I have just over one week of Russian language training remaining and, of course, I feel like I’m in the middle of a big ol’ slump. I can’t get any coherent thoughts out, conjugate a verb to save my life, and don’t even get me started on those damned Russian cases.
I honestly feel like I peaked about two or three weeks ago. Instead of this scheduled test system, I wish that our teachers could declare us passed at any moment when manage to rattle off some brilliant prose. Actually, I feel pretty decent about normal chit-chat in Russian. It is the diplomatic speech that we’re taught and tested on that is getting me lately. Ask me about my weekend and I’m alright, tell me to discuss the impacts of globalization on the world and I’m a blubbering mess.
I just want to be done now. My teachers are great, but I think I’ve hit my limit. I entered the Foreign Service last May and I’m still here in DC while some of my colleagues are more than half way through their first tour. If I have to sit through one more FSI cafeteria meal I’m going on a rampage and I’ll find out what my diplomatic immunity can do for me.
Tags: Training
6 comments
Comments feed for this article
Trackback link
http://greatdiversions.com/2007/03/27/the-final-push-to-mediocraty/trackback/
March 28, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Laura
My Czech test is next Thursday, and I’m with you. Is this over yet? Good luck!
March 28, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Consul-At-Arms
Hang in there, you’re doing great.
March 29, 2007 at 12:30 am
MC
I know the feeling all too well. Rest assured, though, it will pass. It’s always hardest to see the light at the end of the tunnel when it’s just close enough to make out but still far enough away that it seems like it’ll be forever before you actually reach it. Language training can be a real drag toward the end, and the thought of all those colleagues out there “actually doing things” while it seems like you’re still at the starting line can be maddening. Trust me, though, you’ve already gotten through the worst of it. Best of luck to you on your test!
March 29, 2007 at 10:33 am
Shawn
Thanks for all the encouragement.
I’m at least fortunate that unlike my friend who has spent the last six months learning French to go to Kinshasa, I don’t have to worry too much about State not allowing me to go because my post has turned into a war zone.
Good luck with your test, Laura.
March 30, 2007 at 2:24 am
Ryan
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, Shawn. You been watching the news from over here?
April 5, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Laura
BTW, I’m totally with you on the cafeteria. I’m about to start Con-Gen and thus will be at FSI for longer periods of time and more in need of food. I find myself at the vending machines more often than not because I just can’t handle paying $7 for a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. Maybe I’ll revert to my ramen noodle college days.