Life is calling? Okay, I answered about 9 months ago...

Peace Corps motto: "Life is calling. How far will you go?" My response: I don't know Peace Corps, you tell me.

PC Updates:
06/13/11 - Received a call to confirm completion of my medical review.

06/24/11 - Receipt of email soliciting my updated resume.

 06/28/11 - Receipt of email stating that I will not likely receive an invitation to serve until June 2012.

Specifically, this email stated, "Recent events, specifically the federal budget resolution for this fiscal year as well as projected budget realities for next year, have had a significant impact on current Peace Corps’ operating plans. A result has been significant reductions in the number of Peace Corps Volunteer assignments to be filled for the remainder of 2011.  As a result of these adjustments, there is a strong likelihood you will not be placed in a program until June of 2012."

This, of course, is devastating to me. I had my heart and mind set on leaving in the fall and starting this chapter of my life - but I'm not down to feel sorry for myself. I have too many blessings in my life to let that happen.

Still, I have this itch to keep busy and make use of my time so I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT remain idle until 2012 waiting for Peace Corps. Potential plans are to continue consulting for Booz Allen, work on "quantifying" my Spanish fluency with the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, and prepare to study for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) over the course of the next 4-5 months. In terms of my career, I'm still interested in foreign affairs, diplomacy, agriculture, social innovation, and international development. Hopefully, I can find a project at Booz Allen or identify some opportunity that will bring me closer to my passions.

Outside career stuff and on the bright side, I'm flying to Costa Rica with Josie in approximately 24 hours!! I'm super excited and it'll be amazing to getaway, unwind, and explore a new place (considering making Costa Rica the subject of my next blog post). Plus, this is a nice treat for us after the many sacrifices we both made to make some significant milestones, along with our 25th birthdays in July. Hopefully, I'll come back rejuvenated with a fresh head and clearer idea on where to go from here.

On one last random note, I recently saw the Conan O'Brien Commencement Speech at Dartmouth. It was surprisingly good - a mix of satire and inspiring words. One thing he said that was deep and really stuck with me, "One's dream is constantly evolving, rising and falling, changing course." Still not being 100% on where I'd like to lead my life, this wisdom brings me some solace.


Hasta la proxima,
Wil

Life on Hold

... except it never is, "... it goes on". It has been just about SIX whole months since Peace Corps received my medical package. I've been pestering my medical review POC incessantly who, in turn, is determined to give me a different story every time I contact her office.

It's disheartening to say the least. Their negligence and disregard for my application makes me think twice if Peace Corps is the right path for me.

An excellent article published by the Boston Globe, Peace Corps: What is it for? , highlighted some criticism from former PCVs on the organization after 50 years since its inception. My desire to affect positive changes forces me to question whether Peace Corps is the right medium. There are obvious benefits gained having the support of Peace Corps to pursuit international diplomacy, cultural exchange, and promoting prosperity for those less fortunate in developing nations. Yet, this same organization makes the application process painstakingly long and inefficient to the point that less patient and very much qualified candidates will pursuit other endeavors or answer to other of life's ambitions and callings.

I'm afraid that I'm getting close to that threshold now. Finishing my Masters of Engineering and being a strong candidate for promotion in this assessment cycle at work, I'm SO damn hungry to take life to a new environment. Some options I'm strongly considering:

-Business school
-Military (again for the millionth time)
-Joining a non-profit that I'm passionate about
-Traveling to South America on my own
-Moving back to NJ to keep close to the people that inspire me the most

 I've been applying pressure to the Peace Corps medical review personnel. As a result, just last week it was confirmed that they "started" the review of my physical. (-_-)

 One conundrum that I'd like to share of this review process:
-Email dated February 8th from the Education Placement Office, asking me if I am willing to move up my departure date so I can get a non-guaranteed placement into a program leaving in June. This was not an option for me and I respectfully declined their offer.
-Email dated March 9th from the SAME Education Placement Office, asking me the same exact question and threatening to withdraw my candidacy because I "supposedly" never replied to their first email. I cordially replied back and attached my original response. The Placement Officer apologized for the confusion and promised to take care of my file.

They've made it very hard not to be cynical about this situation and writing about it just makes me want to vent even more... a big part of me just wants to move to Ecuador and get some needed clarity. Unfortunately, student loans payments will start in November. It's a weak excuse but one nonetheless. One of the biggest benefits PC has is their student loan deferment program. It certainly makes getting away to serve for two years a bit easier.

I promise to continue to explore options and come up with a brilliant alternative option soon enough, unless Peace Corps decides to bring peace to my life and give me an invitiation already!

Here's to hoping I can publish a good news story next time.

~Wil

Blog? What blog? Oh right this one.

I've fell off the wagon big time. As life will have it, other priorities have taken precedence. I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately though. I'll give an unnecessarily long-winded update this weekend on life and my thoughts.

Cheers!

Happy New Year!

Okay, so maybe not so much but as far as the Chinese calendar is concerned... HAPPY NEW YEAR! To our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world, it is now the year 4709 - not 2011. Arbitrary numbers as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, I've been horrible to keep this thing updated. I'd like to make it my goal of updating this on a monthly basis. Maybe twice if I can be so diligent and organized with time!

So few things I want to share. First, my newly attained professional certification:

As of December 30 2010, I'm officially a certified Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP). Hoping to bring this bad boy to the negotiating table when my promotion and salary raise are to be discussed!


Also, I donated 1 WHOLE pint of blood for the first time on 02 Feb in front of my building. I had a miserable day at work and really felt the need to lift my spirits. What better way to do that than to save 3 LIVES!? Haha... I also gave it on behalf of my alma gemela as she falls a few lbs below the min. weight requirement and asked I do it in her stead. I'm glad she did.

I'll definitely do it the next chance I get. However, I'll make sure to have a fridge stocked with food and fluids. I've felt shitty the following day and half since I (stupidly) ate and drink the absolute minimum. It's important to replenish and get back to homeostasis!


On a random note, my buddy Laura Fox (shown in previous post with Johnny) came back to DC! She's a cool, free spirit that I had the pleasure to live with for a few months in 2010. I always seem to learn something interesting (or whacky) around her and we always have a chill time so I'm glad she made a pit-stop before embracing her next journey.

PC Updates:

• 03 Dec 2010: Medical Packet Received
• 10 Jan 2011:  Medical Packet Completed and Delivered
• 26 Jan 2011: PC Office confirmed receipt of my Medical Packet

These three bullets do not do justice in explaining the highs and lows of this process. I jumped through boundless hoops to get all my forms filled out - numerous medical, psychological, dental, and orthodontic exams, along with two vaccines and approx $400 in bills. After all was said and done, more than 30 pages had to be copied for my own records prior to mailing everything out (neatly and in order).

Two weeks later, I receive an email stating my application status has been updated - AH!


What could it be? ... They "received my medical packet".

Really, Peace Corps? Build me up... for that? It's good to know but I suppose I was foolishly hoping for more. And so now, I WAIT. Impatiently that is... to hear if I'm medically cleared and can work with a placement officer for an official invite.

That's all for now. Life right now is mainly busting my butt with my final three grad classes to get my Master's in Engineering Mgmt w/ Summa Cum Laude, developing a strategic communications plan for my client at work, and sprinkling some social activities to enjoy good people/times. =D

Much love and empowerment in 2011!

DC Noodle w/ Fox and Walker