So I thought I would explain/list the whole Peace Corps application process:
1. Online Application (September 2007) - 25 pages of life information, 3 letters of rec., 2 essays
2. Interview in L.A. (November 2007) - Hour and a half interview in Los Angeles, CA
3. Nomination (November 2, 2007) - basically a recommendation to be given further consideration. The program or location one is nominated for isn't guaranteed. I was nominated for the Community Development Program in the Caribbean Region.
4. Dental Clearance (February 25, 2008) - I didn't have insurance at the time of my dental checkup = $400 occlusal guard + $110 checkup fee = $510.
5. Medical Clearance (March 14, 2008) - $110 checkup fee + $300 in lab work = $410.
6. Legal Clearance (March 21, 2008) - this is only a preliminary legal clearance. As soon as you accept an invitation they are running a full on FBI Background investigation.
7. Invitation to Serve (May 21, 2008) - I was invited to serve in Belize in the Youth Development Program.
8. Acceptance to Training Program (May 25, 2008) - this basically reserves a spot in the Belize training program.
9. Staging is August 18-20 in Miami, FL - 3 day seminar on Life in the Peace Corps
10. Depart for Belize (August 20, 2008)
Alright there it is: September 2007 - August 2008. 11 months. From all of the stories and advice from Mike Buckley, John Slattery and Randy Quinn (whom all served or are currently serving in the Peace Corps) it is well worth the work/wait.
Far From Home,
Christopher Wilkins Weiss
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
New at this whole bloggin thing
What up,
This is my first official post on the blog, suitably entitled Far From Home: Wilkins Weiss. So I got accepted to be in the U.S. Peace Corps in Belize as a Youth Development Facilitator Trainee. I can't wait for the journey to begin and it should be a rewarding experience, to say the least. I hope to write a new post at least once a week and provide videos and pictures to boot.
I am doing this whole Peace Corps thing for two main reasons: 1. to become a better person and 2. to help other people. I've been a "leader" ever since I can remember: student government, sports captain, fraternity president etc. But have i really been a leader? Who's life did I make better? What contributions did I really make? I recently heard a speech by Rick Warren the author of The Purpose Driven Life and his remarks reminded me of why I am doing the Peace Corps: "Every time I give it breaks the grip of materialism in my life....we think that the good life is about looking good, feeling good, and having the goods, but that's not the good life. If money made you happy then the richest people in the world would be the happiest...not true...So the good life is about being good and doing good: giving your life away. Significance in life doesn't come from status, it doesn't come from sex, it doesn't come from salary, it comes from SERVING. It is in giving our lives away we find meaning and significance." My Peace Corps experience will be the first time that I truly give myself away to help other people.
This is my first official post on the blog, suitably entitled Far From Home: Wilkins Weiss. So I got accepted to be in the U.S. Peace Corps in Belize as a Youth Development Facilitator Trainee. I can't wait for the journey to begin and it should be a rewarding experience, to say the least. I hope to write a new post at least once a week and provide videos and pictures to boot.
I am doing this whole Peace Corps thing for two main reasons: 1. to become a better person and 2. to help other people. I've been a "leader" ever since I can remember: student government, sports captain, fraternity president etc. But have i really been a leader? Who's life did I make better? What contributions did I really make? I recently heard a speech by Rick Warren the author of The Purpose Driven Life and his remarks reminded me of why I am doing the Peace Corps: "Every time I give it breaks the grip of materialism in my life....we think that the good life is about looking good, feeling good, and having the goods, but that's not the good life. If money made you happy then the richest people in the world would be the happiest...not true...So the good life is about being good and doing good: giving your life away. Significance in life doesn't come from status, it doesn't come from sex, it doesn't come from salary, it comes from SERVING. It is in giving our lives away we find meaning and significance." My Peace Corps experience will be the first time that I truly give myself away to help other people.
My assignment will be to work with youth, community groups, and schools to increase youth leadership skills, employability or job creation, and to develop a knowledge based on facts about HIV/AIDS; how it is transmitted, how it is not transmitted, prevention strategies, and peer education skills.
Far From Home,
Christopher Wilkins Weiss
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