Waiting on invitation….
August 22nd, 2006 by JessPon.I was nominated to go to Africa June 2007 as a Health/HIV worker. My medical kit was received by the Peace Corps Aug 2. I have received back my dental papers and my check from my dental work. But, so far I have not received any correspondence about my medical kit. I keep waiting on the invitation, but I feel it will never come.
Now suddenly, I find myself wondering if I am making the right decision. I have an internship working for the US government that becomes permanent once I graduate. The government is a stable job with great benefits and they will pay for my Masters. The government also has international jobs so, if I get hired on permanently I can apply for an overseas position.
Part of me is starting to think that that is the wise decision, then the other part is saying Peace Corps is a once in a lifetime experience….
I’m just not certain of anything yet.
Anybody have any advice, please let me know. Also, if anyone has received an invitation, please tell me how long from when your medical kit was received did it take to receive your invitation.
August 22nd, 2006 at 6:42 pm
My dental kit was cleared almost right away. My medical file took almost 2 months to be cleared and I had no problems, no follow ups needed.
Also I called the medical office at least once every two weeks to inquire about my status. I’ve heard doing this is absolutely essential to a timely medical clearance. Other than that, you have to deal with the frustration of not knowing your status and just being patient. This is by far the worst part and even more difficult than writing the motivation paper, resumes etc, because now it’s in Washington’s hands and you’ve already done all you can do to be considered for invitation.
Good luck
Patience is a virtue
MM
August 22nd, 2006 at 9:32 pm
Thank you for the advice, my dental was cleared so immediatley I thought medical would be the same way. I had also been going back and forth in my head about rather I should call or not, but after reading your post, tommorrow seems like a great day to call!
August 23rd, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Overall, the medical kit takes a couple weeks more than the dental. (They told me it takes about 4-6 weeks) I think the main factor is that you don’t leave for awhile, so they aren’t going to be putting your file on rush. Mine went through rather quickly, but mainly because I was nominated for an assignment/area that was leaving within 3 months. We all stress over this part of the process, because it sucks knowing you can’t do anything to help the situation, but I feel like deep down, you kind of know whether or not you’ll get an assignment.
On the other hand, I can see why you’re having difficulties deciding. I subconsciously made it easier for myself by basically placing all my eggs in the proverbial Peace Corps basket. Your potential job sounds amazing, and I can 100% understand how it would be hard to turn down. I can’t help but believe, though, that that job will still be there when you got back from your PC service. Obviously, you are already qualified, and I can’t imagine that 2 years in the PC won’t make you even more attractive for the job. I had a difficult time turning down grad school, but in the end, I’m glad I’m giving myself this time to go do something with my life first. I won’t tell you that it’s easy, or that I don’t have doubts now that the time is getting near for me to leave, but we have to remember that there is a reason why we have done all of this. All of these other options will still be there in 2-3 years, and I think this is an experience you would later regret not giving a shot.
I hope that doesn’t sound too cheesy, can you tell I’ve been giving myself this pep talk as of late? haha. Good luck hearing back, and obviously, if you have any questions/concerns, I am more than willing to share my thoughts!
Beth
August 24th, 2006 at 9:08 am
I really appreciate you taking the time to respond, it’s what I needed to hear. You are correct I am not a Peace Corps priority at the moment. They told me not to expect anything until October! While I’m sad about it at least I’m no longer running to the mail box everyday and getting disappointed.
I do believe the Peace Corps is the only way for me. Even though my job is a great oppourtunity, I think something even better will come along after my service. (Besides the job is in Oklahoma- where I was born and raised and where I REFUSE to stay any longer once I graduate- If you’ve been here you would understand).
My biggest concern is the Peace Corps is the only thing I have applied for. I have not applied for gradschool, and I would hate to miss application and scholarship deadlines because I think the Peace Corps is going to invite me, but they don’t.
But then I’m thinking, why wouldn’t they invite me, but who knows?
Anyway, thank you for letting me vent. I needed to get that off my chest.
And I totally agree, there is a reason I have come this far.
There is a reason I dream of Peace Corps service.
There is a reason I joined this site.
There is a reason I read all the Peace Corps books.
There is a reason I get excited talking about the Peace Corps.
There is a reason for all of it and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else after graduation.
August 28th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
hey jesspon, i got nominated to serve in africa starting in june too! you think we’ll be on the same flight? do you have any idea when we’ll know where in africa we’re serving?
August 31st, 2006 at 1:15 pm
I called the Office of Medical on Aug 24 and they told me they probably won’t be beginning my file until mid-spetember since I’m not leaving until June. My hope is have my official invitation by Sept. 30 cause right now, I have no guesses at all.
September 29th, 2006 at 11:53 am
Hi! Peace Corps potential volunteer. I was nominated to serve in the Asia region for January 2007. So far everything is my file is cleared: my medical, dental, legal and everything. So at this point Im just waiting for an invitation to serve but I still haven’t gotten anything. Do you guys think that I should call my placement officer? Everyday I go to check the mail just hoping to get an invitation letter. But yeah I’m anxiously awaiting. Do you guys know how long before I get my invitation?
December 11th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
My son is in the same dilemna as you and as a parent we are really anxious for his future…Good luck