Sooo…I haven't updated my blog in quite awhile, but that's mainly due to the fact that I am LEAVING FOR CAMEROON ON JUNE 4TH!!! It's been quite the whirlwind since receiving my invitation on April 23rd. After a brief scare on the 22nd where my Placement Officer communicated that neither the region or departure month included in my nomination would likely come to pass, I received my invitation the next day. It made me realize just how bummed out I would be if this whole process never came to fruition - if I wasn't able to go to francophone West Africa or leave this summer - not to mention wonder why the hell I'd been back in Michigan for the past 6 months. So now, no matter the nervousness I am experiencing (only 2 weeks left now!!) or the financial challenge it's been trying to swing such an early departure date, I feel completely confident in my decision. Funny how sometimes it takes a pendulum of emotion to finally steady things out. Currently, I am trying to get all of my packing needs in order, wrap up some loose ends, and connect and learn from the communities of RPCVs and my class of entering Cameroon Peace Corps Trainees out there. Life's crazy, but good!
I've included my timeline below, as I know I enjoyed reading through those of other current, future, or returned PCVs and found them helpful as I was navigating through the application process.
Timeline:
Sept. 19, 2008: Submitted Online Application
Sept. 26, 2007: Interview
Oct. 1, 2007: Nominated for Francophone Sub-Saharan
Oct. 12 - Dec. 23, 2007: Traveling in
February 12, 2008: Started Medical Process
March 5, 2008: Mailed Completed Med. Pkt
March 14, 2008: Dentally Cleared
March 21, 2008: Additional Medical Info Requested
April 3, 2008: Medically Cleared
April 7, 2008: Contacted Placement Officer. Told that the country I was originally nominated to was full (note: my fault given my delayed medical clearance), but will see if they can still add me. If not, many other programs leaving in the summer….
April 14, 2008: Told my initial Placement Officer's last day was the 11th and will be reassigned.
April 16, 2008: Given new Placement Officer's information. Left message for new Placement Officer.
April 20, 2008: Placement Officer contacted me. No new information - original country nominated to full, but still trying to add me. Will contact me later in the week.
April 22, 2008: Contacted my Placement Officer. Told me that my original country of nomination was indeed full and is not accepting anymore people. Given my specialized program - NGO Advising - they will need to look outside of
April 23, 2008: Received a lively call from my Placement Officer the next day……..she said they reviewed my application and, if I was still interested, they would be able to add me to the program/country I was intiially nominated to afterall!!!! E-mailed invitation instantaneously .
April 25, 2008: ACCEPTED INVITATION TO
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