An Invitation
May 23, 2012 18 Comments
Why I Refused an Offer to Join the Peace Corps
April 4, 2012 4 Comments
In the back of my mind, I knew this day would eventually arrive; the day I received an invitation to become a Peace Corps volunteer. But even though I knew it would happen, I wasn’t prepared. I’ve been making other plans: contacting graduate schools, planning which classes I’m going to enroll in next semester, meeting prospective employers. I had a new plan, one that didn’t involve the Peace Corps.
And then, the offer:
Steven, in reviewing your transcript, I can see that you would be an excellent fit for some of the upcoming Science Education programs. We currently have a need for qualified applicants like yourself. These positions are for early June departures and would be based in Sub-Saharan Africa. If you are interested in being considered for a Science Education program and are available for an early June departure, I would request that you respond to this email within the next day or two.
I decided not to make a decision right away, so I slept on it. The next morning I responded with my answer:
I appreciate your offer, however, I’d prefer to wait for a position in the Environmental Education program that departs later in the year. I personally feel that my skills and knowledge could be put to better use, and that I would have a greater impact in that program. I hope this doesn’t cause any inconvenience or affect my eligibility for future placement.
Why would I refuse an opportunity to become a Peace Corps volunteer?
The position they offered wasn’t something I’d want to spend the next 27 months of my life doing. While the experience of being in Africa doing something like this would be amazing, I just didn’t think it was a good fit for me. And from the sound of the email, if I wait until September, there may be something more appropriate for me at that time. I’m going to hold out and see what comes my way. If it’s something I feel is a good fit, I’ll consider it. As much as I want to be a Peace Corps volunteer, I know that if I don’t enjoy what I’m doing, the entire experience will be miserable. I want to have the best possible experience. I’ll get a lot more out of it, and be able to give a lot more of myself in the process.
The Backup Plan
April 1, 2012 2 Comments
I should be gone by now.
Six months ago, I was certain that today would be the day I left for the Peace Corps. Today would be the first day of the rest of my life. Today was supposed to be a bittersweet day of excitement, fear and anticipation. Today was going to be the most challenging day of my life, leaving everything behind for the next two years.
I’m still here. After a year of applications, interviews, paperwork, and doctor appointments, I’ve yet to hear anything from the Peace Corps regarding my eventual departure. And each day that passes makes it even more difficult to step away from my life as I begin to formulate my backup plan.
Backup Plan: Graduate School.
It’s not a perfect plan. I face a number of challenges in taking this route. I’ve been so focused on the Peace Corps that I’ve missed the application deadlines. But even if I wouldn’t have missed those deadlines, because I’ve decided I want to study Environmental Engineering, I have at least a year of remedial coursework to complete before I can even be considered for the program. Had I known earlier that I’d want to study engineering, I’d have prepared a little better. Now I’m planning for another year of Physics and Calculus courses.
I just have to keep moving forward. The path I’ve chosen may not be the path of least resistance, but quitting is not an option.
“The Plan” if Things Don’t Go as Planned
March 2, 2012 4 Comments
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Waiting for a response from the Peace Corps has been a true test of patience.
Any plan I make more than a month in advance is predicated upon the assumption that I might not be able to actually do it. The moment I receive an invitation from the Peace Corps, I have six weeks to get my affairs in order before I’m halfway around the world for more than two years. Making any type of commitment is impossible. But I can’t plan on getting an invitation either.
Is this purgatory?
While I wait (under the assumption that I won’t receive an invitation, but knowing I could) I’m crafting plans. Here’s a partial list of what’s on the agenda thus far:
Run for Your Lives!!! Run For Your Lives is an apocalyptic 5K obstacle race. But you’re not just running against the clock — you’re running from brain-hungry, virus-spreading, bloody zombies. Sounds like fun to me!
Climb Devils Tower My ascent to the top will be via the Durrance Route, one of the 50 “Classic Climbs” in North America.
Climb Montezuma’s Tower My last trip to The Garden of the Gods in Colorado was spent climbing the highest peak in the park. I had a great time, but I still have some unfinished business in The Garden.
Climb Mount Whitney My permit application to summit the highest peak in the Lower 48 has already been submitted.
