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...
Showing posts with label Peace Corp Application Process. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace Corp Application Process. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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...
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.
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.
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.
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