Major Update

I feel as though I owe a major update since I committed to writing this blog. So here is the quick and dirty -

life. good.
work. good.
friends. good
prince. good.
all around mental outlook. good.

Alright - so, maybe that wasn't thorough enough. I'll start with an update on the topic that gives this blog purpose- PEACE CORPS! I believe in some of my last posts I told you that I received my Medical Packet. Man that seems like a light year ago. Well, quickly after receiving my medical packet I scheduled all the necessary appointments - dentist, doctor, health department, etc. Shots were given, cavities were filled, blood was drawn, and papers were signed.

On November 2, I received a status update on my toolkit that said "A decision has been made regarding your medical review." About 4 days later a letter was in the mail saying that I have been medically qualified for service! Ahhh, that is what I've been waiting for.

So, Peace Corps Application 101 - next stop - PLACEMENT!

I'm really hoping that I still am in the running for a June leave date for Eastern Europe in NGO Advising. Although I know that the reality is that 80% of applicants don't actually go to the location that they were originally nominated for - I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

Peace Corps Application Time Line

A lot of Peace Corps applicants have some kind of documentation of their process so here is mine:

February 2008 -- Meet with recruiter to talk about the Peace Corps

April 28, 2008 -- Submit application

May 2, 2008 -- Recruiter contacted me about scheduling an interview and sending additional forms

June 9, 2008--Interview with Peace Corps recruiter, Sarah Barfield, in Wilmington, NC

June 23, 2008--Officially Nominated for either Eastern Europe or Africa::Community Development

July 30, 2008--Sent nominations for Community Development in Cetnral/South America or Sub-Saharan Africa

August 4, 2008--Pulled my application due to multiple reasons...to put aside this opportunity for a better time in my life

March 3, 2010--Talked to recruiter about reapplying for Peace Corps

March 15, 2010--Start Application Process Again

March 28, 2010--Turned in Application

March 29, 2010--1st Recommendation submitted (Thanks Peggy!)

March 30, 2010--2nd Recommendation submitted (Thanks Jeff!)

April 28, 2010--Emailed Recruiter because I had not heard anything (this is where the waiting game began!)

May 6, 2010--Heard from Recruitment Coordinator, have to wait due to outside circumstances to move forward with the process.

December 1, 2010--Can finally move forward with application

December 5, 2010--Recieved packet of information including fingerprints, NAC Questionnaire, College Transcripts, Certifications

December 16, 2010--Received an email from the recruiter stating that they needed the information back by January 5th (no problem!)

December 22, 2010--Had to submit a new recommendation to fit the guidelines of preffered recommendations (Thanks Sheila!)

December 23, 2010--Delayed information for log into my toolkit was finally sent to me

December 28, 2010--Peace Corps representative called to have me send over copies of scuba certifications

December 29, 2010--Send back all information including transcripts, fingerprints, etc.

January 20, 2011--Peace Corps Toolkit update! Paperwork is complete!

February 11, 2011--Interview at NCSU completed::possible nominations for Community Development or Business Development, waiting for program specs to be released

February 25, 2011--Emailed recruiter asking what else I should be doing--stated just wait for more information to be released and update him on any new skills I acquire

April 1, 2011--Emailed recruiter looking for an update. RAS (restless applicant syndrome) is settling in

June 13, 2011--Emailed recruiter while in Europe asking for updates. Officially nominated for Eastern Europe doing NGO Development leaving June 2012

July 17, 2011 -- Home from trip to Europe with a medical packet sitting in my mailbox.

September 13, 2011 -- Finished all medical paperwork - Sent back to PC headquarters.

September 24, 2011--Forgot to have Doctor co-sign all paperwork and have to redo two tests.

October 20, 2011 -- Send back all information to Medical Office

November 2, 2011 -- Status Update! Letter came in the mail a few days later saying I am Medically cleared for service!

November 28, 2011 -- Email from Placement Assistant stating my file is complete and a Placement Specialist will be in touch.

