Here I am, honored in a Peace Corps newsletter! =)
http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/LandingPage.aspx?id=390360&p=1
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
My Peace Corps Timeline
January 2008: I began to think about the Peace Corps and the application process.
August 2008: I started the online application
December 2008: I submitted my application. I really only spent about a good two weeks getting my application together; however, I spent months deciding whether or not to go through with it. I prayed a lot and, ultimately, I felt great about my decision.
December 18, 2008: I had my PC interview with THE best recruiter, Ms. Heather Driscoll =)
January 16, 2009: Heather nominated me for the Environmental Education program. I was so stolked, because I love teaching about the environment =)
January 23: I received my medical toolkit, which was probably my least favorite part of the process. You'd feel the same way after 5 vaccinations, 6 fillings, and 2 wisdom teeth extractions =(
February 2009: I was medically cleared and received my invitation to become a PCV =)
April 2009: I should have been in Latin America by this time, but my program was pushed back to July. It worked out nicely, because now I can be here for the birth of my new niece, Mariam =)
April-June 2009: Just chillin', doing some acting, rollerblading on the pier, hanging out with friends and family, and brushing up on my Spanish.
July 7, 2009: My orientation in Washington, DC.
July 8, 2009: I arrive in San Vicente, El Salvador where I'll be completing my first three months of training.
September 8, 2009: I will be sworn in as an official PCV and serve for 2 years!
Hasta Luego ;)
August 2008: I started the online application
December 2008: I submitted my application. I really only spent about a good two weeks getting my application together; however, I spent months deciding whether or not to go through with it. I prayed a lot and, ultimately, I felt great about my decision.
December 18, 2008: I had my PC interview with THE best recruiter, Ms. Heather Driscoll =)
January 16, 2009: Heather nominated me for the Environmental Education program. I was so stolked, because I love teaching about the environment =)
January 23: I received my medical toolkit, which was probably my least favorite part of the process. You'd feel the same way after 5 vaccinations, 6 fillings, and 2 wisdom teeth extractions =(
February 2009: I was medically cleared and received my invitation to become a PCV =)
April 2009: I should have been in Latin America by this time, but my program was pushed back to July. It worked out nicely, because now I can be here for the birth of my new niece, Mariam =)
April-June 2009: Just chillin', doing some acting, rollerblading on the pier, hanging out with friends and family, and brushing up on my Spanish.
July 7, 2009: My orientation in Washington, DC.
July 8, 2009: I arrive in San Vicente, El Salvador where I'll be completing my first three months of training.
September 8, 2009: I will be sworn in as an official PCV and serve for 2 years!
Hasta Luego ;)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
My Motivation Statement
My mom is my inspiration for joining the Peace Corps. She was a strong, loving person and had a tremendous heart; always putting other peoples' needs before her own. She was the type of person that said hello with warm smiles and sweet cups of chai. She was more than a mother of six, but a friend to anyone who needed a friend. She was also my teacher and, because of her, I learned to stand strong with my convictions. Within my first semester of college, my mother became ill. The doctors said it was breast cancer and that it spread to her lungs, kidneys, and liver. They also said that if it had been detected early, she might have had a better chance of recovery. Knowing that my mom had the resources to monitor her health was tough and, for a while, I felt guilty not monitoring her health as much as I could have. Fortunately, through faith and through the love and support of my family, I was able to mend my wounds and develop ways to honor my mom.
In May 2004, I participated in my first fight against cancer walk. I initially chose to walk for my mom; however, I ended up walking for millions of people that have been touched by cancer. It was a cathartic experience, listening to survivor stories and talking to others just like me. The walk was empowering and, most importantly, I felt that my actions made a difference. It turned out that our Nation’s cancer rate dropped that year, and it continues to drop due to the development of new treatments and prevention programs. I wanted to continue to make a difference, so I signed up for the next event and for the one after that. In my heart, I needed to participate in these events not only for my mom, but because they were the right thing to do and I felt great doing them. Someday, I hope to feel the same way about the Peace Corps.
My friends and family always ask why I want to join the Peace Corps, and I usually say that it's an opportunity of a lifetime. Sure there may be moments of great stress, emotional and physical demands, but I know in my heart that the rewards will outweigh the costs. My mom used to always tell me that you can do anything, as long as you have pure intentions and the right reasons. As a volunteer, I hope to help others with the same love and compassion that I was given growing up. In the process, I want to better myself, so that someday I may inspire my own children to do what makes them happy.
In May 2004, I participated in my first fight against cancer walk. I initially chose to walk for my mom; however, I ended up walking for millions of people that have been touched by cancer. It was a cathartic experience, listening to survivor stories and talking to others just like me. The walk was empowering and, most importantly, I felt that my actions made a difference. It turned out that our Nation’s cancer rate dropped that year, and it continues to drop due to the development of new treatments and prevention programs. I wanted to continue to make a difference, so I signed up for the next event and for the one after that. In my heart, I needed to participate in these events not only for my mom, but because they were the right thing to do and I felt great doing them. Someday, I hope to feel the same way about the Peace Corps.
My friends and family always ask why I want to join the Peace Corps, and I usually say that it's an opportunity of a lifetime. Sure there may be moments of great stress, emotional and physical demands, but I know in my heart that the rewards will outweigh the costs. My mom used to always tell me that you can do anything, as long as you have pure intentions and the right reasons. As a volunteer, I hope to help others with the same love and compassion that I was given growing up. In the process, I want to better myself, so that someday I may inspire my own children to do what makes them happy.
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