Going Through Changes
October 28, 2011 5 Comments
In less than two months I’ll graduate college.
This marks a significant turning point in my life since I’ve been a college student for something like six years. Not being in a classroom will be a huge change. And considering that I’m being thrust into the worst economy of my lifetime, I’m a little nervous about entering back into the “real world.” There’s not much reassurance that everything’s going to be okay.
Two months ago I was telling you that I thought I’d wait to join the Peace Corps, and instead go to graduate school. Despite thinking that now wasn’t the right time to join the Peace Corps, I decided to continue the application process, just to see if I’d receive an invitation to serve or not. I submitted my medical information at the end of September, and a few weeks ago received this update:
Peace Corps received the results of your physical exam on October 5, 2011. If the program you are nominated for is not scheduled to leave in the next 4 months you may not hear from Medical until the time of departure is closer. Currently those programs scheduled to leave in the next 4 months are being reviewed. For applicants leaving within 4 months Peace Corps may request additional medical information. Please respond quickly to these requests.
The program that I’ve been nominated for (Environmental Education/Awareness in Africa) is scheduled to leave in April so I don’t expect to hear anything until December or January. Since submitting my application, I’ve had a lot of opportunity to think about what I’d do if I actually did receive an invitation to serve, and I’ve decided that I’d be foolish not to accept it. Now I feel like my life is on hold while I wait…
And if I don’t get an invitation?
I’ll apply to graduate school at the University of Colorado – Denver, and continue my education in Environmental Science, specializing in Environmental Health (if they’ll have me, that is.) Moving to Denver without a job or a place to live is scary, and in some ways, it’s even more frightening to me than moving to Africa for two years. It’s not the moving that concerns me, but finding a job to support myself. I have some money saved up and will be able to survive for a little while, but without an income, it won’t last long.
I guess if all else fails, I’ll starve to death…
About Steven
I’m sure whatever happens, you will be just fine. It may be hard at first but both opportunities will be worth it in the end. I just wish the Peace Corp would get back to you so you will know which direction to move.
I agree with Erin, I think either opportunity will be amazing and provide you with invaluable life experience. Africa clearly sounds AWESOME but getting your life together and going to Graduate school will really good for you too. So basically, good luck and try not to starve! I have faith you’ll figure it all out when the time comes :)
I hope you don’t think I’m some spammer trying to sell something, but maybe you could look into teaching overseas between now and when you (potentially) leave for the Peace Corps? There are tons of short term assignments, and most just require native English ability and a college degree. Right now there are some assignments in Georgia public schools that offer free airfare and free housing, and they have short term contracts. There are also always 6 month stints in Thailand that include a TEFL certificate (which may come in handy in your Peace Corps work).
If you’re interested, I could give you more info. I’ve taught overseas before and I’m heading back out again soon, so I know some good websites to check out for jobs (which is how I found out about the Georgia teaching positions, that are offered through the Ministry of Education). Best of luck in your application, whatever you choose to do!
I’m about 2 1/2 years out of school–just enough to discover that all my friends who went immediately into graduate school regret it. I chose a two-year Americorps program instead (“domestic Peace Corps”) and now they’re all irritated that I got hired straight out of Americorps (literally the only job I applied for–they skipped me a stage in the interview process and snapped me right up) when many of them took months and months to find a job (if they’ve found a “real” one yet) and make significantly less money than I do (with just a bachelors and in a non-profit field). Grad school can be a great choice, but I’d heavily advise not doing it right out of undergrad. Get a bit of experience under your belt, make sure it’s what you want to do, and then go back to make the most of your grad school experience. There are a ton of state-side Environmental Education and preservation work-service opportunities–might be a good way to spend a year if Peace Corps doesn’t pan out. Worth looking into at any rate.
But best of luck in the Peace Corps. It sounds like a fantastic experience!
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