Car Free Lifestyle

I'm thinking about selling my car. Living a car-free lifestyle has often been on my mind, but as of late I have been thinking about it more and more. As I'm trying to cut back my expenses and reevaluate where I'm spending my money, I realized I spend an astronomical amount of money on my car. Actually, I spend more money on my car than I do on the roof that is over my head. Seems crazy, huh.

Although in my head I'm thinking about this in sheer dollars there are a lot of other things to think about to. Currently, I can walk to work, the bank, food and drinking establishments, the park, and many other things but there are things that would be less convenient. Such as:

Trips to Target...which could be the death of Sami as you know her.
Easily accessible grocery store
Beach Days
Cold walks to work in the Winter Time
Am I missing others?

Fortunately living downtown allows me to walk to work and there is an OK bus system that would allow me to get to the grocery store and target with little afterthought. However, for 25 years I've lived a life of instant gratification...and I want to be sure that I think about all the aspects of my life that may be affected positively and negatively before I make this drastic lifestyle change.

Here's what my 7th grade History teacher, Ms. Hanifee taught me to do when life offers choices: A good ol' pros and cons list.

Pros
Environmentally Friendly
Get Exercise
Save LOTS of money
Wilmington offers Public Transportation and living downtown allows me to walk to food and entertainment
Can rent a car for long day or weekend trips

Cons
Won't be able to do things at a moment's notice
Will have to walk in the cold/rain
Inconveniencing friends when needing a ride

So, it's looking pretty good that I may want to try this. My mom and I came up with a good idea to try to live for two weeks without using my car. Meaning hide the keys from myself and see how I can get around without using my car. Seems easy enough.  Since I'll be leaving for the Peace Corps, hopefully, in June 2012 and will need to sell my car anyways I really want to think seriously about this. It's a great way for me to save up some money before leaving by severely cutting my expenses.

What do you think? Any advice would be great. I know a couple of you have lived in Wilmington without a car and I would love to hear your experiences!!

Peace Corps Update

Online status update!!

As I'm looking out the window at Hurricane Irene whipping through all the trees in my neighborhood, I'm trying to stay focused on other things. The storm has not been too bad but the wind and rain kept me up for most of the night. Minimal damage has ensued to our area but I'm thinking about my friends and family in the Northeast who might be affected by Irene as well.

My Peace Corps status is moving along quite well at this point. Since I arrived back from Europe to find a medical packet in my mail, I have been going to the doctor and dentist quite regularly. I don't even have to sign in anymore they already know who I am! I've been to the doctor for four visits, the dentist for three, and the health department twice. All in all I've completed all of my dental and medical paperwork and am just waiting for one more shot on the 31st and I can send it all back to Washington. I can't wait!!!

I am one of the few that has already received my legal clearance, which from what I've read is sometimes takes the longest and typically doesn't clear until after your medical clearance goes through. So I'm feeling like I'm in a good place to leave in June or maybe even sooner. Who knows!! If there is one thing that Peace Corps is not good at, it is keeping applicants abreast of leave dates/locations. I'm constantly sitting on the edge of my seat through this process.

Good luck to all those that are waiting out the storm!!!

Amazing Peace Corps slogan

Medical, Dental and Legal Frenzy

As I returned home from Europe, I had a stack of mail as tall as the papasan chair in the living room. I was so excited to find hidden in its depths real information from the PEACE CORPS!! I received two envelopes from the elusive agency, one that congratulated me on accepting my position in Eastern Europe and one that was chock full of medical and dental paperwork to fill out. It's a bittersweet moment, as I have been warned, to open up the medical documents. Inside you'll find a whole slew of shots and tests and pricks and jabs that the doctor and dentist need to give you but it also means that you are one more step closer to placement. 

Now the process starts in locating all of my medical records....oy. After having gone through a period of my life where I moved every two years and not having a primary physician since I was 12, I first wonder how I am even remotely healthy and second dread trying to locate all my shot records from the past 25 years.  

Today that journey begins as I try to call every doctor I've ever been to and take a jog down memory lane and call Queen Anne's County High School to see if they can dig through their closet to find my records. I can't believe I've been out of high school for so long.

Wish me luck!

Peace, Love, and Awesomeness

Sami

Meeting Rosie D.

