Last time that we talk I was beyond excited because I was nominated. Now that time has gone by. it has actually allowed me to do a little bit of reflection on the whole experience. How it feels to be nominated, the amount of work that is put in, how really just getting nominated is just the start. ( and here i am referring the medical clearance.)
Patience! On the peace corps website they tend to reference this a lot. You don't really understand the concept till you are knee deep in the process. I remember looking at the Peace Corps Wiki and thinking how does it take people so long to get stuff done? but now i totally understand! The medical clearance is really extensive. IT is a full physical. which yes includes the turn your head and cough aspect. I had to get a ton of blood work done and a urine sample. Do expect about 2-3 visits depending on the facility. The blood work and the TB test are the reason for this.
The dental exam is not as bad depending where you go. I went to the college dental hygiene school. They do it for cheap. Plus all the paper work that Peace corps wants, the students must fill it out anyways for their records. so they can just copy it. The peace corps wants a pretty detailed record so be prepared to take a long visit or a couple of visits. they want to check everything. depths of gum coverage, cavities, fillings, just about anything that is involved with your teeth is extensively reviewed. .
if you to be cleared by a eye doctor dont fret. all they want is your glasses measurements. it doesn't ask for a full eye exam. so if you have update glasses you just need the eye doctor to fill out the paper. also remember the peace corps wants you to have 2 pairs of glasses before you go. (something that i need to get.)
remember all of this depends on your age and also your health. My teeth and my health are really good so it made the process way easier. the Peace corps does give you some money for the whole process. not necessarily a lot but it does help a lot with the expense.
It is amazing how Peace corps is still consuming a good chunk of my live. the majority of my thoughts and actions are oriented to peace corps. All I am asking for Christmas is gear or money so I can go buy what I need. All my research for classes are oriented to information that i believe that I will need or wil find usefull on my trip. In a way this does worry me. When I am done where will my energy go? where will my focus go to? I know its a couple years away but still makes me think.
As July gets closer and closer the reality of Peace corps is slowly sinking in. it is a good thing, but it does make some decisions in my everyday life different. I find myself not really branching out of my social group. I want to spend my time with them. I have no desire to go out and meet new people like I used to. My time I feel, is better spent with people who are my friends. I also am noticing that i am enjoying the little things more. Things such as showers, books, warm weather.
I easily can go in-depth more on this stuff but i feel that if you really want to know you tell me.
f there is anyone that wants more information lust leave a comment and i will respond to it. hopefully i can answer anyone questions.
