Chapter 4--The Begining of a new Begining
My Peace Corps Placement Officer called & left a message, letting me know my Legal Hold had been lifted off of my file (thank you DD214). She wanted to confirm that I was still available for placment into an earlier program departing in Mid-August (vice September)!!
Since I was not @ home when I listened to the message, I called my brother/lifeline to look up what countries were departing in August from PCWIKI. Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala & Dom Rep. After a couple of phone calls, I felt that August sounded fine.
My Application Status Toolbox notes all the checkmarks are complete, but the Official Invitation has not been mailed YET! I should get it in the next 3-5 business days!! That is when I will find out exactly what my assignment (job), country, and departure date will be.
A lot of positive life-changes have happened this week (Last Day @ work, 200mi Relay & Peace Corps Placement)! All of my impending deadlines & dates have come to a close & I'm glad that I've been busy enough to avoid obsessing over them.
Next week my focus is to get my house-hold goods storage set up, have a massive garage sale, and follow-up with the sale of my home... should be going to Closing anyday now.
BTW, I really like the programs available in Panama or Guatemala...I hope i get one of these. Dom Rep is technically in the Carribean, so I will likely not go there (but who knows). Nicaragua has a 31AUG departure & since she said 'mid-August' departure...this may not be it.
Whereever I end up going, I'm sure it's exactly where I am supposted to go! Updates to follow.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
This Is It
My last day at work was full of hopful goodbyes & best wishes. I'm genuinly happy to move onto the proverbial 'next chapter' of my life; all my sadness to leave my past & the anxiety of the unknown has turned into a quiet peace in my mind.
I feel a little numb actually (too). "So this is what this feels like" is what I kept thinking as I walked around today. I walked out of the building into the parking lot for the last time, in my Coast Guard uniform and thought...'so this is what this feels like'.
Life is so unpredictable, that Goodbye rarly means Goodbye.
Life is infinite.
Life is finite.
Peace Corps News:
I sent my Legal Specialist my DD214 (military discharge papers) today. I haven't heard back from him/her...but I think my official Peace Corps Invitation should be forthcoming.
This seems unreal, yet it is very REAL. (I'll reflect more on my contridictory nature later or perhaps in another forum!)
I feel a little numb actually (too). "So this is what this feels like" is what I kept thinking as I walked around today. I walked out of the building into the parking lot for the last time, in my Coast Guard uniform and thought...'so this is what this feels like'.
Life is so unpredictable, that Goodbye rarly means Goodbye.
Life is infinite.
Life is finite.
Peace Corps News:
I sent my Legal Specialist my DD214 (military discharge papers) today. I haven't heard back from him/her...but I think my official Peace Corps Invitation should be forthcoming.
This seems unreal, yet it is very REAL. (I'll reflect more on my contridictory nature later or perhaps in another forum!)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Almost Invited
Chapt 3.1-
It is with a twinkle in my eye that I report I was almost invited today! But not to worry, I was Qualified for PC Service, and once I clear the Legal Office, I should get my Invitation!
Here's how it went down:
I returned my Placement Officer's Friday 4pm call this morning, which lead into a phone interview! I was nervous, grasping for answers at first. A sample of questions below.
Q: What have you been doing to prepare for service?
A: [quitting my job and selling my worldly possession since January; applying for Volunteering in Summer Programs with the State Parks & local Hatcheries Fish & Wildlife Service...but have not resulted in any opporutnities]
Q: Have you done any research on the PC since your interview in OCT?
A: Yes, Aside from the official PC website, I've been scourring PCWIKI & PCJournals. I've also been reading some books about the PC (What to know before you go) and on international social entrepenour projects (How to Change the World).
Q: In the blogs, are there any challenges that the PCV are facing that you anticipate being a problem.
A: [i chocked on this one, I think i went in circles and didn't answer it...b/c I could not think of any]
Q: As a minority, do you anticipate any challenges?