Today I had the opportunity to share lunch with the Chancellor (Rosie D., if you didn't know) of my university along with other students who excel in leadership and public service. So many inspirational people in one room, and I got to sit there along with them. What a great way to end out my last few days of graduate school. The luncheon was help for those of us who participated in a program called, Chancellor's Challenge, where you document all the leadership and public service activities that you participate in throughout the year. If you reach a certain number of points, you get the opportunity to share lunch with the Chancellor.

I was a little nervous about the opportunity thinking that most thing like this end up being pretty awkward, but Rosie really proved me wrong. She was really willing to hear what we all had to say, answered questions about our concerns with the university, looked for our input towards making the university more public service centered, and told us stories about the history surrounding my university.

It was all in all, quite a delightful experience. I told her that I was concerned about the amount of recognition that graduate students receive in comparison to undergraduates, I felt having been both at this university I was qualified to say something about it. Also, we discussed some of the budget issues and how we feel it in the classroom. It is so important for the chancellor to take the time to meet with student leaders on campus to talk about things like that as it is a new viewpoint she probably does not hear very often.

I was proud to share my next steps in life in joining the Peace Corps. There really couldn't be a better group of people on campus to share this information with as the Peace Corps is quite an esteemed service opportunity that most don't have the will to take on.

As I finish up my last few projects and wait to turn them in, I'll reflect on opportunities like this, where I really felt like my voice was heard.

Peace, Love, and Awesomeness!

Peace Corps Update

New dates have been posted for October, which means that, hopefully, I'm one day closer to knowing where I might be going. As any Peace Corps applicant with the well-known "Restless Applicant Syndrome" knows any bit of information is like a being handed a million dollars. I have been watching the list every day to see what is posted, just waiting for new posts for November.

My recruiter said that I should know something more by June/July, so here I sit patiently waiting for something more. Until then I'll desperately dream of distant destinations. <--alliteration at it's finest :)

Anyone have plans for easter?

Government Shutdown...

I have to admit, I haven't really been following all of this government shutdown hub bub. I know I'm a public administration student and I'm SUPPOSED to know all this stuff, but no ones perfect! However, I did find some interesting information about the Peace Corps protocol in case of a government shutdown.

In summary, the Peace Corps will keep all current volunteers in country (as it is cheaper to keep them in rural Africa...or whereever....on $15.00/day than fly each of them home at $2,000/flight). Current headquarters staff will be furloughed until further notice. And, now for the sad news: Any stagings scheduled for 3 weeks after the beginning of a government shutdown should be continued. All other stagings will be considered on a case-by-case basis....AND...suspended Peace Corps activities include recruitment, selection and placement of new volunteers.

Ok, ok...I'm breathing again. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that a government shutdown doesn't happen (not just for my sake, but for the sake of all U.S. citizens). Peace, Love, and Aweswomeness.

Some Numbers...

Here is a list of numbers that are driving my life today...

49 Days until Graduation

59 Days until I leave for Germany

8 Projects to turn in before the end of the semester

34 Days until my last day working with ACE :(

It's 34 degrees outside, but it's supposed to be 70 this time next week

5 days until I'm running my 1st 5K of the year, 12 days until my 2nd, 57 days until my 3rd....ahhh!

Hopefully less than 3 months before I (kinda...) know where I'll be going for the Peace Corps

Less than 7 months until my best friend gets married

10 more days of graduate classes

Ok...ok...I guess that's enough. Peace, Love, and Awesomeness...

Why International Service?

The question has come up many, many times about why I am joining the Peace Corps to serve internationally instead of doing service to my own country. I would like to state that the Peace Corps is a program funded through the United States Government, in my opinion, to increase visibility of United States culture, increase global literacy, and to build positive relationships globally. Although I will physically be serving in another country the benefits are awarded to the host country and the United States through the success of the relationships I create and programs I work on.

In terms of choosing what is best fit for me, it is a hard choice as the United States provides many diverse opportunities for each person and it is our responsibility to find what fits us best. However, I want to reiterate that this is my reasoning for why I choose to do international service instead of another program like AmeriCorps that solely serves needy people and communities in the United States. Each person has their own set of needs to feel fulfilled and my response may not make any sense to you and that is okay. You have chosen your path because it best fulfills your needs as this will mine.

