Thursday, March 31, 2011

I've lost blood and skin this week

Yesterday I donated a pint of blood, so don't be too concerned about the title of this post. 

And then today I accidentally got super glue on my hands (again) that I had to peel off.  This stuff doesn't like to go peacefully, it takes a layer of skin. All thanks to my senior design, which is probably one of the most time-consuming projects of the year, one of the most messy, but definitely the most interesting.  I'm glad I've been involved with these remote controlled airplanes.

Yesterday I also had lunch with a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and several other applicants in various stages of the application process.  It was nice to hear that I am not alone in all this waiting.  Exciting to hear that some people already know where they will be serving. But nervous to think about packing and living without what we Americans think of as "basic" essentials.  When questioned about showering and deodorant, the RPCV said "deodor-what?"  So that's definitely something I'll be sure to pack plenty of.

The next 2 weeks are going to be some of the busiest of my college career.  I'm helping organize a banquet for a club, work 20 hours this weekend, have 2 tests early next week, senior design needs to build 2 planes, and I'm taking the FE Exam next weekend.  Wish me luck with that, the Fundamentals of Engineering exam is a 8 hour test that will cover everything I (should) have learned in college.  I'm a little nervous about it, I've not studied much.  I'm less encouraged to study after one of my tenured professors announced to the whole class "Don't study, you all won't fail. Civil's fail. Electrical's fail. But Mechanicals don't fail."  I value her opinion, but that's not a risk I'm willing to take.  Time to hit the books.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Just in case I die young

I StumbleUpon'd this poem and instantly thought about posting it.  Just in case I die young (meaning any age before 107) I hope everyone who loves me can remember this poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye and be comforted. 


Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave bereft
I am not there. I have not left.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

To not put all my eggs in one basket

Several people, especially my sisters, have encouraged me to apply for other jobs after I graduate and not rely solely on the Peace Corps.  All I really want to do is join the PC, and I'm busy so I can always make up an excuse to do anything other than applying elsewhere.  But it is solid advice, no matter where I really really wanted to work I'd apply for several jobs, so I've started doing just that.  Yesterday I had a phone interview that seemed to go well, I'm moving up to their HR person for an in-person interview soon.  I've applied a online to a couple places around Atlanta, since I'll know someone in Georgia, but I've yet to hear back from any of them.  I'm considering applying for jobs in New York City, I had a great time visiting there last week and made some wonderful friends.  Maybe I'll post about that trip, and add a few pictures. :)

Graduation is in about 6 weeks; for months my friends and fellow seniors have talked about their job interviews and offers to different companies.  I just smile and nod and explain the super long application process for the PC.  I'm taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in April so I can eventually be a Professional Engineer and add initials after my name on documents.  The test will be killer, but I'm kind of excited about the initials actually.

I'm really trying to focus on this semester and finishing school strong, but with my future up in the air it's hard to concentrate.  Case and point, it took my like an hour to type out these measly paragraphs for a post. Oh well, more to come next time.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Applying to the Peace Corps

What do I want to be when I grow up? I know I want to travel the world, and I know I want to help people.  I like doing hands-on work and seeing the final product.  Mechanical Engineering is the most broad subject that UK offered, so I chose that to be as well-rounded as possible.  I especially like working with kids and people who want to learn and have a positive attitude.  So the only thing I can think of is to join the Peace Corps. :)

It's been a long application process, I started last May with the online application and essays.  There were lots of questions to answer and 3 or 4 recommendations to get from friends and employers.  I had a phone interview with a recruiter and then a lengthy medical review process.  I had to make appointments with a doctor at UK, with my dentist, have an eye exam, get records and shots at the health department and go to a clinic for blood work.  That's what makes the PC application so long.  I've had like 6 shots and given 8 vials of blood, had new glasses ordered, a physical, dental x-rays and so much more I can't even remember right now.  My favorite part was trying to explain to the health department that I needed a 4th hepatitis B shot (apparently 3 wasn't enough for me) and an adult polio shot.  I got a lot of questions about the polio because "no one in America NEEDS an adult polio shot."  But I'm not staying in America. ;)

So today I finally passed the medical review section, and a placement officer has my information.  I'm in the competitive part now, trying to land a job against other applicants.  So keep praying for me and I'll keep my fingers crossed!

The only poem I've memorized since high school.

Listen to the MUSTN'Ts, child.
Listen to the DON'Ts.
Listen to the SHOULDN'Ts,
the IMPOSSILBEs, the WON'Ts. 
Listen to the NEVER HAVEs,
then listen-close-to me.
ANYTHING can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.

Poem by Shel Silverstein, inspiration for my life. 

I'm dreaming big, living my life to the fullest.  I know I have a place reserved for me in Heaven, but I only have one chance here on Earth to make a difference, so I'm going to dive in head first at every opportunity.  Follow this blog (my first ever) for updates about how I'm doing and what impact it's having on me.