MY CHRISTMAS LOOT-FOR THE PEACE CORPS

PSP for PC service

Shades for PC service

IPOD for PC service

What does GMRGRL2600 stand for?

So, I’ve been asked what GMRGRL2600 stands for. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t stand for Glamour Girl. If you know me, you know that I’m definitely not the Glamour Girl type.

GMRGRL stands for Gamer Girl…as in video games. The 2600 stands for the original Atari 2600…yes, I’m a gamer from way back. The Atari 2600 (called Big Sexy by some) was the 1st video game system I ever owned. I was the queen of Pac-Man and Space Invaders at age 4!! (Actually the 1st system that I ever played on was an old Pong system that belonged to my sister Rhonda). Yes, I still play video games at 33…I love RPG’s! I have a very extensive video game collection…from an original Atari 2600 still in the box to a PSP. Hope that clears up the confusion! :)

Peace Corps Application Timeline-December 2007

December 20th, 2007
I received my reimbursement checks for my medical co-pay and my eye exam.

December 15th, 2007
I received a letter from PC today that stated: “Thank you for submitting your completed dental information to the Office of Medical Services. Our dental consultant has determined that you are qualified for a dental clearance. The dental clearance is good for only one year. You may be required to update your dental record prior to assignment in the Peace Corps. We request that you notify our office immediately if you need additional dental treatment. A current clearance is necessary for you to proceed to the Peace Corps staging event; the final preparation for departure to your overseas post. If you have questions or changes regarding your dental care, please call the Dental Liaison at 1-800-424-8580 x1500. We appreciate your desire to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer and thank you for completing the necessary dental information.

December 12th, 2007
I received an email from PC today that stated: “Peace Corps has updated your Application Status account. Log in to http://www.peacecorps.gov/mytoolkit to see the latest information.” The updated stated” Complete. Peace Corps has completed your dental review. There are no dental holds on your account at this time.

December 11th, 2007
According to FedEx, my dental x-rays arrived at the PC mailroom at 8:37am today.

December 10th, 2007
I mailed the dental x-rays on a disc in the postage paid overnight Fed-Ex envelope today.

December 6th, 2007
I received an email from PC today stating the following: “Peace Corps has updated your Application Status account. Log in to http://www.peacecorps.gov/mytoolkit to see the latest information.” The update stated the following: “Peace Corps received the results of your physical exam on December 5, 2007. In some cases, Peace Corps may request additional medical information. Please respond quickly to these requests.”
I also received all my dental paperwork back today in an envelope dated 12/4. They said that they needed another copy of my panorex x-rays, because the copy I mailed wasn’t clear enough to read. They said the x-rays could be on a disc, or printed on photocopy paper. They also included a postage paid overnight Fed-Ex envelope to mail the x-rays back. FYI: there was a flyer included with the return x-rays that said PC would accept emailed digital x-rays.

December 5th, 2007
Peace Corps medical staff received my medical kit today.

December 3rd, 2007
According to USPS website, the Peace Corps Washington office received my medical kit today. I called to ensure that they did receive the packet, and was told that the packet was probably sitting in the mailroom, and the medical staff probably wouldn’t see it until 12/7.

Peace Corps Application Timeline-Nov 2007

November 27, 2007
The transmission in my car blew up (only 1800.00 to repair-yuck-esp. since I’m selling it right before I leave). Because I’ve been busy with that headache, I didn’t get to the post office to mail my Medical Kit to Peace Corps Washington office until today. I sent everything (including the reimbursement forms) in the postage paid 1st Class envelope. However, I did decide to pay an extra 2.50 for a required signature on delivery--certified mail. I didn’t pay the extra 2.75 for a receipt, because you can check the tracking # online for free!! I’m guessing the Washington office will receive the packet on 11/30/07 (I live in Kentucky), so I’ll check the tracking # online that day to make sure.

November 21, 2007
I had an appointment with my Gynecologist today, and got all the required forms completed. I had to pay an 11.00 co-pay for this visit. The Gynecologist cleared me for Peace Corps service with no restrictions. I stopped by the surgeon’s office and all the forms had been completed....finally! The surgeon cleared me for Peace Corps service with no restrictions. I also stopped by my family doctor’s office, and all forms were completed, and all the lab work had arrived. My family doctor cleared me for Peace Corps service with no restrictions.

November 20, 2007
I had the follow-up visit with the Optometrist for my contact fitting today. I still have to go back and order two pairs of glasses, but this information is not required on the Optometrist forms, so I can do this at any point before I leave for service. I had to pay $57.00 for 6 months worth of contacts. I have to get more contacts before I leave, and also pay for the two pair of glasses, that my insurance will not cover.

November 16, 2007
Follow up appointment with my family doctor, to check my TB skin test. My doctor still didn’t have the paper work filled out, and the labs where not in. No cost for this visit. I also stopped by the surgeon’s office and the forms where still not completed.