The United States, formally through government initiatives and informally through the third-sector (non-profit organizations) provides an optimal amount of services and programs to people in the United States. Although I can not argue that there is plenty of social injustice in this country—we all have the opportunity to strive and be the best people that we can—whether we take the opportunity or not. I believe that the chance to see a country whose government and people can not provide opportunities, hence why the Peace Corps is placed there, will humble me to a point that I can return to the United States to inspire others to utilize the programs that are available to them as well as encourage others (and myself) to be thankful for what the U.S. provides for us. We are a country of “never enough”—never enough money, never enough food, never enough services, never enough health care…but once we become more aware and less ignorant to the state of the rest of the world, maybe we will begin to understand a tipping point of “satisfaction.” Perhaps in my network, I will be the tipping point.

I do not advocate for the inability to strive for more or to stop trying to be better but I believe that it is only helping myself, my community, my network of people, my family, and my nation to become more aware of the culture of another nation who is also striving for better but may not have the resources to do so. The positive relationships that have been built between volunteers and international communities has helped bridge an information gap between ourselves and the communities in which Peace Corps volunteers serve. These relationships create a mutually benefiting understanding of the U.S. and the host country.

As the world grows smaller and smaller, my experience abroad will only assist me in a future career with a full understanding of how to work and think globally with sensitivity to differences between cultures. An experience domestically would not provide me with this opportunity and would only reinforce the United States culture and needs without account to others.

I may not ever have a lasting impact on the community in which I will serve, but I will return with so many things that most U.S. citizens will never have including: a better understanding of the cultural diversities that exist in the world, fluency in at least one new language, the ability to speak intelligently about communities across the globe, experiences to share to decrease the ignorance we hold about people not like ourselves. The last thing I will return with is two years of experience in program planning that I can apply to a career in the United States. So, am I just serving internationally, no….absolutely not…..I will be able to return and have an even better ability to serve my own country. I hope that this answers some questions about why I'm choosing to serve internationally, if not, please ask a specific question and I'll try to answer.

So I may turn this and ask, what are you doing to better your community for today and tomorrow? As well as, what needs are you fulfilling in your life to feel proud of your life accomplishments?

And…If you haven’t done so already be sure to check out the Peace Corps Core Expectations to better understand the expectations of volunteers in the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps Update

Since I haven't updated on the Peace Corps recently...I thought a "where I am now and what is left to do" post is appropriate.

I found out last week that a friend of mine that I traveled to India with was finally medically cleared for the Peace Corps (goooo Lauren!!). Since she is rearing to go at any moment she is just waiting on her placement in a program teaching English. I'm so excited for her!

On the other hand, I'm a little further back in the process. Since I restricted myself to the inability to leave before November 1st I have to wait until programs become available to know antyhing. Currently on the PCWiki page they have program staging dates up for September but none for any later than that. As soon as a program opens up for either Community Development or Small Business (the programs my experience and skillset match up with) after October, I will hopefully hear about a nomination.

So here are my next steps for those of you who are new to this whole thing...
1. Nomination for a region and program (hopefully by June/July)
2. Start reading every blog available for the region you are nominated for
2. Medical and Legal Clearance
3. Invitation (typically 6-8 weeks out from departure date)
4. I'm OFF!!

So that's it! I can't wait to know a little bit more information but the Peace Corps is a waiting game. In the meantime I'll just fill my (and yours) brain with dreams of distant shores.

Fill in the blanks....

1. The phrase or punctuation I overuse the most is..."Awesome." and it always reminds me of my friend Cristina. Her first visit to the United States, she thought this word was so funny and EVERYONE was always saying it. So, six years later, it's still a prominent part of my vocabulary. Love you Cris!

2. Today I am thankful for...the opportunities that life hands us.

3. My best friend is...as excited to see me this weekend as I am her.

4. A quirky thing about me is...I make about 10 to do lists a day and I'll write and rewrite them until I'm happy with the order the items are in or my handwriting, or the wording. I'm OCD about my to-do list.

