After 19ish weeks of Spanish I managed to pull together something which vaguely resembled the Spanish language enough to pass the exam! The testing room included an assortment of recording devices which is amazingly disconcerting. I hate to think that my stumbling attempts at Spanish are immortalized forever in the archives of FSI. The test was pretty much what I expected in terms of format and there were moments when I felt like I was definitely being pushed to the edges of what I was able to express in the language. The toughest part of the day was waiting for them to figure out my score. I probably sat there for about 15 minutes which was sufficient time to review in depth all of the various and sundry mistakes I made. Finally, they came out and gave me the good news.
I’m still not happy with my level of Spanish. I’m hoping to continue working once I get to post to improve it, but it is a relief to be done with the test. Next I’m off to ConGen. It is a little weird having to switch gears. On some level I don’t think I ever thought I would get out of Spanish training. So now it is only about 6 more weeks until I leave for post. I haven’t freaked out yet about the security situation in part I think because I am going with a group of friends from my A-100 class and also I seem to be very good at operating in a state of low-level denial when it comes to situations like this. I fully intend to take all the security precautions necessary and recommended, but giving up this job that I love so much is not even an option to me, and so to Juarez I go.
Low-level denial’s one way of dealing with it. Know that the danger is there, but don’t let it rule your life. I just came out of a critical-threat post, and for the first four months I was there I let the danger get to me. You’ll be happier (as will your family back in the States!) if you can manage your fear. You can do it!
Thanks Hannah, it’s good to hear from others who have been in similar situations and made it through to the other side!
Congratulations on the 3/3! That is such an accomplishment – you can be so proud of yourself!!
And I’m glad to hear that you’re going to post with friends you’ve already made. No matter where one is going, it’s a delight to be going with connections and friendships already forged. Good news!
Blessings to you!
It’s Friday, and that means that the Sixth Weekly State Department Blog Roundup is up – and you’re on it!
Here is the link:
http://bit.ly/deo4HK
(If I quoted your text or used your photo(s) and you would rather I had not, please let me know. Please also be sure to check the link(s) that I put up to you, in order to verify that they work properly. If you would rather that I had not referenced you, and/or do not want me to reference you in the future, please also contact me.)
Thanks!
Thanks! It is good to be done with Spanish. I’ve been enjoying your weekly blog round-ups, it’s a great to be able to get a quick digest of what others out in the field are up to. Thanks for doing this every week!
LISA! Congratulations on passing the Spanish test – I hear it’s really tough. I hope I can do the same for Hebrew – luckily I only have to get a 2 to pass the phone test (and finally get off of the register and into an A-100 class!).
Now that I know you’re heading out in May, we’re going to have to get together at least one more time to see you off. I’m glad to know you’re blogging. =)