November 14, 2007
This was my Doctor’s appointment day…I figured I would try to get as much of the poking, prodding, and needle sticking done all on one day. I accomplished this goal…except for the girly doctor. My 1st appointment of the day was with my Dentist. All went well; no need for any follow-ups for dental procedures! I also got all my dental forms filled out, and all required x-rays. This appointment was completely covered with my dental insurance. My next appointment was with my Optometrist. I had an eye exam for glasses and contacts. I had to schedule a follow-up appointment for the contact fitting. All needed paperwork was filled out. I had to pay 35.00 for this exam; my eye insurance paid the rest. My last appointment was with my family doctor. I had my physical, blood work, immunizations, etc. My doctor told me she had never done such a thorough physical before. She said it would take her a few days to complete the paperwork, since it was so lengthy. I told her that was fine, I could pick it all up next week, since it would take a few days for the labs to come back anyway. I had to pay an 11.00 co-pay for this visit. I’m sure I’ll get a bill in the mail…I don’t think my insurance will cover all the shots & blood work. My last stop for the day was to a surgeon that took out my gallbladder a few years ago. The Peace Corps had sent me a form, requesting further information in regards to the surgery. However, the surgeon’s office assistant told me it would take a few days for them to fill the form out!

November 13, 2007
I received the Medical Screening Kit today.

November 7, 2007
I received an email from Peace Corps indicating my application status had been updated…it now shows when they mailed my Medical Kit.

November 6, 2007
The Peace Corps Washington Office, mailed my Medical Screening Kit today.

November 3, 2007
I received an email from PC indicating my online application status had been updated…it now shows I’ve been nominated and legally cleared.

November 2, 2007
I received a phone call from Ken today, that stated he received the notarized letter I mailed to him. During the phone call, Ken nominated me for Peace Corps Service!! As long as I pass the medical portion, I’ll be going to Africa sometime in September of 2008 as a Youth Development worker. WOW….that’s almost a year from now. Well, at least that will give me time to get everything done before I leave. I called my family and friends to let them know the good news. Everyone is very excited.

Peace Corps Application Timeline-Oct 2007

October 31, 2007

I mailed the notarized letter today, and sent the email in regards to recommendations to Ken.

October 30, 2007

My phone interview with Ken was today. At the end of the interview, Ken said that he would be able to nominate me for service once he received a notarized letter regarding finances and an email in regards to my recommendations. I went to the bank right after my interview to get the notarized letter.

October 19, 2007

I received an email from Ken, with a request to call him to setup a phone interview. Dr. Applegate submitted my recommendation online today.

October 18, 2007

I sent an email to Ken to let him know that I had mailed the requested information.

October 17, 2007

I received a letter from Peace Corps Washington office today that contained my user name and password for the Peace Corps website. The letter itself was dated 10/12.

October 16, 2007

I mailed the completed packet of forms\information back to Ken at the Chicago office today.

October 15, 2007

I went to the Radcliff, KY Police Department to get fingerprinted…for the 1st time in my life. The police officer charged me $4.00 for the fingerprinting!

October 13, 2007

I received the packet of forms from Ken today. The packet included: FBI Fingerprint Cards, National Agency Check form, 4 Different Skill Agenda Forms, Financial Obligation Information Sheet, Student Loan Forms, etc.

October 11, 2007

I received an email response to my question regarding the correct mailing address for the Chicago Peace Corps office today. The email also advised that I had been assigned a recruiter…Ken S. I was also informed that Ken mailed a packet of forms for me to fill out and submit…he mailed the packet today. I also mailed my loan questionnaire and college transcripts to Ken today.

October 08, 2007

I sent an email to Chicago Peace Corps office to ask where I needed to mail my college transcripts and the Student Loan Questionnaire.

October 7, 2007

I submitted my Peace Corps Volunteer Application, Essays, & Health Status Review applications online. I then received 3 emails from the Peace Corps, after I submitted the application: Student Loan Questionnaire Informational email request to complete Health Status Review Application & submit 3 recommendations—if not yet submitted. Informational email to say thanks for submitting the online application & information on what happens next.

October 4, 2007

Completed and uploaded my two essays, and also uploaded my resume and college transcripts.

October 2, 2007

Received an email from the Peace Corps urging me to complete and submit my application by 12am on 10/7. “Submit your application by October 7, 2007, for priority consideration for 2008 spring, summer and fall programs. Pam submitted a recommendation online.

October 1, 2007

Dr. Applegate responded via email today that she would complete a recommendation for me. Dana submitted a recommendation online today.

Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Experience Essay

Cross-Cultural Experience

While growing up in a rural Kentucky, I did not have the luxury of being exposed to a varying array of peoples\cultures. For instance, during my eight years of Elementary School, there was only one Non-Caucasian student at my school. Because of my lack of exposure to other cultures, I became interested in expanding my cultural knowledge. I achieved this goal by majoring in Cultural Anthropology, Folk Studies, and Social Work at Western Kentucky University. I also achieved this goal in my work with adolescents at Glen Dale Children’s Home.
During the years of 1996-2002, I majored in Cultural Anthropology at Western Kentucky University. Cultural anthropology is the study of living people, their beliefs, practices, values, ideas, technologies, and economies from around the world. Through a variety of approaches and research methods I was able to study the cultures of people in many parts of the world. Topics of my study included ethnic and race relations, gender, sexuality, law, medicine, and popular culture. I also minored in Folk Studies and Social Work at WKU. Folklore is the general term for the verbal, spiritual, and material aspects of any culture that are transmitted orally, by observation, or by imitation. The Social Work classes taught me how to enrich and enhance individual and group development and how to help alleviate adverse social and economic conditions for all types of age groups, cultures, ethnic groups, etc.
I was able to put my university cultural studies to the test, while working for three years (2003-2006) at Glen Dale Children’s Home. Glen Dale is a residential facility for at-risk female youth (between the ages of 12 & 18). While at Glen Dale, I was exposed to adults and youth of diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Part of my responsibility at Glen Dale, was to ensure that the cultural and religious needs of all the youth in my program were met. I was able to draw on the knowledge I gained at WKU, and also from my fellow co-workers to manage this undertaking.
For instance, I needed to ensure that the hygiene\grooming needs of all my residents were met. One of my African American co-workers brought to my attention that African Americans need accessibility to hair care products that differs from Caucasians. With this knowledge, I was able to ensure that all the African American youth in my program were provided with the proper items to care for their hair. I also needed to ensure that the religious needs off all my residents were provided for. So, each Sunday I took the residents to one of several churches in the area. I was able to work out a rotating schedule for each Sunday, so that each girl could attend the church of their choice at least once a month. We also permitted various church groups to come to campus each week, to spend time worshipping, praying, singing, etc. with the residents. I also attended the church services with the residents at all the various churches, so that I had a better understanding of their religious needs.
I have been able to expand my cultural knowledge and understanding through study and experience. I believe that understanding and living with diversity is one of today's urgent challenges. In today’s global world, it is imperative that everyone be able to appreciate and understand cultural diversity.

Peace Corps Application Timeline-Sept 2007

September 30, 2007
Dana responded via email today that she would complete a recommendation. Pam verbally responded that she would complete a recommendation.

September 29, 2007
I started the online Peace Corps Application Process today. I also sent requests via email to Dana, Dr. Applegate, and Pam to complete recommendations for me, that must be included with the application.

When I told my family & friends about the Peace Corps

While at my sister Beverly’s house Labor Day Weekend, I decided to tell my family about my plans to join the PC. My Dad’s only response was, “Don’t you think you need to lose some weight before you go?” So, I’m thinking he’s ok with me going. My Mom on the other hand is not very happy about my decision. She thought at first that the PC was a military type organization, and that I would be going overseas to fight. So, I explained the PC to her. However, she’s still not very happy about it. My Step-Mom, Joyce, seems ok with my plans, and has asked a lot of questions. She said she hoped that I was placed somewhere where her and my Dad could visit. My Step-Dad, Walter, really didn’t say much of anything about it. My sister Gail said she was proud of me. My sister Beverly asked a lot of questions, and told me that if I go to Africa, she can help me learn Swahili. My niece, Jessica, was very interested and asked me a lot of questions. She then said she wanted to join when she graduates college. My niece, Casey, said “OMG two years is a long time!” I had already told my sister Rhonda, and she asked a lot of questions, but seemed to be ok with it.

I think Sarah and Marlena, my two BFF’s, are still in shock. Sarah asked a lot of questions, and Marlena said she thought I was crazy for doing such an outrageous thing at my age. My current co-workers have been very supportive my decision. Alison even gave me a very cool Indiana Jones type journal to take with me.

I haven’t told Daisy (my dog) yet, because I don’t think she’s going to be very happy.

And last by not least, Marea was the 1st person I told about my desire to join the PC. She’s been very supportive, of my decision. However, anytime I mention the PC, she says she doesn’t want to think about it or talk about it. So, I don’t bring it up to her unless I have new news about the application process.

Introductory 1st Post

This is my first attempt at blogging…you can’t say you haven’t been warned. As the title states, this blog is my attempt to chronicle my Peace Corps experience….from start to finish. I’m going to attempt to include everything from the application process to my return home. Oh, and please excuse my grammar!

So, let me start by telling you a little about myself…my name is Sherry and I’m 33 years old. I’m a proud Kentucky native, and yes I have a southern accent! I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. I also minored in Folklore and Social Work. I volunteered for several nonprofit organizations while at WKU, to include: AmeriCorps (www.americorps.org), BRASS (Barren River Area Safe Space: www.kdva.org/brass/brass.html), and The Clothesline Project (www.clotheslineproject.org). My service with AmeriCorps was spent working with at-risk youth in Bowling Green, KY. After graduating from college, I continued working with youth as a counselor at a residential facility for teenage girls. I became interested in the Peace Corps while in college. However, I didn’t start actively contemplating serving with the Peace Corps until recently. After extensive research, I finally embarked on a journey to join the PC around Sept 2007.