I could blame myself: ”Why did 4pm have to come around?” ”Why did I have to program my Blackberry to receive my emails INSTANTLY??” “Why did I have to tell everyone about my stupid nomination, which I’ve come to realize means absolutely nothing?” (this question should be easy for any post-graduate to answer).
…. or, I could blame the Peace Corps: “Why wasn’t I told this in the email I received 3 weeks ago?” “Why do you have no other assurances except that there are no assurances?” “Why do you nominate so many people for the same position?”
I don’t know where I’m going. I don’t know when I’m going. Technically, I don’t even know if I’m actually going. I don’t know what to study in the meantime, or what to prepare for. Should I start saving money to leave in September, or can I live my summer to the fullest and take some awesome trips with my awesome friends? Why can’t the PC give me a timeline, and I’m not talking about “sometime before June 2012″. And why did I have to buy that god damn rolly-duffel bag this weekend!?
Sometimes I swear these people are crazy. Seriously, how can a young person, and most of their applicants are young persons, just sit around and wait for word from some nameless dude in the Placement Office.
And right when I’m about to delete this stupid blog, I realize that this is exactly what they want. They want me to give up. That’s really the only way they can distinguish between all of us waiting in this limbo they have created. I also realize that as inconvenient and unpredictable this is, I have it easy. I don’t have a lease that needs to be renewed, contracting me to monthy payments for an entire year. I don’t have a job, where I would have to let my clients and/or boss know when I’m supposed to take off for 2 years. As confused as I feel right now… it could be a lot worse.
So that’s why I’m not falling for it, Peace Corps. I’m not falling for your test to make it easier for you to decide between me and sally-lou. I’m not going to question myself. I know I am qualified and I know deep down you really want me, and if you don’t, I hope you give me the chance to prove it to you that I am more than worth it.
And most importantly, I am not deleting my blog.
For the interested, here is the email I received. Signed by… well… no one.
Greetings from the Peace Corps Placement Office,
The Placement Office is the office responsible for the final evaluation of applicants for suitability and competitiveness and the final selection of applicants for specific programs. Evaluation and selection are typically done after applicants have received medical and legal clearances.
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. If we can find another suitable program for you outside of Math/Science teaching, there is a chance that you may be able to depart with a program between January and March 2012. Flexibility in geographic preference, program preference, and departure date will be important as we consider you for potential placement.
At this time we will continue to move forward with your application in anticipation of a June 2012 departure date. If you are selected for service, a Placement Officer will work to match you with an opening, taking into account your skills, availability, necessary medical support needs, and the needs of our host countries. We appreciate your patience as we work to accommodate our recent programming reductions. While it may take some additional time before we are able to invite you to a program, we’ll try to contact you regarding a potential assignment within the next several months. I recommend that you could use this time to gain more experience in the assignment area to which you have been nominated. This will not only help to better prepare you for your service in the field, but will help to make your application more competitive. If you do not hear from our office by November 2011, feel free to contact us regarding your status.
If, in light of this new timeline and information, you decide to pursue other options for your immediate future, we can withdraw your application from consideration at this time. In the event you are unable to wait for a June program then please let us know as soon as possible so that we can withdraw your application and open the spot you are currently holding to another qualified applicant.
We appreciate your dedication to service with the Peace Corps and thank you for applying to volunteer.
Education Placement Desk
