From: "Zachary Foreman"

Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 18:37:17 GMT+2

Subject: Foreign service exam and... life after Stanford

First, I'd like to thank everyone for the positive feedback that I have received for these messages (I am interpreting all of the sarcastic ones literally, I feel better that way).I especially want to commend the wonderful Carolyn Anzia for continuing the fine tradition of lengthy, introspective narratives which involve clueless Stanfordites adrift in foreign lands (as well as for mentioning me twice in a positive light (again, I think taking things as complements makes everyone happier).So, this past weekend was the dreaded American Foreign Service Exam. For those of you who aren't familiar with it or the Foreign service I will explain (others can skip the next few paragraphs (still others can skip the whole message, I can't stop you, I won't even know, but you will feel the guilt... oh yes, it will stay with you, gnawing at a corner of your mind, just beneath your consciousness... sorry, uh, nevermind.) *Ahem* The U.S. Foreign Service is composed of all those people who work in consulates and embassies as well as certain departments in Washington. Basically, they represent the U.S., keep the U.S. informed of what's going on, protect citizens abroad (in theory), etc, etc. The process for entry is fairly elaborate. First the applicant must apply (hence the name), then he (I am saying he not because I am sexist but because I am Zachist i.e. I am thinking of myself and my own experiences rather than an abstract neuter being of the homo sapien persuasion) takes the exam (given yearly) and a certain percentage who pass (some say 10 some 20) will go on to take the all day oral exam (in Washington, St. Louis or San Francisco). Then a lengthy background check, and ones name will be listed as qualifying for certain posts and the posts will be filled by going down the list. The test covers U.S history, government, foreign policy, culture, and world geography, current events, economics, and other odd things. The other part covers use of the language (grammar, editing, reading comprehension) the third portion (guess I shouldn't have said "other") tries to make sure that the applicant is relatively mentally stable and will not become a disgruntled government employee and end up shooting his coworkers, his boss, himself and his pet turtle. Also, they would like to weed out anyone who would sell his country away for a lifetime supply of vodka and borscht. I think you can guess which part I am most worried about passing. As an IR major, I have a certain amount of pride. I feel insecure since not only am I a "fuzzie" (liberal arts/social science major- Stanfordish/English Dictionary) but I am an interdisciplinary fuzzie. If I were studying English or History or even Communication, I would have my own department and therefore, a measure of respect. But what do I get? A little office in the History building, competition with hordes of pre-laws, classes scattered in the PoliSci, Econ, and History buildings (not to mention Wilbur Modules). So, the test represents far more than the entry into a secure job, subsidized by America's taxpayers. It represents the redemption of a liberal arts education and, even more, International Relations. This is trivia that is not trivial (how important, really, are most sport statistics (unless you are a bookie)?). You may not think that the fact that Tutsi's are a ruling minority in Rwanda and Burundi, but it's a matter of life and death to some. And I just think it's cool to know the names of the 15 former soviet republics as well as the 15 Lander (dots over the a) in Germany (in German!). According to my standard, I'm just about the coolest person in the world. I will send this off, even if it seems like an abrupt ending. Much has happened since then and I will write of it soon (like snow and Zareen's visit). I am currently frantically trying to maintain my email account (without having to pay tuition). One more thing though... It seems that this thanksgiving will be the loneliest in a long time. I'm not sure what I will do. Maybe, hmm... a vegetarian thanksgiving in Poland isn't really a special occasion. But I still have much to be thankful for.

Cheers!

Zach