I know it has been forever since I last updated this thing - just take it to mean I'm doing good work and have been really busy.
The last month in six short points:
1. My agency and I secured a JM$250,000 grant - funding outreach work for about five years!
2. I got decent MCAT score results.
3. I have made serious progress with my peer education group. After months of struggle, I got them all together and pretty much said 'this is your group now', and it was all I needed to do. We are planning a beach cleanup nearby to raise environmental awareness at the school and in the community. The kids are stoked because they get a beach day, they get media coverage, and they get to skip school. I'm stoked because I have finally made a few breakthroughs with the kids. I am in the youth sector after all, so this feels particularly good. We held a bake sale last friday and made about JM$5,000 - good enough for lunch for about 60 people if we do it properly, in addition to materials to make signs and buy trash bags, etc. More details as they arise~
4. Sad to say the troops are dwindling. Peace Corps Jamaica Group 79, once a strong 52, now stands at 33. Just over 60% of the starting group remains, and I have feelings we haven't seen the end of it. Four of my close friends have left in the last week, and it definitely sucks. The island will be a tad quieter for the next year it seems like! Good news though in the impending return of a close friend of mine, one Ms. Shanna Maloney, PCV, my partner in crime in the Trelawny Guidance Department system. Looking forward to it!
5. Only a few weeks left in the school year! Coming this summer I will be spending all my time working to establish a worthwhile secondary project, something I hope will keep me extra busy through this time next year.
6. My med school application is almost done. I will be applying early decision to the University of Hawaii, and am hoping for good things. If I don't get in, I am looking at post-bac and MPH alternatives.
That's about it - quick update but to the point. Send good vibes! I think rainy season is bringing Eeyore-like vibes for a lot of people. I'm doing great though, but I don't want to be all alone this time next year!
-TG
