A-100 is officially over. We were back at Main State for our swearing-in ceremony on Friday. It was the same building this whole experience started in six weeks prior. We were in the auditorium next door and I remember being so overwhelmed at the mere prospect of this life. I barely understood where I was supposed to go, what I was supposed to be doing and I did not know anyone. I knew a lot of names from the online groups and some faces from the happy hour the night before, but I still didn't know how I was going to fit into all of this.
And here I am, a short time later, and I have more new friends than I know what to do with. I am so invested in their lives and happy for them as everyone will be starting work, heading off to a new country, or beginning their training in the next couple weeks. I think I have said it multiple times before, but these people are really amazing. And their spouses, kids, and families are just as awesome. I cannot wait to hear from the ones that leave right away once they reach their first posts and I look forward to getting to know the ones that will still be around even better.
As for me, I start work tomorrow! I was so preoccupied with finding an apartment (not an easy task!) that I have barely thought about my new job. After days of searching and literally hundreds of calls (mostly made by my amazing husband), I have a place to live! Its a really nice property and although the location is not exactly what I was hoping for its still plenty close to everything. I am just hoping to find out that some co-workers live in the same area (surely the odds are in my favor, right?).
Tomorrow is going to be a great day. I had the opportunity to visit my new office last week and see my desk and the map on the wall (arguably my favorite part. I do love my maps). The best part of tomorrow? Finding out exactly what I will be doing! Its going to be good.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
A Flag Day Tale
I have read a lot of flag day stories. They are usually ones of joy and excitement or of anger and frustration. This is neither.
When I woke up the day didn't really feel like a big deal. I had slept well the night before and yet I wanted to keep sleeping. But I got up and was kind of excited for the first order of the day, a trip to the CIA building.
The past week had been really intense. Part of that was because the skills we were learning were pretty difficult but I also think it was because they wanted to keep our minds completely occupied. It worked. Friday was like a reward. A trip to the CIA followed by flag day. While the morning was interesting, I was ready to move on and get the to main event.
My family was there which I was really excited about. My parents tried to come to Ohio a couple months ago but it didn't work out so I hadn't seen them in a while. My grandpa and aunt came too which was great.
All week people had been asking each other, "what is your number one choice?" and I had latched on to Mongolia. In all honesty I was really attached to all of my top choices but Mongolia just became an easy go-to answer. I would have been a little sad not to go to all of them which is one reason I was so looking forward to flag day. I was genuinely excited to find out where everyone was going because if I could not be the one to go to each awesome place on our list I wanted to find out who would.
When we got in the room it still didn't feel real. I saw the projection saying, "welcome to flag day" and it still didn't feel real. I chose my seat next to my dearest friends and it still didn't feel real. Then we did the wave as we sat in our seats; well that was just silly. And then they brought the flags in. Ok, this is it.
I am the kind of person who wants to know everyone. I know the first and last name of all 90+ people in my class as well as our coordinators and a few other people who have been involved in our training. I was genuinely thrilled to write down where each person was going so I could be excited for them and keep a list for my own reference. Starting the event off with a bang, one of my best friends was called first. It was exactly the country she wanted to be in and I was so excited for her. As the names and countries of the rest if my classmates were called I kept up with writing each one down. I was hardly registering whether or not I wanted the posts that were being called, I was just keeping track of who was going and where.
And then the Washington, DC flag appeared on the screen and I was already looking at that post on my list for some reason (DC posts were on the second page). As soon as the announcer started reading the job I closed my eyes. It was going to be mine and for some reason I knew it. He called my name and it took me a second to not write my own name down before I got up to collect my flag.
I was overwhelmed and a little in shock. I took my flag and folder in a daze and walked to the back to hug Scott. He was smiling for me and as I glanced down the row at my parents my dad mouthed, "Is this good?" I nodded and kept a smile on my face (at some point I may share the photo my mother took of me at this moment. I look exceedingly ridiculous with my crazy smile). I cried, but went back to my seat to keep writing down where everyone else was going. The tears were not out of sadness or joy but just from the emotion of the event.
This was absolutely not on my radar. But it's going to be great. I am excited about getting to know the city and the people. My biggest concern at the moment is finding a place to live because they are kicking me out of state housing and DC is expensive!