A: I have never felt like was treated differently in the US, and did not anticipate this during PC service & if anything PCV would be the minorities.
Q: Do you foresee any reasons why you might ET?
A: I mentioned that a death in the family might be tough to work through, but that since PC allows volunteers to take Emergency leave, that it should not be a problem.
Q: Would you have any problems being required to live w/ a host family for your entrie PC serivce?
A: [this questions has Pacific Islands* written between the lines!] It wouldn't bother me at all!
*correction: Peru also requires its volunteers to live with host family too!!!
Q: Scenario question; as an Envi Ed Volunteer, if you organized a function and 20 people RSVP'd, but only 4 showed up, how would you handle this?
A: Take the opportunity to alter the venue & to engage in small group discussion etc etc. I understand that sometimes we do not catch on to culture nuances etc.
Q: Enviro Ed Volunteers typically work in a grade school class room 1-2 times a week, have you had any class room experience?
A: No, none besides conducting occasional training sessions at work, but I would imagine the in-country training includes Pedegogy Training, where we could get ideas and learn the fundementals, so I would look forward to this as an oppotunity to develop a new skills. My current volunteering experience is limited to one-on-one literacy tutoring. etc.
Q: When is your earliest availability?
A: This one caught me a little by surprise, b/c i was just stating to make summer plans (Australia/Europe, jack johnson concert, survival style camping in my dad's abandoned cabin, volunteering).
But after fumbling through the calandar, i figured that all my real chores would be wrapped up by mid-June, and I would be available July 1st (yikes).
After all of this, she said she found me Qualified for service, and that she should have the Invitation ready by Close of Business!
Conversation was later followed up by an email saying that I'll have to provide the military discharge papers before they mail the official invite.
Not a big shock, b/c I have known that the PC needs my military discharge papers, so I let her know that I would not have those until June 1/2 & confirmed to whom I should send them to.
But for 7 hours today between the phone call and the email, i walked around knowing that I was within days of an official PC Invitation and it was amazing. Now i know, I'll have to wait longer but it doesn't matter!!! I'm Qualified.
This feeling is kind like being a winner on the Price is Right! You feel like jumping up and down, yelling: I won, I won, I won! I'm outside of myself. I'm amazed at the doors God is opening.
The hope of serving in the Peace Corps has opened my eyes to the realization that my passion is environmental stewardship, and that working in this capacity IS possible. I feel everything I have done up to this point has been in preparation for this very moment & I am humbled. Send me!
It is with a twinkle in my eye that I report I was almost invited today! But not to worry, I was Qualified for PC Service, and once I clear the Legal Office, I should get my Invitation!
Here's how it went down:
I returned my Placement Officer's Friday 4pm call this morning, which lead into a phone interview! I was nervous, grasping for answers at first. A sample of questions below.
Q: What have you been doing to prepare for service?
A: [quitting my job and selling my worldly possession since January; applying for Volunteering in Summer Programs with the State Parks & local Hatcheries Fish & Wildlife Service...but have not resulted in any opporutnities]
Q: Have you done any research on the PC since your interview in OCT?
A: Yes, Aside from the official PC website, I've been scourring PCWIKI & PCJournals. I've also been reading some books about the PC (What to know before you go) and on international social entrepenour projects (How to Change the World).
Q: In the blogs, are there any challenges that the PCV are facing that you anticipate being a problem.
A: [i chocked on this one, I think i went in circles and didn't answer it...b/c I could not think of any]
Q: As a minority, do you anticipate any challenges?
A: I have never felt like was treated differently in the US, and did not anticipate this during PC service & if anything PCV would be the minorities.
Q: Do you foresee any reasons why you might ET?
A: I mentioned that a death in the family might be tough to work through, but that since PC allows volunteers to take Emergency leave, that it should not be a problem.
Q: Would you have any problems being required to live w/ a host family for your entrie PC serivce?
A: [this questions has Pacific Islands* written between the lines!] It wouldn't bother me at all!
*correction: Peru also requires its volunteers to live with host family too!!!
