Medical/Dental Evaluation

I share too much information and I am too damn honest. I mention on my PC health application months ago that I had at one point suffered from panic attacks for a week about 5 years ago and now they want me to have a psychological evaluation. Everyone in some form or fashion experiences anxiety. Now I need an evaluation, uugghhhhh!

The medical and dental review is extensive, but I am glad that PC goes through such great lengths to make sure you are healthy for a particular country. Since I was forewarned I had about 65% of this process done a few months ago. However, I forgot to request the original documents, so I will spend my Monday morning getting in contact with folks to make sure all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.

The 35% includes my dental and psychological evaluation. Also, I must get caught up on my adult immunizations.

Hopefully, everything goes off without a hitch. I hope that I get into the country as discussed and planned with my recruiter. I would be disappointed, otherwise.

If you have specific questions regarding this process (i.e. types of standard adult immunization), so that you can prepare effectively let me know, I would be happy to share.

Remember what you disclose during your Health review on your original PC application will determine what kind of evaluation you receive. Case in point, experience of anxiety will encourage them to ask about further experiences which will lead to a psychological review.

Nomination!

So, I've been accepted into the Youth Development program in Central/South America which takes off this July. So, excited!!

PC Application, Placement, & Invitation Timeline

PC Application, Placement, & Invitation Timeline

• August 28, 2008--Submitted my PC application and health inquiry form
• September 3, 2008--Mailed Welcome package
• September 12, 2008--Received Welcome package, Background Check forms and Assignment Area sheets: preliminary forms with one month return restriction
• September 18, 2008--Completed and returned Background Check: Two fingerprints charts, A Nat'l Agency Check form, and other additional legal forms
• September 25, 2008--Received email from Recruiter Jody stating one of my personal references have not submitted forms
• September 28, 2008--Contacted my TEFL Instructor/Professor to push for early submission; TEFL Instructor assured that she submitted the form earlier that month
• September 29, 2008--TEFL Instructor re-submitted the personal reference and Cultural Sensitivity form online; On-line rejected form due to error on the cpu system
• October 3, 2008--TEFL Instructor submitted forms directly to Recruiter Jody and me--BIG mistakes. For future references please do not repeat mistake
• October 4, 2008--Received deactivation email due to failure to submit all materials in timely fashion and due to broken confidentiality agreements (please read all fine print)
• October 5, 2008--Contacted recruiter to request for extension; Jody submitted reactivation information and left me to dry
• October 6, 2008--Duped, but not defeated
• October 7, 2008--Began my mission to find a substitution for TEFL Instructor to complete my PC application
• October 12, 2008--Contact Research mentor/professor/friend as my substitution
• October 20, 2008--Research mentor/professor/friend agreed, but was in the middle of semester and assured that it will be delayed but promised it will get done
• December 27, 2008--Receive enclosed envelop of PC recommendation and Cultural Sensitivity form
• January 7, 2009--Submitted Reactivation letter along with enclosed and sealed envelop to protect confidentiality
• January 20, 2009-- Application Reactivated
• Febuary 3, 2009--Received call from new recruiter Ed Riehl--Thank God!
• Febuary 20, 2009--Set interview date
• Febuary 21- March 2, 2009--Prepped for interview
• March 3, 2009--Interview scheduled in New York, New York with Recruiter Ed Riehl-- awesome guy
• March 5, 2009-- Contacted about a possible opening in Urban Youth Development (UYD)in C./S. America--sounds promising, but it is not certain yet, remember we are dealing with PC
• March 6, 2009--Received email regarding project and forms
• March 7, 2009--Completed UYD forms and submitted-- must wait two business days to see if I will be accepted or not
• March 31, 2009--Went to my Gyn, blood work, and Mental Health appointments as required by Peace Corps.
• April 1, 2009--Dental exam and x-ray. It has been 4 yrs since I've been to the dentist. I must get a deep dental cleaning which is expensive and 2 fillings. Remind you I have no insurance. I must pay 1,000 out the pockets for my teeth.
• April 4, 2009--TB skin test
• April 6, 2009--Had to wait 2 days for results. I am negative
• April 20, 2009--Completed full medical physical, gather blood work and all papers
• May 15, 2009--Received Polio vaccination
• May 21, 2009--Submitted Medical forms
• May 22, 2009--Called to follow-up and track forms. I was then told I missed a deadline I didn't know existed, which is quite common in this game. Everything is vague and unassuming.
• May 27, 2009--Forms log onto system
• May 27, 2009--Missed July departure deadline
• August 12, 2009--Medically qualified w/o a hitch
• August 13, 2009--First contact w/ PC placement, letting them know about my continued interest in PC
• August 19, 2009--Contacted about a possible TEFL program in Pacific Island that leaves in mid-October & had to complete & submit a vegetarian questionnaire
• August 21, 2009--Declined invitations
• September 1, 2009--Invited to Francophone African region for the Community/Health Development program that leaves in End of November 2009
• September 2, 2009-- Although excited I turned down the invite because my dental work was incomplete, which is why I turned down the initial offer
• September 3, 2009-- I withdrew my application until my dental work was near completion.
• November 5, 2009--Rooting and Scaling of quadrents 1&2 completed (dental deep gum cleaning- to rid of build tartar underneath your gums) I know, I know I have not been to the dentist in 5 years due to a scary life threatening experiences.
• November 16, 2009--contacted PC placement to reactivate my PC application. I had to submit an updated resume, Job Supevisor reference letter, & motivation letter-highlighting why I deactivated my app and why I want to reactivate my app.
• November 26, 2009--On the day of thanksgiving I've decided to complete my PC motivation letter, and resume.
• November 29, 2009--My job supervisor submitted am email version and mailed a copy to PC placement as well. She knows how much PC means to me.
• December 1, 2009--Rooting and Scaling of quadrents 3&4 completed
• December 2, 2009--Emailed about a Youth Development Program in C/S America. Immediately accepted!!!
• December 3, 2009--FINALLY RECEIVED OFFICIAL INVITATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILIES PROGRAM IN COSTA RICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• December 9, 2009--My 2 cavities were filled.
• December 9, 2009--I hand delivered my Dental form to PC OMS.
• December 9, 2009--Emailed my Aspiration letter and International resume to my Costa Rican post
• Dcember 11, 2009--Verbally accepted invite
• December 14, 2009-- I have received dental clearance. I am officially good to go.
• December 15, 2009--Completed my DS82 no-fee passport application
• December 17, 2009--Took my 4 2x2 passport photos to submit w/ my application (Do not forget to write your name and Country of Service on the back.

As you are gathering this is an enduring process only for those who are committed. Understand that during that time I was committed to the AmeriCorps*VISTA program with United Way of Pennsylvania doing several other important projects as well as service projects. This time fly by mighty fast. Following my service which ended on January 25, 2009, I moved to New Carrollton, MD where I found employment for the time being.

Yes, there may be a possible opening, but I am not excited about anything yet until I received official nomination forms and a plane ticket.

If you have any specific questions regarding anything, please write them and I will try to answer what I find appropriate and fitting. I will do my best to make sure you gather as much info as you can about the process I am sure you may need mental and emothonal support and yes, I am opening myself to help you.