I'm a bit surprised at how calm I've been through the waiting periods of this whole application process. While I was still in Switzerland, I felt some anxiety about getting it done on time, and I was intimidated by the stories of medical clearance black holes. But things have pretty much progressed smoothly. I've kept all my appointments, results have come in quickly and completely, and I have not had to do too much extra for the application.
I've been a bit lax in updating this blog, but maybe I'm just the kind of person who likes to report big events (or lots of small events in one shot), rather than bulletins for each new bit of news. Whatever I am, there is some news to report, and good news it is!
On December 2nd, I got an update telling me that my medical materials had been received and were under review. Two days later, I got another update telling me I had gained dental clearance. And this morning, I got another update, and my medical evaluation is complete:
"Complete. A decision has been reached regarding your medical review. Please look for a letter in the mail."
Incredible! They've had the thing for less than two weeks, and the review is complete? It seems too good to be true. I'm nervous that the "decision" that was reached is -- Sorry, buddy, we've decided that you have to jump through hoops X, Y, and Z. I don't know. Does anyone who reads this blog know if that is the standard language for medical clearance, or a precursor of more hurdles, or even, God forbid, rejection? I mean, the little medical box in the Peace Corps toolkit has a check in it, and the only unchecked item is the Place evaluation.
I'm a little uneasy, but optimistic.
That is indeed the standard wording. I was worried when we got that update too, but when we received the mentioned letter, it said we were cleared and moving onto placement (the "we" is my husband and I).
ReplyDeleteThis is good! Just be prepared for some more waiting...
Yep, that is the PC's standard wording. Your file is now headed over to the Placement Office.
ReplyDeleteAs astronomerpc stated, there will be more waiting in store for you. Don't be too surprised to receive contact from a 'Placement & Assessment Assistant' who will ask for some more clarification of your activities since your initial interview. You might be asked for an updated resume, so having one prepared will enable you to expedite the process if it come to that.
You are definitely moving ahead.
Continued good luck!
Thanks to both (or all three, really) of you for the insight.
ReplyDeleteYou've put me at ease :) Best of luck to you guys and congratulations on your own medical clearances/placements!
Thanks for saying hello!.
ReplyDeleteI'm confident you'll be placed where you are meant to be placed.
And PC gave my group 5 weeks notice before our departure date; the 6 weeks rule is flexible, as is everything in the PC universe, I'm sure you're starting to pick up on.
Apparently lots of officials in Jakarta-- as well as some of the teachers at my school who are sufficiently competent in English to understand the contents-- are reading my blog. I appreciate my own gumption in keeping the blog public and our country director has said the folks in Jakarta enjoy reading PCV blogs and getting a new perspective on their culture. Our connectivity here is amazing and it's helping with cultural exchange, for sure. Great!
Blessings on your placement, hang in there!
Sam
ps, I like your blog!