Q: Scenario question; as an Envi Ed Volunteer, if you organized a function and 20 people RSVP'd, but only 4 showed up, how would you handle this?
A: Take the opportunity to alter the venue & to engage in small group discussion etc etc. I understand that sometimes we do not catch on to culture nuances etc.
Q: Enviro Ed Volunteers typically work in a grade school class room 1-2 times a week, have you had any class room experience?
A: No, none besides conducting occasional training sessions at work, but I would imagine the in-country training includes Pedegogy Training, where we could get ideas and learn the fundementals, so I would look forward to this as an oppotunity to develop a new skills. My current volunteering experience is limited to one-on-one literacy tutoring. etc.
Q: When is your earliest availability?
A: This one caught me a little by surprise, b/c i was just stating to make summer plans (Australia/Europe, jack johnson concert, survival style camping in my dad's abandoned cabin, volunteering).
But after fumbling through the calandar, i figured that all my real chores would be wrapped up by mid-June, and I would be available July 1st (yikes).
After all of this, she said she found me Qualified for service, and that she should have the Invitation ready by Close of Business!
Conversation was later followed up by an email saying that I'll have to provide the military discharge papers before they mail the official invite.
Not a big shock, b/c I have known that the PC needs my military discharge papers, so I let her know that I would not have those until June 1/2 & confirmed to whom I should send them to.
But for 7 hours today between the phone call and the email, i walked around knowing that I was within days of an official PC Invitation and it was amazing. Now i know, I'll have to wait longer but it doesn't matter!!! I'm Qualified.
This feeling is kind like being a winner on the Price is Right! You feel like jumping up and down, yelling: I won, I won, I won! I'm outside of myself. I'm amazed at the doors God is opening.
The hope of serving in the Peace Corps has opened my eyes to the realization that my passion is environmental stewardship, and that working in this capacity IS possible. I feel everything I have done up to this point has been in preparation for this very moment & I am humbled. Send me!
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Peace Corps Called!
Chapter 3--Real Peace Corps News to report!
So today I took a vacation day & did some sightseeing in DC. I think I was on a narrow windey road along the Potomac's C&O at approx 4pm. By the time I got back home, mowed my overgrown lawn, and ate some leftovers, it was 8:30.
I decide to check my phone as I'm getting ready to kick-it & I see that the PC called at 4:11pm!!! I listened to the message 4-5 times. It was someone from the Placement Office who is looking forward to talking me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Besides the excitement of knowing that MY file is on someone's desk, I'm feel jipped. Surely they must realize that Friday afternoon after the Close of Business may not be an opportune time to chat! Now I have to wait until Monday... but my curiousity is piqued! I hope they have some good news/topics for discussion.
I must note that I didn't get any emails from PC. So, this means they need to transmit info that is best said on the phone, and not on a simple email, right? I mean, I've been combing PCJournals for months, and they generally send an email asking for experience, updated resume, or to schedule a phone interview!!
**
I should also note that I did not expect to hear from them until after June b/c I do not have my military discharge papers yet...which they need to see before they can process my application further. Obviously, they wouldn't want to invite someone who is under miltiary obligation.
My last day in the CG is June 2nd.
On a personal note, I have been overly sentimental lately...on top of being prematurely nostalgic. I love change and believe that it is the stuff life is made of; not to be dreaded, but to be celebrated. But, I start thinking of saying my personal goodbyes and I tear up. I started chocking up yesterday in front of the staff while I was saying a general goodbye.
I'm feeling a lot of emotions that challenge me to explore who I am at my very core. I live a daily battle which is at the center of every Gemeni's life..the duality. I'm happy/hopeful/excited to embark on a new chapter in my life, but sad to say goodbye...saying farewell to life as I have known it for years & to the people who were part of it.
The duality within me that envies some lady's Louis Vuiton bag (promising myself to buy one someday), while moments later walking by the homeless lady asking for money to feed her four children. *sigh* Suddenly buying an LV seems so frivolous.
