Since last Monday, I have been in a 2-week intensive Western Hemisphere area studies class. My 8 male classmates and I make up half of the class; there is also a handful of civil servants, military, and more experienced FSOs. It's a very brief overview of the region- we focus on a country or topic for a few hours and then move on to something new. We watch documentaries and take field trips- tomorrow we're going to the National Museum of the American Indian. In addition to the program, I'm looking forward to lunch at the Mitsitam Cafe, which is truly delicious.
I was supposed to start Spanish last week, but my schedule (along with that of my Spanish speaking classmates) was changed for some unknown reason. I keep waiting for more changes. It took me about a week to get back into graduate school mode, but now I'm enjoying myself and am glad I was assigned to this class.
I am enjoying the slower pace, now that A-100 is over. My hours are reliably 9am-4pm. I pick up the kids by 4:15pm and there is time for dinner and playing before bed. I used to get home at 630pm and try to have L in bed by 730pm, so this is a real gift. Even though it's a teensy bit boring after the intensity of A-100, I'm trying to enjoy it, because 1) it will certainly get more demanding when I start Spanish, 2) my hours will not be this great again for a while, if ever, and 3) it will also get more intense in a few mos when we are preparing to leave for post.
Time to head for bed. I have a mild sore throat that I want to nip in the bud. It's hard to find the time now to blog and keep up with other blogs. I miss all of you bloggers out there! I hope many of you locals will join us at the DC area blogger potluck.
By the way, welcome to the 159th A-100 class that started yesterday! It was fun seeing you in the cafeteria in your suits. If I can help with anything, please reach out.
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4 comments:
What's your time-line for arrival here? You have Spanish experience, right? I seem to remember you having language points from a previous blog post.
Thanks for keeping us all up-to-date on the process. I don't think I'm alone here, but I've only taken the FSOT and "caught the bug." Which means I spend every free moment of every day thinking, dreaming, and planning my life as a diplomat.
I have at least 3 major factors against me, which I feel at liberty to share with you and all your readership since I have no blog of my own yet. I really want an honest reaction to my situation though (prior to getting sad news from QEP perhaps).
I have no degree, no experience in international travel, and no foreign language fluency (although I do have some knowledge of Spanish).
Now, since I checked my brevity at the door, let me explain this a bit so you don't think I'm a total idiot. First, I am working on my bachelor's degree in Public Administration (although I won't finish until December).
I took Spanish for several semesters, so with some opportunity to use it I think I could jump right back in.
The international experience is a bit harder to deal with. I grew up extremely poor so traveling anywhere (even stateside) was out. Meanwhile, as an adult, I decided to take on foster parenting and have had 7 teenagers at various stages of their teenager lives...along with finishing my degree and working a full-time job. So, joining the Peace Corps or planning an international exchanges haven't really been tops on the list. My kids are finally grown up and moved (or moving) out, so I could seize the opportunity to go for some international work. Here's the rub with that one (and I think you mentioned this earlier in your blogs), if I quit my job now and go to the Peace Corps, I would be giving up a salary match (or near match) with the state. I make a very good wage, nearly six figures (which is excellent in Iowa). I have hosted a number of exchange students (both as a kid and an adult) and worked with a number of foreigners through my professional career. I could also blab on and on about how I love change and embrace new cultures, lifestyles, and living conditions without any reservation (which most of us probably feel or we wouldn't sign on for this).
But what do you think? Do I stand a snowball's chance here? I am ready, willing, and able to play up my strengths and give it all I have no matter what...it's all a bit of a crapshoot anyway...but how many people in your A-100 had no overseas experience whatsoever?
Feel free to email any responses to me. I don't want to take up your blog comments with my own internal dilemma (now externalized) any more than I already have. :-) Thanks again for all your shared thoughts and feelings...we all certainly seem to have that much in common.
meandyou- I emailed you.
Dave- I arrive in August. I have a few mos of Spanish and then ConGen.
Hey lady- thanks for checking in. I've just been super busy but I am feeling great. My lethargy has lifted. You should bring the kids out to eastern market some weekend. With the nicer weather there have been many more vendors and some farmers are returning. I'll be there Sunday. And most subsequent weekends until we leave. Crazy crunch time!! Glad to hear you guys have adapted so well and quickly. Brace yourself for language training. They're NOT kidding when they say it's a mental boot camp!
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