A Little History...

This whole process started on January 25, 2010 when I received an email from my Corportate Affairs department regarding a new partnership our company had formed with CUSO-VSO, North America's leading non-profit, international development organization.

Through this new CUSO-VSO Employee Fellowship Program, 3 employees in Canada would be selected to fill overseas volunteer positions for a period of 6 - 12 months.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? I get to fulfill a dream of living and working in a developing country AND I am guaranteed to have my job when I return??? Where to I apply right???

Needless to say, after a 4 month application process (first through my company, then through the volunteer organization), on May 17, 2010 I received official word that out of 163 applicants, I was accepted into the program!!! YIPPEE!!!

I was then presented with an amazing opportunity to work with the Board of Directors at an inner-city organization (Youth Opportunities Unlimited), in Kingston, Jamaica!!

I depart on October 1, 2010!!

I want to thank my colleagues and superiors at my company that have unconditionally supported me in my pursuit of this life changing opportunity! Thank you to the Selection Committee for believing in me as an ambassador for my company! Thank you to CUSO-VSO for believing in my skills and abilities to potentially make a difference in the developing worlds, and as a representative of your organization. And most of all...thank you to all of my family and friends that have provided me unconditional love and support throughout this whole process!! But your work is not done yet...the hard part begins on October 1, 2010, and I do hope for your continued support once I depart to pursue this new chapter in my life!!

Check out my Journal and Photo Gallery regularly for updates throughout my journey, and PLEASE stay in touch!

Cheers!
Coreena