New blog, who dis?

I’m back to the blogging world! After a two year hiatus since my last long-term adventure in Germany, I’m ready to start a new chapter. With under five weeks to go before departure, I’m excited to begin this new adventure as a Peace Corps Trainee, then as a Volunteer! There’s definitely been a lot of preparation involved during the last ten months, when I started my application. This is what the process looked like:

October – November 2017: Started getting my application ready. Worked on my resume, reached out to references, and drafted my aspiration statement

November 29, 2017: Submitted my application for the January 1st deadline.

December 4, 2017: Submitted my health history form.

December 12, 2017: Was notified that my application was being reviewed for Indonesia.

December 15, 2017: Was contacted to schedule an interview.

January 9, 2018: Botched had interview.

January 11, 2018: Received invitation! I got the e-mail at like 1am. There were tears.

Also, there was a government shutdown in January for a few days. This scared me a lot, but didn’t affect me other than employees not being in the office for several days.

January – March 2018: SO MUCH PAPERWORK! Submitted background check form, got fingerprinted, filled my dental forms health forms, went to the doctor A LOT. Completed medical and legal tasks. Submitted application for new passport.

March 24, 2018: Legal clearance!

April – June 2018: Corresponded with Medical Office nurse, and continued with required paperwork. Was asked to elaborate on cat allergy, and see a specialist for Asthma.

June 25, 2018: Medical and dental clearance!

July – September 2018: Completed forms and required reading for Peace Corps Indonesia office. Submitted visa. Applied for loan deferment.

September 27, 2018: Leave NY for staging in LA!

September 28, 2018: Leave LA for Kediri, Indonesia!

September 30, 2018: ARRIVE IN KEDIRI, INDONESIA FOR TRAINING!

In case you didn’t notice, the entire process totals to about 10 months, but this process has been much longer than that. The Peace Corps is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember–probably since I was 12 years old. Having this be my biggest goal and actually having it come to fruition is surreal, and almost indescribable. Look out for more blog posts as I prepare for departure next month!