Makes me nervous!!!!
So yeah. I got contacted today by the PC Office in NYC. She said my application looks great! And that I can expect my "legal kit" in a week or so, where they will ask for lots more information. She wants me to focus on my teaching experience (give a glimmer of what I'll be doing, or what?).... she ALSO asked me about my preference for Africa.
Her: "How would you feel about another region?"
Me: "Well, given my background and my professional aspirations, I would definitely prefer to be in Africa."
Her: "Would you reject it if invited to another region? I thought I was going to Africa and I ended up in Asia! What if you get an offer for, say, Belize?"
Me: "........... I would be willing to hear other options."
Reflection: Yes - I feared Africa and came to love it. Yes - it is possible that that would happen in another area of the world, probable even, after 27 months residence there...
She wants me to really elaborate on my teaching experience, both here and in Kenya. I'm hoping that that qualifies me for the Tanzania program at least, which I listed as a preference and which focuses entirely on education. She says they'll request addendums to my resume and to give as much detail as possible because "sometimes, when somebody doesn't quite qualify for a placement, with their elaboration on their own experience, we can push them through." Does that not sound like I'm qualified by only a hair? She's focusing entirely on my Bachelor's Degree, which is alright, but she also told me that my Master's really doesn't count for anything. That's about the bajillionth time I've been told my Master's Degree is worthless. Hey, whatever. A $15,000 conversation piece is totally cool!
How can not having my MA matter for anything? I spent all that time learning all about Africa, why wouldn't they put that knowledge to use? Wouldn't it be helpful for me to be aware of unique African challenges, to understand their past in greater detail, to comprehend cultural differences, to know how to live there, how to speak the language? Hell if you dropped me at Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi TODAY I bet I could find my way to Silver Spoons and be sipping a Tusker Baridi in the time it takes a matatu tout's lougie to congeal on the pavement!
I'll stop rambling for now. That made my heart race. Please everybody seriously cross your fingers and toes for me.
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2 comments:
I spent a majority of my electives taking courses on Asia. I personally would love to spend some time in China, Nepal, Tibet, or anywhere else in South East Asia, it's a fascinating place with a fascinating history. So I understand where you're coming from, and obviously hearing how much you loved it when you came back from Kenya the first time. But, I wouldn't be so quick to turn down another location especially South East Asia.
she's probably giving you the canned speech. can't imagine that africa has all the volunteers it can use.
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