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.