Mid-August Update

To update everyone on what has been going on since the last post, I went in for my formal interview on August 7th with my recruiter. It took about 70 minutes and we discussed everything from basics like hesitations, to hypothetical cultural questions. They mainly wanted to see how I would adapt and fit in, cope with being away for two years, and that I wouldn't embaress the Peace Corps by getting wildly drunk or something.

Afterwards, my recruiter forwarded me several skills forms, targeting a few different project areas including agriculture and forestry, secondary English teaching, community development, NGO development, health, HIV/AIDS, and water and sanitation. I filled these out, basically expanding on what I had already told them on my original application. These were used to guide the phone interview, which happened today (August 22nd).

The phone interview went well, and was about 40 minutes. We talked about the different project areas (above), which ones I was interestd in, and which ones I wasn't. I also talked about my hesitations on some regarding skill level involved, but definitely not motivation. My least favourites were water and sanitiation, and agriculture and forestry. The others I'm pretty stoked about! But after the interview came the news of difficulty: due to the weak dollar and funding cuts, the Peace Corps will not be able to offer the same number of positions as in years past. Thus, the ones they do offer will be more competitive. My recruiter reassured me, however, that I am qualified and suitable for Peace Corps service, and that she doesn't have concerns for me finding a placement.

So, what happens next?
In the coming weeks the programs will open more positions on a rolling basis (several each week, and a big chunk in mid-September). Currently there are two HIV/AIDS programs that I am an "almost-match" for, both leaving for Africa in February. My recruiter will nominate me for these, sending my application to a placement officer in DC who know more of the specifics involved. If I'm qualified I get dibs on the placement. If I'm not, I'll either be denied, or told to get the necessary experience before I depart (in which case I get dibs, contingent on this experience). I should know by next Friday-ish on the results, and will get back with my recruiter to discuss the next steps if I am rejected from these spots.

So that's that. It has suddenly become very real - hearing her say departing for Africa in February -- That's six months away!! Holy crap! It is nice, though, to put my life here in Seattle on a timeframe. I'll be a lot more motivated to go do things, hang out with people, etc., and I am really confident that the next few months will be some of my best here with my friends.

Isn't the Peace Corps for hippies and tree huggers?

To the couple of friends I have already spoken there was no surprise when I first brought up my interest in joining the Peace Corps. Kristi actually responded with, "Cool, don't forget to write." I wasn't sure entirely what response I was looking for, and I only really wanted to begin a conversation with those who know me best about applying, so I guess that step has been a success. Even my parents, children of the flower power generation who have since grown up to be respectable and responsible adults in small town America, were instantly supportive of the idea (this after voicing disapproval of an as-of-yet untaken Central American Odyssey through Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica).

My reasons for applying are simple, and I believe universal amongst my age-group:
1. I want to travel for an extended period of time (Peace Corps pays for everything)
2. Learning a new language would be fun
3. If it were feasible to volunteer and help people my entire life, I probably would. Peace Corps makes that a reality for two years, which is pretty good.
4. Scholarships/fellowships for grad school, some up to 1/2 off tuition. We also get access to an alumni network, and have the opportunity to make numerous contacts abroad for future career goals.
5. I'm sick of working for the man.

Welcome to my blog. I hope for my blog to be not a stereotype of the standard "I'm going away to live my dream and change the world" idealism that I had in college, but rather a more realistic view of what's going on, and what it's like (including eating bugs, not having TP, and contracting some exotic disease). That all begins with the application, which I hope to have finished by Friday.