The Peace Corps application process is honestly an emotional roller coaster (but probably is like a piece cake compared to serving in country). There are days when things just seem so unsure but there’s always a reward (sometimes far) around the corner. I can guarantee you that no matter what you go through trying to get there, when your invitation finally comes it is all worth it.

APPLICATION:

1. When you realize how long the application actually is:

2. SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.



3. That feeling when you finally click the submit button:

4. When you know there’s at least one person who doesn’t approve of your decision:

INTERVIEW:

5. The morning of your interview – gotta look sharp:

6. Searching for just about anything to make your recruiter like you more:

7. Talking yourself up:



8. When I can tell the recruiter is questioning my answer:

9. When the recruiter notices a red flag:



10. When you walk out knowing you nailed it:

11. The lucky ones who are nominated at the end of their interview:

12. If you’re told you don’t qualify for the Peace Corps:

NOMINATION, WAITING FOR INVITATION:

13. Months and months of doing this:



14. When my recruiter tells me I need to be patient:

15. To that one other nominee who thinks they know everything:



16. When you meet someone but think being in a relationship might jeopardize your chances of an invitation:



17. When you get any e-mail from the Peace Corps that isn’t your invitation:



18. When someone asks what I’ve been doing while waiting:



19. Some days you’re just a little on edge:



INVITATION, PREPARING FOR DEPARTURE

20. When your invitation finally arrives:



21. Randomly meeting another volunteer:



22. Trying to get to know other volunteers in your group online:

23. What you tell people when they ask what they can send you in care packages:

24. When your friends don’t understand why you’re doing it:

25. That one time the government experienced a shutdown, freezing any Peace Corps activity:



26. What you tell people when they ask why you joined the Peace Corps:

27. Checking out all the medical tasks I have to complete. Hello, vaccines:



28. Filling out the Peace Corps passport and country visa applications:

29. Discovering your country will have delicious food:



30. ANY DAY YOU GET ONE STEP CLOSER TO SERVING IN COUNTRY:



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