Peace Corp let me give you some words of wisdom...do not splurge on any information your providing! If your overseas and you redevelop a condition you've had in the past and your sent home, the insurance and/or workers compensation will not cover the medical cost. Period.

Although the application process may seem long and tedious, it protects you, the Peace Corp, and the village you could be working in. You want to make sure you are physically capable of handling the projects you have before you. And, God forbid, something did happened that required medical treatment you want to know you will be covered. In the Peace Cops perspective, what you do reflects on them and their capabilities. They wouldn't want to send an individual to a site, or post, that cannot fulfil their obligations Not to mention, the Peace Corp wouldn't want to take the chance of causing illness or injury to one of their PCV's. And of course with your post, or a village, your going into the Peace Corp to help others. If you cannot fulfil your obligations you could be affecting your villages food source, for example.

So, I finished the application and submitted it. In the next three to four weeks a recruiter will be contacting me and set up for an interview. In the meantime, I need to send the paperwork to those I listed as my references and submit a form regarding my student loans that certifies I can have it deferred for the length of my time in the Peace Corp.

The process has begun. I can hardly contain my excitement! I hope documenting the process will encourage those considering joining the Peace Corp and peak interest to those looking to contribute globally.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Saint Patricks Day Blessings

The weather is changing...the snow is melting...and before we know it spring will have sprung. As I mentioned at the beginning, I'm trying to get ready to apply to the Peace Corp (which I anticipate applying next month). "What does this have to do w/spring?" you ask. I'm active anyway, doing pilates 4-6 times a weeks and a few odds and ends workout video's in between, but my passion is hiking. In the Peace Corp you do a lot of walking to get to destinations. When the snow melts, I'll pick up where I left off before I went into the Peace Corp last...not last summer (due to my knee injury and surgery), but the summer before last I was hiking/walking 10-14 miles per day. I'm a wimp when it comes to the cold (and, not to be redundant) and snow, so I suspend the hiking/walking during the winter months. So, although I enjoy hiking, its a useful tool for preparing for the Peace Corp as well...

I just finished reading a Peace Corp Volunteers blog (Lulu) and it was touching. When I went to Niger to participate as a Peace Corp Volunteer, I found out as a base level what a third world county looks like. The UN placed Niger, on a list of 177 countries, 177th as the poorest country. When you look around, you see kids in torn clothing (or none at all), people in serious need of nutrition, and land and livestock that looks sickly in their own right. In my life, I've been through times money has been beyond tight, but the communities in our country has churches, other civic organizations, and of course the government, to fall back on if we find ourselves in dire straights. I cant imagine the strife of not knowing where my (or my families) next meal was going to be coming from...people die there, they starve. And the grieving process in Niger, and I imagine its similar to many third world countries, is brief.

If a child dies, for instance, the men immediately bury the child. The women and men grieve in separate groups for one day. After which, the child is no longer spoken of. When I learned of this, I asked someone why that is. And its believed that it affects the spirit of the deceased. Even visiting the grave site (unmarked) is forbidden. It may sound cruel or unspeakable to think the dead are never spoken of or that the deceased are not honored (in our terms). But when I think of it, it seems like it is a survival technique, even if subconscious. If you were to loose a child, and you have six or seven other mouths to feed, can you afford to completely STOP and grieve or does life demand, does your remaining children's lives demand, you move on?

Lulu discusses a child she met as a few month old baby when she was posted in Niger. She celebrated the babies one year birth a few weeks ago, and a week or so later, grieved her loss. She witnessed the grieving process come and go quickly...

On this Saint Patricks Day, I say a prayer to Saint Patrick thanking him for the blessing I've been given, including where I live. Although things may seem hard here, I cant imagine living in a place where there isn't any hope for things to improve...as opposed living in a country where I can only look as far as my next meal.

In honor of Saint Patricks Day, to those serving in the Peace Corp and military, I offer the prayer of Saint Patrick

I arise today through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, splendor of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of the wind, depth of the sea, stability of the earth, firmness of the rock.
I arise today through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me,God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's hosts to save me afar and anear, alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today against wounding Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation.

Take care and God bless...

Saturday, March 1, 2008

A Week Long Salute to Changing the World

Do you find yourself at time frustrated with the way of the world, feeling like nothing will change? Starving Childred...AID's/HIV...Uneducated...Where do we start? I can tell you this, the world started to change for the better on March 1, 1961 when John F. Kennedy signed into legislation the means to start the Peace Corp and from February 25th to March 3rd we celebrate Peace Corp Week.

Today the Peace Corp is ever present in 74 countries and has had more than 190,000 Peace Corp Volunteers. The Peace Corp works with the countries government, people, various resources ranging in areas from health (I.e. AID's prevention and treatment) to agriculture (I.e. given resources for women in developing countries the means to have a herd of their own thereby providing for their families) and everything in between.

