The Application process....

I wanted to start my new blog with a quick overview of my experience in the application process so far:

• I began my application in October 2008
• I submitted my application January 26 2009
• All of my recommendations were submitted February 11, 2009 (what a great birthday present!)
• I had my interview February 16, 2009
• My follow-up interview was February 23, 2009. At this point my recruiter -Erin- recommended me for service, but I was not given a nomination due to health volunteer nominations being full. I was told I would hopefully receive a nomination before my graduation in May, and could expect to leave in the Spring of 2010.
• Change of plans -I got a call from my recruiter with an opportunity for an earlier nomination (most likely January), the only catch is that I would not be nominated for a health position, but rather as a science teacher in Africa. After thinking this option over for, oh, about 20 seconds, I decided to go for it! (I did say I was flexible, and I liked the earlier departure date.)
• Received my official nomination on March 26, 2009 (during my AMAZING spring break trip in Tahoe with the girls!) for Science teaching in Africa.
• Next step was medical and background checks. I completed all paperwork and sent it to PC HQ at the end of April 2009.
• I was notified I had been dentally and legally cleared in June.
• Then I waited... In the meantime I graduated from Willamette University in May with my BA in Biology and continued to work at Salem Hospital in the lab. (This was a long waiting period, where I did not hear from the Peace Corps for many weeks at a time... patience...)
• I finally found out I was medically cleared July 24, 2009
• I was contacted by the placement office and sent them an updated resume, and final transcript a few days later

and.... Here I am. Trying to wait as patiently as possible for word on my official invitation. I am trying to expect the worst and hope for the best, and gain as much useful tutoring/teaching/classroom experience as possible in the meantime.