Application

Today, I submitted my application and Health Status Review to the Peace Corps. I have read close to thirty PCV blogs over the past two weeks, and I am determined to become a volunteer.

I knew the application was changing on the 26 of July, and I was hopeful that I could turn in the application by that time. My only worry was that the Health Status Review would require actual medical tests, but it turns out that those come later.

I do have to thank some people before I log off of the Internet I am borrowing from the woman who lives below the woman whose hair my sister is cutting.

First, JFK, for making a statement in sometime forever ago about serving in the Corps that I read when I was in high school.

Second, to the Peace Corps itself, for existing.

Third, to Laura Heil, for telling em about her plans to apply and in the process reminding me of the dream a young Amanda once had. Also, she read my essays and gave this passive-happy woman some tips.

Fourth, to Taylor Childress (Soon to be Edwards) for encouraging me and also, reading the essays of a passive-happy woman.

Fifth, to Austin wise, for reading my essays and telling me to follow my dreams.

Sixth, to my mom and Gabby, for knowing that my dreams are going to take me to the most random places, but encouraging me none-the-less.

Seventh, to Leslie Linwick, Teona, and Stacey Garrett, for providing me with the recommendations I needed to get through. You were all so very fast even though I know you are busy with kids, future kids, and summer break!

Eighth, to all the blog writers whose blogs I have devoured. You have shown me that I really don't care where I go, I just want to go and serve the people of the world who are asking for something simple.

Ninth, to that guy who I was talking to on that website. For being funny, fun, and totally whatever about the whole thing, because we don't really know each other.

Tenth, because I want ten, to everyone I have ever met, who has shaped who I have become. I want my life to be about someone else. I want people to look back on my life and say I was helpful. Student loans, paying you back is going to be awful, but paying you back is not what is going to stop me from being a productive member of society. If it's not the Peace Corps, it'll be something else,  but my life will not be wasted.