So today I took a vacation day & did some sightseeing in DC. I think I was on a narrow windey road along the Potomac's C&O at approx 4pm. By the time I got back home, mowed my overgrown lawn, and ate some leftovers, it was 8:30.
I decide to check my phone as I'm getting ready to kick-it & I see that the PC called at 4:11pm!!! I listened to the message 4-5 times. It was someone from the Placement Office who is looking forward to talking me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Besides the excitement of knowing that MY file is on someone's desk, I'm feel jipped. Surely they must realize that Friday afternoon after the Close of Business may not be an opportune time to chat! Now I have to wait until Monday... but my curiousity is piqued! I hope they have some good news/topics for discussion.
I must note that I didn't get any emails from PC. So, this means they need to transmit info that is best said on the phone, and not on a simple email, right? I mean, I've been combing PCJournals for months, and they generally send an email asking for experience, updated resume, or to schedule a phone interview!!
**
I should also note that I did not expect to hear from them until after June b/c I do not have my military discharge papers yet...which they need to see before they can process my application further. Obviously, they wouldn't want to invite someone who is under miltiary obligation.
My last day in the CG is June 2nd.
On a personal note, I have been overly sentimental lately...on top of being prematurely nostalgic. I love change and believe that it is the stuff life is made of; not to be dreaded, but to be celebrated. But, I start thinking of saying my personal goodbyes and I tear up. I started chocking up yesterday in front of the staff while I was saying a general goodbye.
I'm feeling a lot of emotions that challenge me to explore who I am at my very core. I live a daily battle which is at the center of every Gemeni's life..the duality. I'm happy/hopeful/excited to embark on a new chapter in my life, but sad to say goodbye...saying farewell to life as I have known it for years & to the people who were part of it.
The duality within me that envies some lady's Louis Vuiton bag (promising myself to buy one someday), while moments later walking by the homeless lady asking for money to feed her four children. *sigh* Suddenly buying an LV seems so frivolous.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
My elevator schpeel
Last week I learned about resume`s, interviews, cold calls, and elevator schpeels. You use an elevator schpeel to describe yourself in 30 seconds or less. It is a particularly important to have developed b/c you never know who you are going to meet. In a job hunting setting, you describe the job you want, followed by your skills set & background, followed by asking for an interview.
In general, I think it's important to know how to describe yourself. Do you describe yourself as your circumstance, your job, your home of record, your faith, your character, your characteristics, marital status? How do you want others to describe you?
I refuse to be defined by my job...b/c i'm so much more than my job...but i sit back and think, that's probably how other people describe me. In conversations, I always avoid occupation & education unless it relates to other subjects.
Yet, somehow, if i become a Peace Corps Volunteer...that is how I will be introduced to my community members, and after service I will likely describe myself as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer for the rest of my life. I would be proud of this of course, but i think i like the idea of describing myself in terms of my future, and not my past
"Hello, my name is Liz & I'm a future Peace Corps Volunteer" --I can't wait to start use it!
In general, I think it's important to know how to describe yourself. Do you describe yourself as your circumstance, your job, your home of record, your faith, your character, your characteristics, marital status? How do you want others to describe you?
I refuse to be defined by my job...b/c i'm so much more than my job...but i sit back and think, that's probably how other people describe me. In conversations, I always avoid occupation & education unless it relates to other subjects.
Yet, somehow, if i become a Peace Corps Volunteer...that is how I will be introduced to my community members, and after service I will likely describe myself as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer for the rest of my life. I would be proud of this of course, but i think i like the idea of describing myself in terms of my future, and not my past
"Hello, my name is Liz & I'm a future Peace Corps Volunteer" --I can't wait to start use it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
501 Verbs
2.6
I went running this weekend on the beautiful C&O Canal in Maryland when it finally occured to me that my 501 Spanish Verb book might be a good one to take with me. I don't know why I'm obsessed with what books I will take to my future PC assignment, because it's not like I'm a huge reader.
