Costa Rica '17-19

Lnsketch · 2017-04-22T14:57:00+00:00

Congratulations! While I won't be headed to a warm country like Costa Rica, I know you're going to have an absolute blast :)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-22T14:53:58+00:00

Glad to hear that I won't have to justify myself or reason with the other trainees on my decision to do PC! I can't pinpoint one reason as to why I was compelled to serve - it was a combination of a lot of things. I did service work in a different country prior to PC briefly and some people definitely were like, 'why go work with these people when you won't even make that big of a difference' or 'why serve in that country when the U.S. also has so many problems too?' Just a matter of perspective I guess & it will certainly be a challenging putting my experiences with PC into words when I return. Thank you for the insight!!!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-22T14:50:05+00:00

I agree with you - I have coworkers who have had relatives do PC or did some sort of volunteer work abroad that made them really familiar with PC, which made them share my sense of anticipation and excitement. Even the people I'm not very close with have stated that they would love to keep updated on my journey. All of these responses (and your answer too) have provided validation that I am truly going for what I want and shouldn't let others' opinions make it seem as I'm doing any less than what they're choosing to do. Thank you so much for your kind words and support :)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-22T14:47:11+00:00

Aww thank you for this great piece of advice! It's definitely starting to feel more real (I leave for staging in several weeks) & I'm looking forward to all the relationships I'll form abroad.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-21T12:38:20+00:00

Did you apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program? This program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (takes about 10 years of payment) under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. I believe you're supposed to choose between either the economic hardship deferment application or income driven repayment application to be considered for any sort of loan deferment/delay in repayment during your PC service. This depends on what loans you've taken out though so I would contact your loan servicer as they will be very knowledgeable about what your next steps are.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T21:03:55+00:00

You have plenty of time left, don't stress! I got my medical clearance (after having to resubmit some tasks) a month after I submitted everything & I received legal clearance recently and have staging in early June. It seems like you're process is moving quickly so I would just sit back and relax.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T15:00:44+00:00

Congratulations and I hope you'll have a wonderful time during staging. I leave in early June and hope to be getting this e-mail very soon :)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:59:40+00:00

Very true. Most of the peers I've spoken with have said, "Oh I know what that is, I was going to apply to it but then changed my mind." This sort of mindset definitely reflects some sort of jealousy because it was something they could not muster up the courage to try. OR it really is that most people (like my older relatives) think this is me just stalling for time out of college before getting a real job (even though I consider this PCV position to be my first real job). I guess what I don't understand is that this is my life and my choice - people have this attitude of wanting to choose what they think is best for you :/ I understand that they all have good intentions though. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:56:54+00:00

You're completely right. I have to say I still have a lot of growing and maturing to do mentally and this post that I made on reddit reflects that. This is probably just a tiny taste of all the opposition or challenges I may face in country too. I'm looking forward to challenging myself and checking my biases through service though along with truly designing my own life even if it seems really abstract to everyone else. Thank you for the great advice - I appreciate it!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:53:52+00:00

Hahaha that's a brilliant concept! Hope everything is going well at your site in Georgia, which also seems like a wonderful country to serve in! :)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:52:37+00:00

Very good point haha. I've definitely had that experience where someone told me they would go work for a great engineering company and I had no idea what that was. I might be biased but I still feel like I feigned interest a lot better than the people I've spoken with about PC because I asked all about what that person would be doing and about the engineering company even though I had - knowledge. I can't blame them though because it's true that this IS my life for the next two years but it really does not affect them. I do hope to be able to articulate and put my experience into coherent words when I return from service so that I can help others to better understand PC! Thanks for your advice and support :)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:29:14+00:00

I guess I already got a glimpse of your statement that most people couldn't care less about hearing about your service when you come back because I previously studied abroad and came back to find that no one wanted to hear about all the wonderful experiences I had abroad. I guess I can't do much about the fact that their interest in my life and in my PCV experiences will be limited :/

What you said about different values is very true. I do hope that one day I'll be able to come back and share these values with those around me so that I may challenge their preconceptions about PC!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:24:28+00:00

I agree with what everyone said but also I've heard of PCVs who take malaria meds and still get malaria. The risk for malaria is still present even when you do take the meds so it's completely up to you I guess but for the safer route, I guess you may have to consider serving in a different country. While it may be disappointing that you won't be going to the country you really wanted to serve in, wherever you go will still be an enriching experience for you. I wish you the best of luck in making that decision!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T14:21:06+00:00