To summarize what the Peace Corp stands for is best understand by reading their mission:

  1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
  2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
  3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

The momentous occasion started at the University of Michigan when JFK for the first time mention the ambitions of the newly founded Peace Corp. He believed this was the "most important campaign since 1933." (Speech at University of Michigan by Senator JFK 3-1-61.)

Peace Corp Volunteers (PCV's) accept the challenge to serve in a country needing assistance they can provide through either their degree and/or their professional experiences. PCV's receive three months of training and then are sent to "post" where they remain for two years providing alternative means for people to find ways to get out of fast or famine. Of course, I'm making this sound as more of a teaching lesson for the village where you may be located, however this is far from the truth...as a PCV YOU learn a tremendous amount. You may see what hospitality truly is, what family really means, and how little importance your possessions really are. What you take away with you is worth more than all the gold in the world! And then, hopefully, your "mission" doesn't just end when you return to the states...you share what YOU'VE learned with others.

What the Peace Corp offers and what the opportunity provides for you is truly priceless.

"...this is the longest short speech I've ever made...therefore, I'll finish it! Let me say in conclusion, this University is not maintained by its alumni, or by the state, merely to help its graduates have an economic advantage in the life struggle. There is certainly a greater purpose, and I'm sure you recognize it. Therefore, I do not apologize for asking for your support in this campaign. I come here tonight asking your support for this country over the next decade. Thank you." (Speech at University of Michigan by Senator JFK 3-1-61.)

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Getting Ready...

Hello and I hope your New Years has started off well. I've been busy trying to get things ready around my home. You may be asking "Ready? Ready for what?"

I mentioned way back when I started this blog I was in the Peace Corp (Niger, West Africa) and had to return due to an injury. I'm now getting geared up to reapply. I'm 98% recovered from my knee surgery and I'm pretty certain I'll be ready to reapply for the Peace Corp in March. I'll be seeing my Orthopeadic Surgeon next month and he'll need to release me before I can return.

It's a pretty big ordeal to prepare for the Peace Corp. Your away for 27 months, which means you need to make sure your home, finances and pets are all in order...and I've added one more thing I want to make sure is in order before I leave....I'm teaching myself French. Most of the places the Peace Corp send Peace Corp Volunteers are French speaking, so I decided to try to make it easier on myself and try to learn the language before I leave. At this point if some said to me "Parlez-vous francais?" I could respond "Un peu." In other words "Do you speak French?" " A little."

I'm coming along pretty good. I have quite a few resources...A Learn to Speak French CD-ROM, French for Dummies with audio CD, French in 10 Minutes a Day workbook, and of course internet sources/websites. I've been able to study daily...for the most part. It's coming along. Though I do see one part making it a little difficult to learn French; I dont have a French speaking partner to bounce my new language off of. In Niger, I was learning Zarma at a pretty quick pace and I realized it probably was due to being immersed in the language, living it.

So, I'm doing what I can. When I go through the self-serve checkout's I select French as the language. Whatever I can do to "hear" the language. If your reading this blog and you have any suggestions, I would appreciate an email.

As I'm preparing and going through the application process, I'll be blogging. I hope you find my future entries both interesting and informative. Take care and God bless...

Sunday, January 6, 2008

New Years Resolution

Happy New Years!!!! The time is here...the time to evaluate what we've done in 2007 (or haven't done) and what we would like to change in 2008. Weight loss (or healthy living in general) and financial stability are the most common New Years resolutions we hear of, but how about adding community/global involvement?

I mentioned in the last blog about a Peace Corp Volunteer needing donations for a millet grinder. And, as of December 30th Brittany received the word from Washington DC the money was successfully raised for a much needed millet grinder in her village. For those of you that read my blog and contributed a huge THANK YOU!!! The millet grinder is providing her village a means to supply food without interfering with girls education. KUDOS! Another Peace Corp Volunteer, Lulu, is also in need of the same item...a millet grinder for her village. For more information click on the right "Lulu's Blog."

For those of you looking to contribute in a unique project check out Brittany's blog. She has an awesome idea to start an art class for the kids in her village. This gives the kids another means to make money and also, in essence, learn a "trade." Brittany is asking for people to donate items such as film cameras, film, money for film developing and so on. Click on "Brittany's blog" to read more.

The Peace Corp not only gives an INDIVIDUAL a means to contribute to worldwide causes but it gives our citizens a look at global issues in a way without some basis that the media can provide. Peace Corp Volunteers are in a foreign land using their college degree and/or training, evaluating their regions needs, and finding a means to meet those needs. Their "evaluations" are based on THEIR personal experiences and are without issues that can "muddy" interpretation such as donor responsibilities and preconceived ideals of how the areas should be.

Take care...May God bless you in the New Year...