Timeline

My ongoing timeline

May 2014 -Reached out to family friend who works for PC

May-June 2014 -Worked on application -getting letters of rec. and writing essays (edited by my dear friend Natalie Mathias)

June 25 2014 -Submitted my Application

June 25 2014 -Received an email from Office of Medical Services with further instructions on my case number and how to fill out my Health History Form

June 25 2014 -Received an email saying I successfully registered for the Peace Corps Medical Applicant Portal.

July 7 2014 -Received an email from my recruiter helping me through the next few steps

July 7 2014 -I ordered my official transcripts from Temple, mailed them to Dave (my stepdad) and had him scan them and email them to me in the coming days to submit to my application.

July 17 2014 -I scheduled an interview with my recruiter.

July 29 2014 -I had a 3 hour interview with my recruiter a few blocks from my house at a coffee shop. Was told I’d hear back about a nomination (but that she was indeed nominating me) within the next 2 weeks.

July 30 2014 -I emailed my recruiter thanking her for meeting up with me and sharing her experiences... you know the professional thing to do. I also moved out of my Philly apartment back home.

August 13 2014 -I emailed my recruiter checking on the status of my nomination. My recruiter emailed me back an apology for the delay. Then again with my nomination. Before you’re officially nominated, you’re sent a few options of positions, places and departures to choose from. I received Cameroon, Georgia, Burkina Faso. I wasn’t so interested in Georgia and the EBOLA break out had just conveniently occurred in Africa so my parents and I decided to come up with alternatives.

August 15 2014 -I expressed my concerns to my recruiter and after sitting down with my family I sent a listing of other programs I’d prefer to be nominated for. The Eastern Caribbean, Tonga, Guyana.

August 18 2014 -I sent a follow up email to my recruiter and heard back from her saying she’d have my nomination ready soon. I received news that day that I’d be nominated for Guuyana.

September 2014 -I waited and started looking for apartments in NYC as well as jobs for the time I had before I’d leave for the PC.

October 4 2014 -I moved to NYC & got a job a week later.

October 7 2014 -I received an email from a new PC guy saying he hadn’t heard from me about accepting my invitation sent September 22. I of course contact him right away, he re-sends the invitation and I accept it right away! My Medical Applicant Portal is updated right away and I’m informed through an email. I also took a few online class things and I don’t remember what else.

October 14 2014 -My legal kit was sent out to me (my parents address).

November 1 2014 -I emailed the Legal Eligibility Office saying my finger prints would be delayed (the charts were sent home, then forwarded to me, then I had to go get them done). I received an automated message right away and November 3 an email acknowledging the delay in my legal kit. (it was fine)

November 2014 -I began making my medical appointments.

December 2014 -I went to countless medical appointments. I’m pretty healthy, I think anyway, and even though I’m healthy I still spent a slew of money because insurance just doesn’t cover the majority of the requirements.

December 2014 -I worked with World Wise Schools and Mrs. Keefer, a previous teacher of mine from Cedar Crest so that I can communicate with her classroom while I’m away and they can learn about Guyana and my PC experience!

January 2015 -I continue to go to the Dr. And I continue to spend more $$$ probably over $1,000. I hopefully will get some back from the PC, but that won’t be much more than $300:/ So be aware you will be dropping some dough if you are planning to apply. (both on mailing all necessary paperwork in with tracking and medical bills rack up).

February 2015 -I start to really think about my leaving and final preparations that will be happening the following few months. I still feel so uninformed so few details. Oh and Surprise! I’m moving back to Philadelphia. Lots went down and I’m freaking out about what is happening in my life so it’s going to be nice to be close to home!

March 2015- how is the time going so quickly? I only have a couple weeks left in Philadelphia before I head down to Florida to visit my dad and spend a few weeks at home before I go. I saw the Leggat's and the DiFabio's for little goodbyes. I also filled out a questionnaire about my preferences on where I want to live and have an interview on the phone so they can better fit me with a family and eventually volunteer position. But for now, here's to still worrying about what I'm going to pack!

April 2015- Easter in Ft. Lauderdale, home. Time to actually pack. AKA let the chaos ensue! I basically purchased a whole new wardrobe which wasn't necessary, but it happened... who knows what else happened it was kinda all a blur to me. I had an amazing going away party, saw many friends and family. Packed the few days before leaving and headed out! Had initial orientation for the first 10 days (4/20-4/30)

May 2015- Move in with host family start training in Timehri/Soesdyke!

JUNE 2015- Training

JULY 2015- SWORN IN & Move to site!

PS. If you think that this is a lot, it is much more chaotic in real life.  I don't even remember when I sent in my passport and things for a visa, my fingerprints, I think I'm forgetting other things too. But it will all be worth it. Right?!