Preparing PC Application

This is the very first post in my new blog. I've been debating joining the Peace Corps for years, and I've finally decided that there's no better time than the present (especially since the full-time job market is looking pretty bleak right now). So, I decided that I'd make this blog to chronicle the (long, from all accounts) application process and everything that happens afterward.

I've started my Peace Corps application and am nearly ready to submit it. The application itself is not grueling, but everyone says that the medical/dental qualification process is what takes forever (usually 7 months to a year pass between initial application and departure for the placement country). I just need to do a little final tweaking and ask one more person to write a recommendation for me. I've asked the department chairman at my university, Dr. Frederick, and my current supervisor, Dr. Dave, to write the other two.

I'm putting the environmental sector as my first choice, but I'm conflicted about what my geographical preferences are. I keep going back and forth about where I'd like to go. All of the regions have pros and cons, so I guess I'm going to just choose "no preference" and let the Peace Corps make the choice for me. I really want to work in natural resource conservation or wildlife management or something like that, though. I'll probably wind up doing environmental education to a certain extent, but I'd prefer not to do that full time. But they'll send me where they need me, and it will be an adventure no matter where it is.