Sunday, September 30, 2007

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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

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.