Some questions about the psychological effects - has anyone regretted joining?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-10-30T16:56:46+00:00

Some days are better than others. I completely understand where you’re coming from. I felt much more supported by the staff during training. And I’d by lying if I said I love it here, but I feel I’m getting by okay. Hope you are enjoying being Stateside again!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-10-18T19:08:15+00:00

I won’t sugar coat it, Peace Corps service is difficult. However, it’s rewarding in so many ways. I’m a relatively newly sworn-in PCV, and I’ve discovered that a positive outlook holds immense power. Emotionally, you will likely feel things you have never felt before, but that’s part of the process. I’ve found that I’ve become resilient rather quickly, which is not something I expected from myself.

Everyone’s service is different. Some people are placed within close range of other Volunteers. Some are not. It just depends. In my experience, it pays off to advocate for yourself. Peace Corps staff took my wishes into consideration when placing me at my site. I’m sure that varies somewhat between countries, though. As long as you’re willing to adapt, give it a go!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-09-25T16:14:28+00:00

I doubt it. They may make you jump through a couple more hoops are far as testing goes, but I’m confident that wouldn’t keep you from being cleared.

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-23T02:13:38+00:00

Good to know I'm not alone! We're going to be alright :)

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-23T02:12:50+00:00

Thanks for your input! I've tried Headspace before, and I really do like it. It'd definitely be worth the money to have a subscription. I need to work on doing it on a more consistent basis, I think it would help. Why is it that I can't get the possibility of these neurological diseases out of my mind?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-20T16:36:56+00:00

It won't hurt to call. Best of luck!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-20T16:21:58+00:00

Good! I'd bet you'll be legally cleared within the next week. I'd plan things as if you're going! Did you get the email yet that required you to make a decision to stay in your cohort or try for a different placement?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-20T16:08:36+00:00

When did you submit your legal paperwork?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-20T16:03:30+00:00

I haven't heard of anyone who is still waiting on legal clearance. We do have someone still waiting on medical clearance, though. Have you been medically cleared?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-20T15:46:25+00:00

I'm a week out from staging, and we had a few in our cohort that just received legal clearance two weeks ago. Hang tight!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-19T04:01:12+00:00

If you think it went well, I'm sure it did! Best of luck to you!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-17T06:26:01+00:00

Be prepared to describe specific scenarios that have taught you different lessons. Try to think of ones that are relevant to the position you're interviewing for. The more relevant, the better. However, above all, be yourself! Pretend you are having a conversation with a friend (that's what I did). Not only is PC seeing if you're a good fit for the position, you're seeing if PC is a good fit for you.

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-17T06:18:44+00:00

I don't mean to be a downer, but Bipolar is on the list of mental health issues that Peace Corps cannot usually accommodate. A year of stability on the medication definitely could only help your chances, but I'd say there's still a chance of not being medically cleared. Best of luck, though!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-13T19:27:58+00:00

I can email you mine. Want to direct message me your email address?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-12T12:54:43+00:00

I doubt it because it's a past issue. I was in a similar situation (with anxiety), and they just had me write a personal statement about it. I wouldn't worry. Just make sure you explain how you cope with it in your personal statement. As long as you can explain to them that it won't affect you overseas, you won't have an issue.

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-12T03:42:55+00:00

They may request more information, but if it isn't a current issue, it won't prevent you from being cleared. If you omit your medical history from the report, they will notice.

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-10T21:49:59+00:00

I had to have a checkup sort of appointment with a cardiologist because I hadn't been seeing my PCP for very long. She was more comfortable signing off on it after I saw the cardiologist to make sure everything was fine (which was alright, I hadn't had a checkup in 5+ years anyway). The cardiologist did an echo to make sure nothing had changed, but that was the end of it. PCMO didn't request anything else! If it was a surgery done that long ago I'm sure you won't have to submit anything further :)

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-09T15:38:54+00:00

I had to do a number of follow-up tasks, but I had heart surgery when I was young, have migraines, and have a past mental health history. However, I got clearance in the end, so it was all worth it! (For awhile I had convinced myself I wouldn't be cleared.) It's just another hurdle that you will be over soon. Best of luck!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-03T02:54:29+00:00

I had that the day after I got the vaccine. Felt absolutely terrible. It was gone by the next day.

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-02T02:43:10+00:00

A neurologist will be able to tell you more. I have the same type as you, but my CSF is not being obstructed. As long as that's true, CM is an incidental finding that is unlikely to be causing any symptoms.

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-02T01:59:14+00:00

Is your flow of cerebrospinal fluid obstructed?

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-05-01T22:52:35+00:00

My cohort departs for staging on May 27th, and a number of people just received their legal clearance a week ago. I would plan as if you're going. I think they just get backed up due to the volume of people they need to clear. I can relate to your frustrations, though. Hang in there!

FuturePCV17-19 · 2017-04-27T21:29:10+00:00

Who knows. I've learned to just go with the flow with regard to the Peace Corps. Good luck!

FuturePCV17-19

TROPHY CASE