5. This weekend I...am spending time with my bestie for her birthday and bridesmaid dress shopping.

6. Something that worries me is...trying to find a job upon my return from Europe until I leave for the Peace Corps.

7. On my nightstand you will find...an Italy travel book, earrings, a pen, a stack of papers that look like some homework I haven't finished, a genie lamp from India, a hand-painted jewelry box, clock radio, and lamp. I think that's it.

On eight simple pleasures...

….excited about a myriad of opportunities to travel, help others, and pursue some dreams.

….when my dog does that whole tuck his tail under his butt and run through the house as fast as possible thing.

…staying busy at work. There is nothing like sitting at your desk with a checklist of things to get done, and slowly chipping away at it.

…the flowers are blooming! The flowers are blooming! Despite the allergies, I’m excited for the most beautiful time of the year in Southeastern North Carolina.

...having a fun planned weekend of being a tourist in my home town, visiting aquariums and a night at the theatre. And possibly a visit to see my mom and play with little puppies they have running around.

…having stuck (well for the most part…can’t say I haven’t had some chocolate or Flaming Amy’s) to my diet and exercise regime.

…my last Spring Break EVER! Well, I guess I said that last time I thought I was NEVER going to go back to school again, but nevertheless I get to take a mini vacation to see a dear friend and do some important wedding shopping for her.

…having a stack of really great books to read. Even though reading for school is monopolizing my time, the thought of all the those pages just waiting to be read makes my heart flutter.

Focus. Pocus.

Yesterday, as I was sitting in class, I had an epiphany. Okay, okay...get out from under your desk. Don't be scared. A colleague of mine mentioned how she always looked forward to chatting before class with me because my days are so varied and stories so diverse.

So, my mind starting wandering off during class about how much energy I put into thinking about environmental issues to planning events, from the big scary corporate world to grassroots fundraising, from getting myself back in shape to snuggling on my couch with the pooch, and everything in between. I think we all feel a little bit on overload these days with our dabble in different topics, theories, interests, activities, etc.

What if I actually focused ALL my attention on one cause. one activity. one program. one thing. wow. I know it sounds simple but it's actually something that, I think, a lot of people struggle with. I think this is one of the things that the Peace Corps offers to me. I'm able to put down the 1,001 things that I'm interested in that drive my brain from one end of the earth to the other in the 18 hours of time during my active day to focusing on one thing. and one thing only. I don't know what that thing is yet, but it's coming....and I'm excited.

Pictured is someone that I truly admire, and a person that knows what it means to put his mind towards a goal and reach for it empowering others to change their mindsets and follow. I totally wish I could be like old Nelson.

Tealin Like A Star

This week kicks off my university's Homecoming celebrations, and for those of you that don't know, the organization that I work for spearheads all homecoming efforts. Soooo...needless to say, the past few weeks have been filled with a lot of planning and the next week will be filled with a lot of school spirit, fun events, and teaching moments. Tonight kicks off homecoming with a Late Night Breakfast at the campus dining hall, which means....ALL THE I WANT.......nom nom.

The rest of the week is filled with fashion shows, blacklight parties (which includes the announcement of our spring concert...more on that in a second), comedian Dan Levy (from Chelsea Lately), American Idol spin-off event called Dub Idol, game shows, basketball games, parades, and lots and lots and lots of the color teal. Did I mention that I get to marshal the parade driving the Chancellor's car with the Chancellor in it? How did I ever get to be so important around here?

Like I said, this week also is the kick off of our Big Spring Show. Since I advise our amazing, topnotch marketing chair we've been busting our butts to get this show promoted and sell out our Coliseum. Fingers crossed that the crowd loves it and when tickets go on sale on Mon., Feb. 21 people are buying them like hotcakes.

Despite synthesizing this exciting week ahead, Peace Corps has been on my mind all day. It's really becoming a part of my day-to-day language and I get more and more excited each time I talk about it. I've been having existential moments day-dreaming of helping children in Nairobi, developing water systems in Indonesia, or connecting communities in Macedonia.

Peace, Love, and Awesomeness.