What am I going to do about my cellphone?

I cherish perserving what can be preserved. Most of my clothes that I currently wear are from my highschool days (I graduated 8 yrs ago). For goodness sakes, I've had my well-functioning TV since I was 13 and I am now 24. I am dreading even having to think about getting rid of my cellphone while I am overseas. I've had this phone for 5 yrs and it took my friends 3 yrs of convincing me, I needed the thing in the first place. This precious device serves as my life line. It has saved me from some life threatening situations (ok, so I am being dramatic). Nonetheless, there is some value in having a cellphone. In my research, I've discovered that my t-mobile phone is not compatible with CR communications technologies. So, what do I do?

Do I get rid of it, plain and simple, and buy another once I get there? Or, should I keep my phone active here for as low as $20 bucks per month? After all I pay less than $60 for my phone and probably will not get a deal as good as this.

In general I live pretty simply, but again I like to hold on to things as well. To my fellow PC folks & family member what have you done in the past with your cellphones?

The invitation--CR

When I got home from work... I've been working like an animal (ok maybe a legal US corporate slave) since I've moved to DC 10 months ago. DC is a toxic place to live. Unless you have a well paying job, you have to work, minimally, 2 jobs to survive and save $$$. So I have two jobs and constantly feel overwhelmed by it all. As proof of my mental tension, my acne resurfaced because my hormones are out-of-wack (I've gone 7 years w/o acne).

However, when I arrive home that Friday evening there was a little white & thick package with PC logo on it. I was immediately excited and yet nervous. Although, I've agreed to accept the C/S American Youth development email offer, I had no idea where they were sending me exactly. So, I bypass the form and nonchalently put my belongings away. Took a shower, cooked dinner, brushed & flossed my teeth, & performed my nightly routine which includes pampering my precious, sensitive, and beautifully toasted almond (brown) skin. Once I finished my therapeutic pampering.

I walked passed the envelop again. I looked down at it and decided what the hell! I've started this tedious process 14 months ago and I refused to go back. Without overthinking, I've opened up the darn thing and discovered an official letter offer, a small paper VAD (volunteer assignment description) booklet, & a large blue PC folder contained w/ more paper work. I picked up the PC offical invite letter and in bold print it read Costa Rica!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was ambushed with joy! Then, I realized wait I've been there before. Since, I've disclosed that info with them I am sure they are aware, but I just decided to go with it all, this time.

I've been fortunate enought to receive 3 offers. 2 of which were highly desirable programmatic options. Since I've completed my dental work there is no excuse to turn this down, now. So it is offical. I'll be heading out (tentatively) March 2, 2009 to San Jose, Costa Rica for the next 27 months fo my life

Why are PC placement specialist so pushy & mean?

I am finally medically cleared. I received a call from a PC placement personnel regarding an ESL offer on the Pacific Island. My initial reaction, "you gotta be kidding me, I hate teaching". I was told because of my background that Community Dev'p or even Youth Development will be the direction that I would go into.

I don't mind using my techinically skills and experiences in a different capacity, but teaching is not one of them. I lack the passion for it and do not have the personality nor patience. I tried it in the past and was asked not to return again. I am not bragging about my inept ability to transfer info in a classroom setting, but it is the truth.

I shared my past experience with the PC placement personnel and she was so determined on making me an ESL teacher stating that my skills best match that program and she tried to downplay my background in Youth Development, stating that there are so many others that have that background. Well, news flash most folks who do not have a specialty tend to go in ESL programs!!!!!!!

I am at a lost for words, what should I do??? I even told her, "I am willing to diversify my linguistic skills (although fluent in Spanish) in order to be place in a Youth Dev'p or Community Service program and she told me that I mines well "withdraw my application" (her words not mine) because they are only placing ESL.

What am I to do??? I am not proficient at ESL. How should I handle this??

Dancing in the dark

It is now July and I am still dancing in the dark. I was suppose to leave this month, but everything got pushed back because they imposed an imaginary deadline. I called frequently to verify if there were any deadlines and I was given vague and unassuming responses. Now, I know that I indeed missed the deadline. Only, if I had damn health insurance this would not be an issue. So, I found a free health clinic in Pittsburgh (my hometown). Sounds great I know, but I live in Maryland. Nothing here is free unless you are under 20. DC has opportunities, but you must be a resident and I don't know anyone there to use their address.

Now it is just a waiting game. Not to mention, I have yet to get the dental work done for PC, which by the way cost money that I don't quite have.

I realize that I must push on with my life already, so I am back on the prowl and this time I am hungry. I need a new opportunity that will fuel my adventurous appetite.

Yes, if and when the PC present an opportunity I will consider especially, if in a desirable region. If not, then I will revert back to plan B.

Peace Corps unassuming and vague.

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.