I saw a book in the library about finding a job and explores the idea of identifying each person's unique gifts, passion & abilities.
Gifts: something you do uniquely better than most anyone
Passion: things you love to do
abilities: things you can do
(I don't remember teh title, but I need to get it after i'm done w/ my other books.)
I think my gift is Spanish! I discovered my passion is the environment. abilities...I can do all things to a mediource standard!! (which bothers me sometimes, but i'm not passionate about perfection).
Sitting here thinking, i'll finally get to do something that I'm good at!!
A shout-out (is that phrase still used anymore?) to my PC Journal personalities who have recently gotten or will soon get Invites: Elaina, Jorie & all the other folks! Enjoy--I'm sure you are walking on clouds right now:)
I went running this weekend on the beautiful C&O Canal in Maryland when it finally occured to me that my 501 Spanish Verb book might be a good one to take with me. I don't know why I'm obsessed with what books I will take to my future PC assignment, because it's not like I'm a huge reader.
I saw a book in the library about finding a job and explores the idea of identifying each person's unique gifts, passion & abilities.
Gifts: something you do uniquely better than most anyone
Passion: things you love to do
abilities: things you can do
(I don't remember teh title, but I need to get it after i'm done w/ my other books.)
I think my gift is Spanish! I discovered my passion is the environment. abilities...I can do all things to a mediource standard!! (which bothers me sometimes, but i'm not passionate about perfection).
Sitting here thinking, i'll finally get to do something that I'm good at!!
A shout-out (is that phrase still used anymore?) to my PC Journal personalities who have recently gotten or will soon get Invites: Elaina, Jorie & all the other folks! Enjoy--I'm sure you are walking on clouds right now:)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
I dreamed a dream...
2.5-
I'm amazed to think that I will soon be out of the Coast Guard. The wheels are in motion & in June I'll officially be terminal leave/permanant vacation & possibly even start collecting unemployment... My house is under contract & as soon as I get a better idea of when I go to 'closing', I might even have a WV yard sale.
Six months ago, I was wavering on whether I was committed to my dream of joining the Peace Corps & willing to 'pull up chaulks'....so I guess this is what 'pulling up chaulks' feels like: excitment about the unknown [paradigm shift b/c I used to be scared of the unknown until recently].
There's a lot of ground to cover over the next two months. Hopefully, I'll have some Peace Corps news soon (but for now, the PC is waiting for my CG dishcharge papers).
For now, dreaming about my 'summer break' goals (Captain's license, GRE, boating, & joining a tennis club)... literally, living the dream.
Also, as an update I have a really strong feeling I'm going to Paraguay in Sept based on the pcWiki... (Mexico or Peru are other possbilities--but I'm getting ahead of myself [dang it! i always do that])!
BTW, Happy Easter! Enjoyed a beutiful day celebrating many blessings.
I'm amazed to think that I will soon be out of the Coast Guard. The wheels are in motion & in June I'll officially be terminal leave/permanant vacation & possibly even start collecting unemployment... My house is under contract & as soon as I get a better idea of when I go to 'closing', I might even have a WV yard sale.
Six months ago, I was wavering on whether I was committed to my dream of joining the Peace Corps & willing to 'pull up chaulks'....so I guess this is what 'pulling up chaulks' feels like: excitment about the unknown [paradigm shift b/c I used to be scared of the unknown until recently].
There's a lot of ground to cover over the next two months. Hopefully, I'll have some Peace Corps news soon (but for now, the PC is waiting for my CG dishcharge papers).
For now, dreaming about my 'summer break' goals (Captain's license, GRE, boating, & joining a tennis club)... literally, living the dream.
Also, as an update I have a really strong feeling I'm going to Paraguay in Sept based on the pcWiki... (Mexico or Peru are other possbilities--but I'm getting ahead of myself [dang it! i always do that])!
BTW, Happy Easter! Enjoyed a beutiful day celebrating many blessings.
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