As for the job itself: I am thrilled. It's exactly the bureau I want to be in and it also happens to be the subject I know the most about. I start really soon and although it would maybe have been more exciting to be heading overseas right away I will be bidding next month on my first overseas position!
When I woke up the day didn't really feel like a big deal. I had slept well the night before and yet I wanted to keep sleeping. But I got up and was kind of excited for the first order of the day, a trip to the CIA building.
The past week had been really intense. Part of that was because the skills we were learning were pretty difficult but I also think it was because they wanted to keep our minds completely occupied. It worked. Friday was like a reward. A trip to the CIA followed by flag day. While the morning was interesting, I was ready to move on and get the to main event.
My family was there which I was really excited about. My parents tried to come to Ohio a couple months ago but it didn't work out so I hadn't seen them in a while. My grandpa and aunt came too which was great.
All week people had been asking each other, "what is your number one choice?" and I had latched on to Mongolia. In all honesty I was really attached to all of my top choices but Mongolia just became an easy go-to answer. I would have been a little sad not to go to all of them which is one reason I was so looking forward to flag day. I was genuinely excited to find out where everyone was going because if I could not be the one to go to each awesome place on our list I wanted to find out who would.
I am the kind of person who wants to know everyone. I know the first and last name of all 90+ people in my class as well as our coordinators and a few other people who have been involved in our training. I was genuinely thrilled to write down where each person was going so I could be excited for them and keep a list for my own reference. Starting the event off with a bang, one of my best friends was called first. It was exactly the country she wanted to be in and I was so excited for her. As the names and countries of the rest if my classmates were called I kept up with writing each one down. I was hardly registering whether or not I wanted the posts that were being called, I was just keeping track of who was going and where.
And then the Washington, DC flag appeared on the screen and I was already looking at that post on my list for some reason (DC posts were on the second page). As soon as the announcer started reading the job I closed my eyes. It was going to be mine and for some reason I knew it. He called my name and it took me a second to not write my own name down before I got up to collect my flag.
I was overwhelmed and a little in shock. I took my flag and folder in a daze and walked to the back to hug Scott. He was smiling for me and as I glanced down the row at my parents my dad mouthed, "Is this good?" I nodded and kept a smile on my face (at some point I may share the photo my mother took of me at this moment. I look exceedingly ridiculous with my crazy smile). I cried, but went back to my seat to keep writing down where everyone else was going. The tears were not out of sadness or joy but just from the emotion of the event.
This was absolutely not on my radar. But it's going to be great. I am excited about getting to know the city and the people. My biggest concern at the moment is finding a place to live because they are kicking me out of state housing and DC is expensive!
As for the job itself: I am thrilled. It's exactly the bureau I want to be in and it also happens to be the subject I know the most about. I start really soon and although it would maybe have been more exciting to be heading overseas right away I will be bidding next month on my first overseas position!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
God's Plan
On my calendar this week was the following verse:
"Prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him." -Mark 1:3
I have been trying to keep this verse in my mind as we wait for Flag day. No matter what flag comes up when my name is called, that is where God wants us to be. It is going to be the right place for us.
It's hard to remember that as the day approaches. I get nervous, then I get worried, then I stress out. But then I try to remember that verse. Wherever we go, we can serve God there. And it will be great.
I need to remember that.
"Prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him." -Mark 1:3
I have been trying to keep this verse in my mind as we wait for Flag day. No matter what flag comes up when my name is called, that is where God wants us to be. It is going to be the right place for us.
It's hard to remember that as the day approaches. I get nervous, then I get worried, then I stress out. But then I try to remember that verse. Wherever we go, we can serve God there. And it will be great.
I need to remember that.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The week is here
This is the week. The week when we are told our first post. And to distract us they have put so much work before us that I barely have time to think about Friday. I prefer it that way actually. It is nice to have so much to do in the meantime that I don't dwell on it. Well, not any more than I already have been.
Last week has, once again, been fascinating. My time in graduate school is coming back to me very clearly, including the things I was not very good at.
