VSO assessment day (pt 2)

So the assessment continued with a group exercise, then preperation for a solo / group exercise, while people were doing their prep, we all had individial interviews, mine was with a nice lady we had a long in depth chat about all sort of stuff.

After the interview some more prep and then lunch break.
We had a nice lunch with a cake that no one fancied trying due to how it looked, turns out it was just banana cake and once it was confirmed I think everyone had a piece.

We had a brief introduction to fundraising, and then back to the prep.
We did the exercise we had been prepping for then did some presentations and the day was done!

I think my vaguely interactive pictographic presentation confused everyone, but I made it through somehow!
They left us with the word that we would hear within 7 working days.

Imagine my surprise when I checked my email on Thursday 13th of January and found an acceptance already!

VSO Assessment day (pt 1)

So I got invited to go visit VSO HQ in Putney on January 12th, for a ~6 hours Assessment day A nice early start, I caught the 07.02 train from Bracknell to Waterloo, and changed in Staines.

Didn't have any problems with the train other than it being rammed and it was a bit of a struggle to fight my way out in Putney. I found the place OK, and had a sit down while I waited for everyone else to turn up.

We had a very entertaining icebreaker thing where we had to imagine a map of the world and stand in the corresponding spot in the room given a certain place as the North Pole.

The Story so far (pt 2)

I twiddled my thumbs for some time and decided to give VSO a ring to see what was happening after their recommended 3 week waiting time had expired and managed to find someone who knew what was happening, they told me I should get contacted in a few days, that time went by and I didn't hear anything so gave them another call, turns out I needed to fill in another form as I was going to do IT so that duly sent I got my Assessment day invite on the 21st of December.

I spent the Christmas break (OK I don't really get one of those.. but ...) reading up on VSO, reading blogs of other VSO volunteers, and talking to a number of returned volunteers about their experiences!

Mainly positive stories, other than someone who knew a guy who went for a swim in the sea on his first day in country and slipped and broke his neck... and got hospitalised, ( I think he was OK in the end though).

The Story so far (pt 1)

I had been considering VSO for some time, for various reason hadn't applied till June 2010, due to the computer saying 'No!' they rejected me (Automated checking didn't like me).

I had a busy few months so didn't try again till September, I thought I'd go to an open day and get some more info first and booked myself onto an open day in London on the 25th of October. I had the opportunity to listen to very interesting people tell stories of their experiences, and asked lots of questions. (I know some of you may be shocked at me asking questions!)

I spent some time thinking on the application process and sent off the 1st stage in late November, I got past the automated stage and sent in my full application on the 24th of November.

My first blog

Just a quick blog to see how this whole thing works...

Signed up for this VSO thing, remarkably they accepted me, hopefully loads of excitement to come!