Inquiring Minds Would Like to Know...



Image from http://info.gtilite.com/2011/03/why-change-your-iso-standards/



I suppose I'm a bit late addressing this topic, but a few people have asked me over the past few months, "Why the Peace Corps?" "What was the application process like?" "How does your family feel about all this?" "How do YOU feel about all this?"  "What are you looking to get out of the Peace Corps?" I am going to make my best attempt at answering all of these questions without writing a novel (if I leave anything out or if you would like to know more, feel free to leave a comment).  Here I go...

Why the Peace Corps?
I have always planned on attending medical school, however as I progressed through my undergraduate years, I discovered that I had no intentions on going directly into another four years of school.  I decided I want to have some type of life experience before I get there (whether that be working, traveling, and/or volunteering); I just wanted to do something.  During my journey to figuring out what I would do with my year or so break in between undergrad and med school, I learned about the Peace Corps.  I did tons of research on the organization, asked a million questions, and eventually decided that among all of the things I had looked into, this one was by far the most challenging, empowering, and life-changing.  Also, I had always wanted to do study-abroad as an undergrad, but never did.  This was perfect!  I would get to travel (without the homework and study abroad costs) and better myself as an individual while using my skill set to help the people and communities within a developing country. Finally, the goals and purpose of this organization tie in with my own personal values and life goals.  I want to make an impact and leave my mark, not just in America, but all over the world (or in as much of it as I can get to).

What was the application process like?
The application process (so I hear) is different for everyone, but here is how it went for me.  I completed my application in August of 2011.  The application is LONG and they can get a bit NOSEY, but it is rightfully so.  They need to know your reasoning behind applying and if you are accepted, that you will be well-qualified and dedicated to the organization and the work that you will do.  Now for the application timeline: after submitting my application, I had an interview about two weeks later (I think, it's getting kind of fuzzy).  The interview went great and I was nominated by my interviewer/recruiter about one week later.  About 2-3 weeks after the nomination, I received a packet in the mail requesting more information (medical and legal paperwork).  After submitting these forms I waited for what seemed like forever to hear back from the Peace Corps.  In the meantime, I made sure to keep in touch and continue to express my interest in serving as a volunteer.  In January (I think) I was called for a phone interview and then waited a couple more weeks after this to finally receive my official invitation in the mail!!  Now I am filling out more paperwork (of course) and anticipating my departure date in May.  I applied in August of last year and will be leaving in May of this year, so in total, the application process was 9 months.

How does your family feel about all this?
My family couldn't be happier for me.  They are excited for me to experience a new place and culture and are also excited to have a new place to visit :P .  My mother, at first was a bit wary, but she has come around and has full confidence in the Lord and the fact that He will keep me safe.  My stepdad also took a little bit of time to come around, but after enrolling in the self-defense class that he badgered me about, he is much more comfortable with my leaving as well.  My sister has been excited with me and supportive of me the entire time.  Overall, I think we'll all survive the two year separation with ease.

How do you feel about all this?
I can't wait to go!  Time is moving fast and slow all at the same time.  I am trying to mentally prepare as much as possible and link up with as many people as I can who are either from Rwanda or have lived there at some point in time.  My biggest worry is doing something that is culturally unacceptable once I get there so I have been researching and looking up do's and dont's like crazy!  But all in all, I am ecstatic and I feel so blessed; feels like I'm living a dream!

What are you looking to get out of the Peace Corps?
I thought about this one long and hard before I even applied because I knew that being a successful Peace Corps volunteer and sticking it out for the entire two years would mean having a solid foundation and reason for why I want to go.  Its easy to get out, and I want to make sure I am going for the right reasons.  I have a genuine servants heart and I would like to perform meaningful service in places other than the US.  In addition to this, I want to grow as an individual and I feel like this is the perfect opportunity. The isolation from my family and friends will instill in me a greater sense of indepence, I will become a more culturally sensitive professional which in turn will make me a better (future) doctor, and the language training will increase my abilities to communcate and treat a larger, more diverse population.  This is getting kind of lengthy so I will close with this: You get out of something what you put into it; and I am expecting to put in more than you can imagine.

Love and Peace Corps,
Dametreea