Three Weeks!
May 15, 2008
It is 3am. I have 3 days until I am officially a college graduate, although technically I concluded my undergraduate education at exactly 11:47am, May 12, 2008. I also have three weeks until I embark on an amazing journey to Cameroon! Today I became slightly overwhelmed with all the things and emotions simultaneously happening in my life. I love the…
Read MoreIf you plan to visit, please read!
May 7, 2008
1. Planning. If you do not already have a passport, obtain a passport application and application instructions from a post office or your travel agent. To apply for a passport, you will need the completed application with two passport photos (with your signature on the back of each photo) and the application fee. 3. Visa. A yellow fever vaccination is…
Read Morerandom thoughts of preparation…
April 11, 2008
Just had an incredibly intense conversation online with a friend, on the topic of injustice, human rights, and the poor. My mind is still buzzing with thoughts; throat began hurting this evening, I sincerely hope I am not getting sick. That would be the end of my life (not literally). To get my head around what exactly I was debating,…
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Peace Corps Packing List
March 30, 2008
Finally, I had the time to compile my own packing list. This is a culmination of the official list and suggestions from other volunteers. If you are a family member or friend who is planning on buying me a graduation/going-away present, feel free to get ideas from my Amazon wish list! This list will be revised several times prior to…
Read MoreMotivation Statement
March 28, 2008
The following is the essay that accompanied my application. Motivation Statement The Peace Corps has always intrigued me immensely. Over the past year, I have spent many hours researching the organization and gaining an understanding via many Peace Corps Volunteers’ blogs. With each heart-warming story, my passion for the program and its mission grew stronger. As I head toward the…
Read MoreCross-Cultural Experience
March 28, 2008
My Peace Corps application essay on cross-culture experience. Submitted in September, 2007. Cross-Cultural Experience In July 1998, at age 11, I waved goodbye to my family and all familiarities of life. I grew up in Taiwan where children fantasized over an idealized America: Disney cartoons, life without uniforms and a low-pressured school system. Due to family reasons, I was the…
Read MoreWhat the heck does Wendy need?
March 10, 2008
I don’t NEED anything, but some things are good to have for various reasons. M&Ms (peanut & peanut butter) Chinese ramen & other Asian snacks Non-perishable foods (candy! or any dry goods from Trader Joe’s!) Raisins, jell-o packets, peanut butter (Skippy Extra Chunky), fruit Mentos, trail mix… Gatorade, Crystal Light (or other) single serving powder drink packets Salty Snacks (Cheerio…
Read MoreMailing me stuff? Please read!
March 10, 2008
Below is the mail suggestions provided by the Peace Corps office. I have also heard that packages marked by red ink, religious writing (draw crosses, write Bible verses and address me as Soeur or Sister), and insurance increase the likelihood of arrival. The insurance is just a few dollars and if you are already sending something, what’s another few bucks…
Read MorePeace Corps Applicaiton Timeline
March 10, 2008
If anyone is curious, this is the timeline of my application process. I was pretty lucky and didn’t face too many difficulties both on the interview/qualification and the medical front! August 27, 2007: Began Application September 8, 2007: Submitted Application September 24, 2007: Interview October 4, 2007: Nomination Sub-Sahara Africa, Business Advising, June 2008 October 6, 2007: Began Medical Clearance…
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