Saturday afternoon, after a pleasant lunch with a friend, I checked my phone and found an e-mail from the Peace Corps, with the subject line:
“Peace Corps Application Decision.”
My fingers trembled as I tapped the screen anticipating good news.
I’ve been waiting to hear back since I applied in July 2014.
Imagine how I felt when I read:
“Thank you for your application to the Peace Corps. We regret to inform you that we are unable to offer you an assignment at this time. Each year, the Peace Corps receives many more applications from qualified individuals than we have assignments available.”
Shock, anger, and every other emotion you can come up with, hit me at that moment.
So I decided to call my Peace Corps recruiter to ask, “WHY DID THEY REJECT ME???”
I’m the Gutsy one who wants to help people and serve in another part of the world. I’m over 50, speak fluent French, have leadership skills, a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, and I’ve expressed my enthusiasm at every Peace Corps social event in my area.
SO WHAT HAPPENED?
I knew I wouldn’t get an answer over the weekend, so I did what I always do when I’m rejected:
I GET STRONGER AND
KEEP MOVING FORWARD.
Thankfully, I have a back-up plan which is to take the Cert-TESOL course in Greenwich, London, so I can teach English anywhere in the world. That’s my Plan B, and it’s an added credential for MY NEXT PEACE CORPS APPLICATION.
My wonderful recruiter called me on Sunday night. We had a long chat and she recommended I reapply ASAP. She took the time to read through my resume, and give me some tips on how to improve it, and customize my skills and experience to the positions that are available on the Peace Corps website.
My mistake, now that I look back on my resume, is that I made a bullet point list of past jobs and volunteering experience rather than explaining my ACCOMPLISHMENTS in EVERY role. I guess my resume is outdated, and today’s resumes need to be specific.
As an example: “delivered 2 key-note addresses as well as 10 additional public speaking engagements” and “consistently initiated weekly blog posts with fresh content twice weekly”.
Apparently the Peace Corps wants a more focused approach from each applicant, rather than stating, “I’m available to do anything, anywhere.” In the past they wanted this flexible attitude, so I guess now, with the increase in applicants, it’s become more competitive and you have to show them how you can be of maximum benefit to the Peace Corps.
When I got rejected by a publisher, my adrenaline kicked in and I said, “I’ll start my own publishing company and promote my books with all my energy.”
Now it’s time to use my “gutsyness” and move ahead. NOTHING WILL STOP ME.
HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTED? IF SO HOW DID YOU COPE? Please let me know in the comment section below.
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Sometimes we choose something because it will make life easier for the interim. And, sometimes the interim needs more attention. I’m a big believer in…’things happen for a reason.’ I’m thinking, when you are feeling more comfortable with your personal situation, you will find it easier to get what you want.
Sending you love, and knowing you will figure out your next phase and it will be fabulous!
xob
Barbara Hammond recently posted..Childhood Diseases, and a Return to Georgia on My Mind
Barbara,
You always think of the perfect comment, and I appreciate your kindness. I shall figure things out, and I also believe that you have to struggle for what you want in life. Thanks for being there for me Barbara.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..My Way To Handle REJECTION
Wow. Sonia, that’s the spirit! Whatever happens next, you followed your own advice to be Gutsy, and everyone who knows you will admire and “accept” you for that. Good luck with the new application. Fingers and toes crossed!
Michele DeFilippo recently posted..Why Self-publishing Is a Valid Option for Your Book
Michele,
Thanks for that. I am excited to see what happens next. Always exciting to be wondering where is my life heading? Which country shall I be living in this time next year.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..My Way To Handle REJECTION
Sonia, When I read the first part of this post, I was stunned. The same as you, I had every reason to believe you would not only be accepted but the Peace Corps would be delighted to have someone with your qualifications.
Then you followed with the words “I get stronger and keep moving forward” and I felt like applauding. If you don’t make it into the Peace Corps, that message alone is so relevant to a multitude of people, including myself, that you should consider following up on it as your mission in life. Most of us not only find it hard to handle rejection but it often stops us in our tracks. We need someone Gutsy like you to motivate us not to give up on ourselves just because some entity, person, or review rejected us or our product.
Rejections are the reason I haven’t moved forward since we met 6 years ago. I shelved my historical novel after working on it for 7 years after 10 rejections despite fantastic reviews and critiques. Finally restarted it and hope to self-publish it. Same story for a memoir written 22 years ago. Should be out around April. Almost gave up on “Don’t Hang Up!” for same reason. I edit, rewrite, revise, procrastinate, change projects, and find excuses for not having a published book. Truth is an innate fear of rejection from readers, reviewers, critics, writing groups, etc.
I hope your more focused approach with your next Peace Corps application works or your backup plan provides you with a new panorama. Best of luck with your plans. Look forward to hearing from you in Katmandu or Kiribati or Kazakhstan or whatever country you end up in this time next year.
Penelope James recently posted..WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YESTERDAY’S HOME WAS A MANSION AND NOW IT’S ONE ROOM?
Pennie,
I like your honesty about “fear of rejection.” I also know you’ve heard about the fer of success. I am happy you’re publishing in April 2015.
I reapplied for the Peace Corps and hope to get some news that’s better this time.
Thanks Pennie for your nice long comment.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..My Way To Handle REJECTION
I liked your words “I get stronger and keep moving forward.” I don’t know anyone who likes rejection but you have a great attitude. I read something recently that said (I’m paraphrasing), “If we don’t get what we want, sometimes we get something better.” That has happened to me many times. Thank you for sharing!
Ingebird,
I like that quote. It reminds me of Belize, and what I wrote: “If they don’t have what you want, want what they have.” Good luck.
Sonia Marsh recently posted..Time to be Honest…I’m Fed Up