It was exactly a year ago today that I was applying to join
the Peace Corps. At the time, I thought I may get in, but I wasn’t sure. After
applying, it was a long road ahead before I even came to Samoa. And it is on
this day that I have decided to do a Peace Corps tradition and blog my timeline
of application to Samoa.
January 27th, 2016-Applied for Peace Corps
Under
the new application system the Peace Corps implemented, the application became
shorter, streamlined, and I got to pick which country I wanted to apply for. I
only chose Samoa.
With
the application, I had to also do a health history form, which I completed the
same day I submitted my application.
February 11th, 2016- Placed Under Consideration
for Peace Corps Samoa
Essentially
this meant they liked my initial application and were considering if my
qualifications met the needs of Samoa and would interview me. Or that’s my
understanding of this stage.
March 16th, 2016- Invitation for an Interview
I
received an email to arrange a web chat or phone interview.
March 31st, 2016- Interview
I
was scheduled to interview via web chat, but due to technical difficulties did
the interview over the phone. At this point I had done research on the typical
questions asked and was feeling pretty good about my interview.
Sometime between the interview and my invitation I received
a call from a Peace Corps nurse asking about my Celiac disease as it could
hinder me from getting medically cleared.
May 5th, 2016- Invitation
I received my official invitation, but it was contingent on medical and legal
clearance.
June 28th, 2016- Legal Clearance Granted
Of
course, this was of no concern to me…I don’t have a criminal record that I know
of…
July 6th, 2016- Medical Clearance Granted
This
was the one that I was concerned about. Given that I have Celiac disease, I was
afraid I would not get medical clearance. Since I am a healthy Celiac and I
have been able to live well with it for the past two years, I was able to get
medical clearance.
September 7th, 2016- Flight Scheduled to Staging
September 30th, 2016- Flight to L.A. for Staging
October 2nd, 2016- Flight to Samoa
October 4th, 2016- Arrive in Samoa
That
crazy International Date Line…
December 9th, 2016- Sworn in as a Peace Corps
Volunteer
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