I recall the seeds for my curiosity, and desire to serve in the Peace Corps, date back to the 1960’s. John F. Kennedy, as both Senator and President spoke eloquently of the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. What resonated with me was hearing the Peace Corps Volunteer Program is devoted to world peace and friendship.
Fast forward 50 years to 2011, as the Peace Corps commemorated 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world.
While the Peace Corps web site states “On average, the application to invitation process takes from six to 12 months to complete, but can take longer in certain cases.” – my application process took nearly three years. The process is well documented, and includes:
- Step One: Application
- Step Two: Interview
- Step Three: Nomination
- Step Four: Medical, Legal, Suitability, and Competitive Reviews
- Step Five: Invitation
- Step Six: Preparation for Departure
I finished my on-line application, which I readily admit, I procrastinated doing by starting and stopping several times, and then finally hit the submit button.
Next came an interview (which I scheduled on my birthday, as my gift to myself) followed by a nomination (or two, as the first nomination was my first choice location, however, the timing was premature). Also needed was a series of medical and legal forms. Finally, I was cleared and ready to go. An official invitation to join the Peace Corps followed, with just 10 days to decide whether to accept or decline.
The invitation included general information on the deployment – no specifics, just a region (i.e. Caribbean) and a volunteer job. When I accept - more specific information was promised, including a departure date, an appointment for a pre-departure orientation (three-month, in-country training period).
I am now at step six – preparation for departure - (March 2012) when I (and the other Volunteers in my training group) will be on my way to my country of service – Jamaica.
AND ... I am taking some time to travel to to NJ, NY, MD and CA to see family and friends.
Stay tuned for a photo recall of those travels ...
