Hopkins Status

Application status at Hopkins: Under Review!

Accept me, please!

I have applied for the Peace Corps Master's International program with a degree in International Health with a focus in Social Behavioral Interventions at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. A mouthful? Yes. But I am eager to be a part of this program and I will be completely heartbroken if I do not get accepted. Cross your fingers!

Currently, my status at the Peace Corps is being held while I wait in anticipation for my acceptance by Johns Hopkins.

Let's see what happens in January!

The Interview

I had my interview with my recruiter, Chris, on Thursday.

I could barely sleep the night before and I woke up an hour before my alarm because I was afraid I would miss my interview. It doesn't help that I set our meeting up at 8:30 in the morning and his office is in Arlington, Virginia.

I pulled up to the building at 8:15 am. My heart was beating too fast to notice a pulse.

Chris met me in the lobby, his shaggy hair and baggy jeans made me let out a sigh of relief. But then I looked down at my neatly pressed pants (I never iron!) and heels and suddenly I feel like an outcast.

Oh great, he probably thinks I'm high maintenance!

On the contrary, the interview was the most casual interview experience I have ever had. I felt completely comfortable - perhaps too comfortable? I answered the typical interview question with a sort of candid ease that left me vulnerable. With each answer that I gave, Chris typed my response into a data sheet for further review.

Chris: How do you feel about working in groups?
Kathi: Honestly? If the group doesn't have the right dynamic, I can't stand it! However, I am one who ends up picking up the slack when certain group members disregard their responsibility. And I'm okay with that, because at least I know something is done. And I'm satisfied with that.
Chris: So, in retrospect, how would you have dealt with a problematic group project differently?
Kathi: Well, I probably wouldn't have chosen those people as group members. Wait? Is it okay that I said that?
Chris: Yeah, is it okay if I record that?
Kathi: Will this hurt my chances of getting nominated?
Chris: No, it's actually kind of funny. It's great, keep going...

I will trust you, Chris.

At the end of the interview, Chris gave me a smile and said those magic words: "I will nominate you without reservation"

And now, I am eagerly waiting that nomination, which will come in December.

It begins...

What exactly am I doing?

I ask myself this question far too often. Although I'm enjoying the ride, what am I doing? And am I supposed to be taking life seriously yet? When does time run out and I have to proclaim "This is what I'm doing. This is who I am"?

And still - I have no idea what I will be doing in six months. It's like there is this black void that appears after graduation and somehow I am supposed to fill it.

I applied to the Peace Corps - either out of desperation or to prove something. I've received mixed reviews. Mostly positive, but some are just candid reactions that seem...confused?

"Send me a postcard"
"Better you than me"
"So...is that something you want to do?"
"27 months? That's like 2 years of your life!"
"Good bye, good luck"
"Are they going to send you somewhere tropical? I've always wanted to live on the beach"

To these responses, I simply raise an eyebrow and smile cordially.

Let's see what happens...