it's a long process, and i don't even know all the details yet. now all i can do is wait. but i've done everything i can to get the ball rolling:
- the 33-page Volunteer Application which also included two essays and my resume (the resume was my biggest hurdle, believe it or not.)
- the 9-page Health Status Review
- three 4-page personal references
- three academic transcripts mailed in
- 2 sets of fingerprints
- a National Agency Check Form (security clearance as far as i can tell)
and that was "Step One".
after all of this, i have to wait for them to ask for more paperwork or answers to questions they may have, decide i am potentially qualified, and contact me to set up an interview. "Step Two".
"Step Three" includes evaluating my candidacy and nominating me for a general area -- basically just a recommendation that i move on to the next stage.
"Step Four" could be the hairy part. this is where i have to get medical clearance, dental clearance, legal clearance, and undergo suitability and competitive reviews. wow. medical history forms, dental exams & x-rays, eye exams, lab work, full physical, and possibly a psych eval -- this is where we find out whether the sleep apnea or any other health issues will disqualify me. the only wildcard, i think, in the whole process. there won't be any issues as to whether i am legal, suitable and competitive. but they do have to do all the assessments.
"Step Five" is the invitation, where I find out for sure whether, where, and for what they want me. that's the turning back point. wheels up 2-3 months after this point.
"Step Six" includes scary things like plane tickets and in-country training. eek.
right about now is when i need reassurance that i'm doing the right thing...
It will all be fine in the end. If its not fine, its not the end.
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