Climb Half Dome I’ve already climbed Half Dome. It was one of the most difficult and amazing things I’ve ever done. On my first trip, I was completely unprepared for what I was up against. This time, I’m ready! My permit application was submitted yesterday.
Go Rock Climbing in Yosemite There is no place more beautiful than Yosemite. (I’m not sure why I’m telling you this…I’d like to keep it my little secret. I guess the secret’s out!) It also happens to be the best place for rock climbing, possibly on Earth. I’m there!
I think I’m noticing a trend…
The Most Important Year of My Life
December 30, 2011 2 Comments
Rare are the moments when what happens next will influence the rest of your life.
But that’s exactly where my life is today. It’s both exciting, and frightening. After years of being in the classroom, I finally graduated last week. I guess that means I’m a scientist. (Weird.) And now that I’m a scientist, at least in my education, it’s time to change the world. How, exactly, I go about doing that is yet to be determined.
Even though I’ve graduated, I’m enrolled in classes for Spring semester. I haven’t had much luck (any luck) finding a job (any job.) Instead of hanging around the apartment feeling sorry for myself, I’m going to use that time to further my education. There were some classes that I didn’t have an opportunity to take before graduation, and now that I have the time, it’d be a waste not to use it to my benefit.
Enrolling in classes isn’t without problems. If I receive an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps, I may have to drop out of school as early as April. But that’s only if I receive an invitation, and my departure date isn’t delayed for any reason. I’ve heard horror stories about that. At this point, I still have to submit what I hope will be the last of my medical information, which I expect will be mailed out within a couple of weeks. I still have one appointment before the paperwork is complete.
For a while I questioned whether the Peace Corps was the right choice for me at this point in my life. I think it is. An opportunity like this rarely presents itself…I’d be a fool to turn it down. And after writing a research paper about the connection between poverty and the environment in Tanzania, I feel like I have a better understanding of the types of issues I might be dealing with during my time in Africa. Knowledge is power! And now that I know more about the problems, I feel empowered to do my part to help. I might not be able to save the world, but I can help dig a well, or build a school.
Two years is a long time, and I know it’ll put a strain on my relationship with Erin. How could it not? Long distance relationships are notorious for problems. As much as I’d like to think our relationship is strong enough to weather the time apart, I don’t take it for granted that we’re not immune from the same problems other couples face. That said, I really think that if anyone can do it, we can.
In the meantime, until I hear something from the Peace Corps, I’ll continue looking for work. My job search will be limited to jobs that I wouldn’t have any issue quitting at the drop of a hat. It’d be a lot more difficult to quit a job I went to school for, and those are the kinds of bridges I’m not willing to burn, even for the Peace Corps.
And if none of the above works out, I’ll begin applying for graduate school. My school of choice is the University of Denver where I’d study Environmental Science, and specialize in Environmental Health. If I can get in. This would knock out Goal #63) Attend college in another state.
What’s all of this mean for my goals over the next year? A lot. If I’m not living in Africa in a few months, 2012 will be the year of climbing. If I am living in Africa, 2012 will be the year of climbing. Next year I’d like to climb Mount Whitney, Devil’s Tower, Kilimanjaro, and Ancient Art. I’d like to spend some time in Yosemite this summer…climbing.
I thought I’d get to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon last July, but it didn’t work out. This year I’ll get my permit application submitted earlier than two weeks in advance. I’d also like to visit the last few states of America, and finally visit all 50. Alaska will be the most difficult, but who knows…it could happen. Anything is possible.
Are you looking forward to what the future has in store for you?
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…
What Does the Future Hold?
September 10, 2011 25 Comments
In just over three months I’ll graduate from college…
And I’m scared to death about what comes next. For years I’ve thought my next step would be to join the Peace Corps. I’ve submitted my application, had my interview, and just finished up my medical and dental reviews. All that’s left is to mail the envelope. But I’m afraid.
