So tonight was probably one of the best nights I have had in quite awhile. I still feel like I am on a bit of a high, despite the fact that I have been awake for over 19 hours, worked a 9-hour day, and drove for close to 6 hours. Tonight I went to hear Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams speak at UF in Gainesville, and I have to say that it greatly exceeded my expectations. I'd been debating whether or not to go for the past week, seeing as how Gainesville is about 3 hours from where I live, but considering I already had to be in Orlando for work today I decided to suck it up and haul my butt up to Gator country. The turnout was pretty impressive with a number of people having to stand in the aisles. I was glad to see quite a mix of people including UF students, recent RPCVs, current nominees/invitees, older RPCVs, PC Staff, and other future PC hopefuls. I was incredibly impressed by how great a speaker Director Williams is. He was very articulate and I very much enjoyed his lighthearted demeanor and his sense of humor. I was thoroughly excited and a bit surprised to hear when he stated that the one thing he would change right now is the time it takes for an applicant to go through the PC process from recruitment to actually serving, and I am very interested to see how/when he and PC are able to trim down the application process timeline. Ultimately, the thing that made the night so special for me was getting the chance to speak with RPCVs that served many years ago. I was lucky to have sat next to 2 volunteers that served in the mid-1970s, and it was just so amazing to hear about their experiences and stories. They were full of such wisdom and encouragement! It was just the inspiration and motivation that I needed to put all anxieties, doubts, and frustrations I've been having to rest. So as I continue to wait to be contacted by Placement about a final interview, I just feel very optimistic and fortunate that I will be able to join the PC family, and hopefully someday I will get to attend an event and inspire a future volunteer like those RPCVs did for me tonight.
Todd
That's fantastic. I'd love to hear him speak but Florida is a ways away from Maine.
ReplyDeleteI, however, did meet a RPCV who taught English in Korea back in the 70s I believe. He's moving back to Korea this week with his wife -- decades later. We talked for awhile, he said his time serving changed his life and that's why he wants to go back. It really got me excited about my time in the PC.
Good luck waiting on your final interview. I'm waiting for the same! They emailed me last week about updated resumes and such... so hopefully it'll be soon!
I was there, too! I really enjoyed his talk and it made me even more excited for the future. I'm not sure if you were at the reception afterwards, but three people got their invites from Director Williams, which I thought was awesome. We're at a very similar place (I'm waiting to hear from Placement about an interview as well), and my nomination is Environmental Education, francophone Africa, June 2012. Good luck, I hope you hear something soon!
ReplyDelete