My second to last semester in school I took two classes that were by far the most difficult of my academic career (after Science classes, but those don't count). It wasn't my research or analysis that those classes tested but my writing ability. I was honestly a little shocked because writing was something I've never had trouble with in all my schooling. I worked harder in those two classes than in my undergraduate and graduate career combined. The part that I really had to work on was the use of passive voice and being succinct.
Now I get to this new career. I am so pumped to do something I've never done before and learn all these new things and what am I confronted with? Writing for the Foreign Service. Here are some tips on writing diplomatic cables: don't use passive voice and be succinct. Haha. Awesome. The two things I am apparently worst at in writing are the top two tips. You know, my multi-page dissertation will probably get the point across just as well.
This week is even more of a challenge. The two main components are public speaking and answering tough questions. Public speaking is not really new to me since I have given speeches and presentations plenty of times but the topic was always something I was really comfortable with. I have spent a lot of time researching and learning about the past, not the present. So that is an adjustment. The answering tough questions part.....well that is something I will surely improve on after this week is over.
And then.....on to Flag Day.....
Last week has, once again, been fascinating. My time in graduate school is coming back to me very clearly, including the things I was not very good at.
My second to last semester in school I took two classes that were by far the most difficult of my academic career (after Science classes, but those don't count). It wasn't my research or analysis that those classes tested but my writing ability. I was honestly a little shocked because writing was something I've never had trouble with in all my schooling. I worked harder in those two classes than in my undergraduate and graduate career combined. The part that I really had to work on was the use of passive voice and being succinct.
Now I get to this new career. I am so pumped to do something I've never done before and learn all these new things and what am I confronted with? Writing for the Foreign Service. Here are some tips on writing diplomatic cables: don't use passive voice and be succinct. Haha. Awesome. The two things I am apparently worst at in writing are the top two tips. You know, my multi-page dissertation will probably get the point across just as well.
This week is even more of a challenge. The two main components are public speaking and answering tough questions. Public speaking is not really new to me since I have given speeches and presentations plenty of times but the topic was always something I was really comfortable with. I have spent a lot of time researching and learning about the past, not the present. So that is an adjustment. The answering tough questions part.....well that is something I will surely improve on after this week is over.
And then.....on to Flag Day.....
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Week Four begins
I cannot believe three weeks of A-100 have already passed. It is just amazing. Tomorrow is Monday and before I know it the weekend will be here again and it will finally be the all important week five....the week of Flag Day. But more on that another time.
This past week was a rather short one because it was the week of the offsite trip. They took our class out of the classroom for a couple days so we could get to know each other and work on some leadership and teamwork techniques. It was a lot of fun. The only thing I would have changed was the weather. It was terribly hot and all of the activities were outdoors. I miss the dry heat of Colorado. I also miss how it cools down in the evening. D.C. is lacking both of these qualities.
I never cease to be amazed at the history and experiences of my classmates. This weekend I spoke to people in my class I had never spoken to before. Its a little odd. I know their name and handful of facts about them but we have never had an actual conversation. There is still a handful of people I've never had a real conversation with. I am hoping that this will change over the next three weeks but I fear that there is a good possibility I will leave the swearing-in ceremony without knowing some people in my class.
Flag Day is less than two weeks away!!!!! Ahhh!! So crazy. Less than two weeks until we find out where we will next call home. I am so excited but so nervous at the same time.
This past week was a rather short one because it was the week of the offsite trip. They took our class out of the classroom for a couple days so we could get to know each other and work on some leadership and teamwork techniques. It was a lot of fun. The only thing I would have changed was the weather. It was terribly hot and all of the activities were outdoors. I miss the dry heat of Colorado. I also miss how it cools down in the evening. D.C. is lacking both of these qualities.
I never cease to be amazed at the history and experiences of my classmates. This weekend I spoke to people in my class I had never spoken to before. Its a little odd. I know their name and handful of facts about them but we have never had an actual conversation. There is still a handful of people I've never had a real conversation with. I am hoping that this will change over the next three weeks but I fear that there is a good possibility I will leave the swearing-in ceremony without knowing some people in my class.
Flag Day is less than two weeks away!!!!! Ahhh!! So crazy. Less than two weeks until we find out where we will next call home. I am so excited but so nervous at the same time.
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