I’m afraid of being rejected. And I’m afraid of being accepted…
It isn’t being there (wherever “there” is…right now it’s Africa, but that could change) that I’m afraid of. It’s not being here that bothers me the most. It’s what I’ll miss out on while I’m gone. It’s what I’ll have to sacrifice to leave; particularly graduate school, and my relationship.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how I’d like my life to be, and reaching any sort of definitive conclusion has been a real challenge for me. Next month I turn 29 and I feel like I’m running out of time to “fool around.” I’m already thinking about settling down, adopting children, and being “responsible.”
And so I’m left with the question of whether the Peace Corps is the “next step” in life, or if graduate school is the better option? I’ve always wanted to do both, but obviously I can’t do them at the same time. And in some ways, I feel like the Peace Corps would prevent me from moving forward, like I’d have to put my entire life on hold for two years.
I’ve been going back and forth trying to make the right decision, and as difficult as it is to “give up” on a dream, I think graduate school might be the next step in my life. It’s the choice that I feel would build the strongest foundation for my future. And even though I may not be joining the Peace Corps right now, it doesn’t mean I won’t some time in the future…or that I won’t change my mind yet again…and again, and again…
What are your thoughts? What do you think is the right choice?
Peace Corps Medical Review
June 19, 2011 7 Comments
I wrote the other day about being nominated by my Peace Corps recruiter. That was the first real milestone towards accomplishing my goal of joining the Peace Corps. Now I’ve got to clear the next hurdle; the medical review.
It’s not that I’m concerned that I’m not healthy enough to handle the assignment. I know I am. The challenge in this phase of the application process is the mountain of paperwork and appointments I have to deal with. And maybe worst of all, a lot of the cost will be out of my pocket. Ouch! The Peace Corps will reimburse some of the expense, but I’m not sure it’s going to cover all the tests.
What is a medical review all about?
When I filled out my application, I had to complete a medical questionnaire. Any question with an answer other than“No“ must now be reviewed by a doctor. That means because I had problems with acne, I have to get it checked over. That bladder infection four years ago, it’s got to be followed-up on. In all, there are four things in my medical history that’ll have to be reviewed. I’ll also have to get a physical, even though I just had one done a couple months ago. Really, not a big deal.
Then there’s my vaccination history. This is where I’m a little concerned. When I was younger, I moved around quite a bit. I’m not sure how I’ll find this information, and even if I can, I doubt I’m current on my vaccines. I haven’t had any sort of shot in about a decade…at least. I’m fairly certain I’ll be walking out of this appointment feeling like a pin cushion. I’m not really looking forward to it.
Next is a psychiatric review. After I found out my girlfriend of three years was cheating on me (yet again), we broke up and I sought counseling to help deal with my emotions. Because of this treatment (which amounted to about three visits to talk with a therapist) I need to have a psychiatric evaluation and write a “personal statement” for the Peace Corps. I’m not really sure what I’m going to write. “I loved a girl, she broke my heart. I needed someone to talk to. I was confused.”
Also, apparently somewhere in the questionnaire they asked about my history of smoking cigarettes. I’d smoked a few cigarettes when I was about nine years old, and I must have answered some question to the affirmative because there is a statement from the Peace Corps about the health problems associated with smoking. I had to laugh because I haven’t touched a cigarette in…well, I can’t even remember. Maybe since I was nine!
I have to see a dentist and have x-rays taken (which have to be submitted to the Peace Corps). I haven’t been to a dentist in a couple of years, so this is something I really ought to do anyway. And finally, I need to have an eye exam. It’s been about a year or so since my last one, so it’s about time for another.
A doctor, a dentist, a shrink, an optometrist…lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
All of this has to be done as soon as possible, since the review process that happens after I submit my medical information could take up to six months. I hope it won’t take that long, I have a life to plan in case I’m not accepted into the Peace Corps! You’ll know more when I do! Stay tuned for more updates!
Update: Goal #107) Join the Peace Corps
June 12, 2011 3 Comments
You might remember that I had an interview with a Peace Corps recruiter about two months ago. You may also recall that I thought I’d really blown the interview. Even as I was answering the questions, I knew I was making mistakes. And of course, all the “right” answers came flooding into my mind as soon as I’d stepped outside and began reflecting on the questions I’d been asked. Argh!