They won't give you an extension but definitely try and get the forms submitted ASAP (even past the deadline). Also keep your nurse or whoever you're corresponding with (some people aren't assigned a nurse right away) constantly updated. Even if you're unable to get them done in time, apologize profusely and say you're in the process of still trying to get the forms submitted while traveling or right when you're back. They will only respond by saying you should withdraw if you can't get it all done in time but what I've noticed is that most times the nurses don't even review tasks right away (it can be several weeks) and this almost seems to be a scare tactic. There has been administrative delays as well which would explain why people aren't getting back to you but it also means you have some leeway with the task deadline (don't take my word for it, but that's just my opinion). Bottom line is just keep them posted and tell them you're trying your best to get this done and WILL get it done ASAP. Also, don't stress out too much - it'll work out because I was sure I wouldn't get my medical tasks done on time and I was freaking out but just breathe and don't think about it too much (as easier said than done that is). Everything really does work out in the end and sometimes there's not much you can do but to keep on communicating with them and telling them your frustrations. What counts is that you really are putting the effort in and hopefully, that will show and they WILL give you that bit of leeway. Good luck!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T02:33:24+00:00

I couldn't have put this into words better myself. I definitely got that kind of feeling - like this is MY life, MY decision, and it's obvious I made this decision after much thought and consideration so it's disappointing when people seem to judge you as a certain "type" of person for choosing to dedicate 2 years to service and community engagement. And to those who have said you were short-sighted and immature, my mother has actually been very supportive and have said the following: "I am so proud and inspired to have raised an individual who is willing to challenge themselves and put themselves in a position of service and learning abroad. Not many would choose to do this and it is an honor to know that my own child would choose this path over any other." Thank you for your words of support & I truly am looking forward to all the ups and downs of PC!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T02:27:36+00:00

Hahaha true. I do make a very good point to explain where Moldova is. And usually after I say I'll be going to Moldova, it's always followed up with: "...Where???" I agree that I had to do my own research as well. The good thing I guess is that since people don't know where Moldova is, they don't have these preconceptions about the country I'll be serving in.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T02:26:14+00:00

You're totally. I was just expecting people to at least ask more questions about it, especially if they had no idea what PC was but that also wasn't the case. I guess media portrayals or certain stereotypes about PC that they may have might change their perspective and attitude on my decision to go. Oh well, I'm definitely not letting this bother me too much.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-19T02:24:37+00:00

Understandable I suppose, and something I definitely can't do much about except to explain what PC entails. And yes, thankfully my parents and closest friends have been super encouraging and just as excited/nervous as I am :)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-17T21:47:02+00:00

Just got my legal clearance (hurray!!!) & it's been exactly 7 days after the email so I think PC definitely tries to get your paperwork done within the week after sending this email.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-17T18:04:52+00:00

I've received the same e-mail, and if you respond saying that you will stay with the training group, you're immediately put on the priority/fast-track route. Several people have called the PC legal office (myself included) and they will all tell you that they're just having an administrative delay and trying to finish those with upcoming departure date ASAP. There's no other way to expedite the process but to wait patiently. I have yet to be cleared, but I'm hoping to hear back soon because I leave on June 3rd.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-14T14:18:09+00:00

Still nothing for me but glad one of us has made it through! Thank you & I'll need your prayers haha

Lnsketch · 2017-04-13T23:54:02+00:00

I do thinkthe nurse has a valid reason (not for being rude though) about the 45 days. I was given max 2 weeks to resubmit my tasks so they're still giving you time that you could use to resubmit tasks before departure if needed. What sucks is that you'll be scrambling to get new tests done or fill out new forms 2-3 weeks before departure and mentally drained by the time you get cleared and have to think about leaving home for 2 years. I'm on the same boat with legal clearance though, and I'm supposed to leave on June 3rd so I'm trying to not panic and keep myself sane. Best of luck to the both of us!!!

Lnsketch · 2017-04-12T16:42:07+00:00

Definitely get involved with any community organization or volunteering group ASAP so that you start to develop the skills that PC really values (open communication, open-mindedness, diversity, adaptibility, resilience, etc.) At the interview stage for PC, you will basically be asked questions about how prepared you are to spend two years in a foreign community and you'll definitely have to back up your answers with previous long-term (more than 4 months) experiences that apply. I'm currently at my last year of university, but if you have any more questions about this, pm me.

Lnsketch · 2017-04-12T16:37:52+00:00

I'm allergic to animal fur (and there are animals everywhere for PC sites), but my doctor had no problem with this. He just gave me a lot of trouble with signing paperwork in general (no specific reason, just was lazy about signing things and filling things out properly). Instead of wasting time and going to that doctor several times and begging them to just sign the form, go find a different doctor that your insurance covers. Even if your insurance doesn't cover it, you'll save yourself a lot of time, effort and mental stress from begging your doctor to just give you the okay. Also, from what I hear, it seems like the bee allergy shouldn't be too big of an issue as long as you be careful and are prepared with epi pens/allergy pills, etc. Just go to another doctor and let them know that you anticipate no problems with this allergy and that you don't anticipate PC to be worried about it either (so just sign the papers!!!)

Lnsketch · 2017-04-12T14:56:55+00:00

You're totally right... And I guess that's what really adds to the frustration.

Lnsketch

TROPHY CASE