Third Goal

my Peace Corps site, Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

My main blog is http://InternationalAidAdvocate.com

The following is from http://ricktandagvegas.blogspot.com/

when i was amongst the poorest of the poor that i found in a very poor community of Tandag in rural, remote Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines almost 30 years ago… i tried the best i could to help… because those rural filipinos only could “afford” to give me their HEARTS because, otherwise, they barely could afford the tattered shirts  on their backs. i learned to love them because all they could do was to love me … they essentially could only “give” what they had to share. and, they invariably told me essentially that they knew their lives would be short and somewhat harsh, so they implored me to try to help someone else instead. i guess that must be the TRUE spirit of life, not only that of Gawad Kalinga… and the true spirit of humanity, not just that of the filipinos…..

Here is a YouTube Video from Cebu artist Riki Vega who really touches the spirit of my Peace Corps Experience:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m4KpojSJwI

Here is Gawad Kalinga’s tribute to Cory Aquino:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUawQq8yCVw

All of the above helps to “explain” my passionate and compasionate advocacy for Gawad Kalinga.  Learn more at http://www.gk1world.com

I have posted an entry in January here about my concerns about the result just like this. I am glad I was at least expecting this :)  Hoewver, I was about to see a doctor to get some sort of a recommendation letter that states about my current stable status (last diagnosed in 2/2009, finished in 4/2009). I can personally say with confident that I am stable, in which, of course, the doctor’s opinion will be different. I graduated with the degree in Neurobiology, so I am not trying to ignore all the educated recommendations and warnings. But I see my experience with depression during the college year as a rather positive experience. That is why I am confident. The ways I approach stressful events (such as this one!) has completely changed. The experience was like climging the ”Stairway to Heaven”  (Yes, I’ve been to Hawaii) that was hard to climb up, but when I did, I saw this beautiful and gorgeous meaning of MY life.

When I spoke to the nurse, she said there is all the possibilities, including the solid rejection. This is the part that scared me. But I am still determined to go on with the process. These are my plans:

1. My family doesn’t have a history of depression –> maybe my case was a temporary, college-time life enlightment? (lol, but seriously.)

2. I am doing research on the effect of stress and the effect of events/jobs that are genuinely wanted by the depressed patients.

3. Exercise helps (Neurologically speaking). I am getting a sheet of paper from my gym to show them I’ve been active since my diagnose.

4. My personal statement about the result of the event, which turned out to be very positive.

5. My understandings of future risks (although I will bring the issue of my family history of NO depression history)

6. Doctor’s note/report (I don’t think this will be a greater help.. since the doc will just formally rate the charts)

for now, this is the plan. But for I understand the concerns from the Peace Corps, I am still very cautious, and from time to time worry about it.

Can anyone tell me their process of appeal? I was supposed to be sent in 9/24/2010, now my deferral date is 4/2011, which still doesn’t guarantee my admission.

Thanks everyone!

I applied a few years back to the Peace Corps and was rejected based on my lack of volutneer experience.  I was, and still am, a healthy male in his early 30’s willing to do anything and be placed anywhere.  I was surprised to be rejected and took it personally.  I was instructed to take a course in order to learn how to teach english as a second language, as if this were the only alternative.

Has anyone else run into this problem, this, catch-22 of wanting to volunteer but told you are unable because……you haven’t volunteered.  ;o)

My husband and I will be leaving for Benin in mid July. I wanted to see if there is anyone else here going then, or if anyone could give some advise on a good packing list! Thanks!

Hello All!

Finally, after carefully finishing my application, my interview  is tomorrow! I wish I’d found this website earlier…

I have a problem. I had a history of depression not long ago. I was diagnosed with Major Depression on Feb. 2009. Back then, I came back from a volunteering cycling ride from Texas to Alaska for 70 days for cancer research. When I came back, it was very hard for me to adjust to the city life and more importantly, I just had experienced heaven, it was hard for me to live my old life. I wanted to quickly finish school (I’m a premed) and go out to the world and help people. It all kind of added up and I was having a devastating semester. So I decided something was wrong with me and I checked myself into a psychiatrist office for help. I took that semester off so that I could concentrate on the therapy. I did my best to get out of the situation.

In the meanwhile, man, I learned A LOT about myself. I was actually grateful that I went through it because it became one of my lifechanging moments. Since then, my attitude towards me completely changed, and I’ve never been depressed for the last 6 months or so.

In the application I remember checking the box for the visit to a therapist. But I left the box for “other mental health issues” blank. I was confused about the question + Afraid of the rejection.

I decided to call the headquarters to tell them that I had been diagnosed with depression two days later I submitted everything. But my friend told me a story of an applicant who was rejected because she had a history of depression.

I have been waiting for my whole 5 years of college life to become a Peace Corps Volunteer before I go to the med school. I ardently desire to become one.

Some people say, lie about it. Some people say tell the truth (I’m pretty sure I will be rejected for my medical issue). I know I won’t be able to lie about it. I will tell the truth. But I can’t get rid of the feeling that I will be rejected when I subjectively look at my not long ago experience with depression.

What do I do? I am going to tell the truth, but I feel like I need to get ready for the rejection and appeals…

p.s. When I’m abroad or volunteering, I DIDN’T BECOME DEPRESSED AT ALL! I always used to be the happiest kid in those abroad volunteering experiences.