About a week ago, the email I’d been waiting for (and sort of dreading) since the interview finally arrived. Here’s what my recruiter had to say:
Dear Mr. Severson,
I am pleased to nominate you for the following Peace Corps assignment: Environmental Education/ Awareness scheduled to depart for Africa in April 2012.
This doesn’t mean I’ve been accepted into the Peace Corps, but it is a step in the right direction. So what’s next?
From the Peace Corps:
A nomination is a recommendation that an applicant move to the next stage of consideration; the medical, legal, suitability, and competitive reviews. You should expect to receive further requests for information during these reviews. It is important to respond to any requests quickly and completely. We cannot move forward with the review process unless all requested information is in your file.
As a result of your nomination, the Office of Medical Services (OMS) will review your Health Status Review and mail you a Medical Forms package that outlines the requirements for physical, dental, and eye exams. Please schedule your exams as soon as you receive this package and promptly submit all requested information. If you have questions, a Customer Service Representative in OMS will assist you.
If you are medically qualified and legally cleared, your application will be evaluated by a Peace Corps Placement Officer for suitability and competitiveness. You may be contacted at this point for additional information including an update on the status or completion of any previously requested volunteer experience or language coursework. Please note you are responsible for informing the Placement Legal Office if there are any changes to your legal status.
If you are selected for service, a Placement Officer will work to match you with an opening, taking into account your skills, availability, necessary medical accommodations, and the needs of our host countries. If this match is made, you will receive a written invitation to serve in a specific country as well as a job description. Please keep in mind that the program to which you were initially nominated may not be the program to which you are ultimately invited.
Congratulations on moving to the next stage of consideration for Peace Corps service.
This might be the single most life-changing goal on my list. If I’m accepted into the Peace Corps, I know it will be a huge turning point in my life. I’m excited, and a little nervous…in a good way!
Update: Goal #107) Join the Peace Corps
April 26, 2011 7 Comments
Last Thursday I had my first interview with a Peace Corps recruiter. Over the course of the nearly two-hour interview, I made some mistakes. Isn’t retrospect great!? I know you’re just dying to know how I screwed up my interview, so I won’t keep you waiting!
First, I spent a lot of time looking out the window while answering my questions. Even during the interview, I knew I was doing this. I tried to keep my eyes on the recruiter while I was speaking but struggled. It’s my natural reaction to look up and to the left when I’m thinking…and if there is ever a moment when I’m thinking hard, it’s during an interview. I sacrificed eye contact in search of the best answer I could think of at the moment…
Next, I used weak examples in explaining myself. Instead of discussing how I worked to teach a person with learning disabilities how to do a job, I chose to talk about how I’ve been working with Erin on improving her rock climbing techniques. And, in all honesty, I didn’t even think about training that individual until about five minutes ago. I told you retrospect is great!
I feel like I didn’t express my thoughts in their entirety. An example of this revolves around the question of culture and style of dress. I was asked if I would be willing to dress in local styles if I were to be placed in a location where the people are expected to dress a certain way. Of course I’d be willing to change my personal style of clothing in order to assimilate into the community, but I feel like I should have just shut up after saying that.
Instead, I blathered on about how personal appearance isn’t important to me. Even when I was answering the question, I felt like that was a stupid way to respond to a question directed towards a culture where appearance obviously does have a high value. I also feel like maybe I should have discussed the fact that the Peace Corps is a give and take relationship, where both cultures learn from each other…
Of course, retrospect might also just be over-analysis in disguise.
I made mistakes and didn’t answer the questions the best I could have. I looked out the window a dozen times too many…I can only hope that through all the mistakes, my character made its way into the conversation. There were highlights, too. At one point, both of us were laughing and joking. And after the interview was formally over (it’s never over) I felt like I wasn’t under as much pressure to give the “right” answers and I could just speak openly. At that point I was able to make eye contact and just be me without all the stress.
I’ve been in email contact with my recruiter since our interview, and hope that when the time comes, she feels comfortable in giving her recommendation and I make it to the next phase.
I’ll continue to keep everyone updated when I know more over at the Hundred Goals’ Facebook page! If you’re not already a part of the community, come check it out! We’re a rowdy bunch, but we’re good people!
