I’ve been waiting for this moment from the day I signed up to take the Foreign Service written exam. After going through a relatively quick security investigation and about a month in adjudications (I had an interesting red flag…), I was recently informed that I was added to the Public Diplomacy register.
That’s not all. I found out that out of 116 candidates, I was ranked first. “Shocked” isn’t enough to describe how I felt. Here I am, able to join the Foreign Service at the age of 21. I don’t mean that in a “wow look at me” type of way but instead “my life is moving way way way way too fast” type of way.
I’ve decided to be placed on “Do Not Call” for a few months, giving myself the chance to enjoy the summer and some time with my family and friends. I’m fortunate for a ranking that allows me flexibility so I hope to enter the September A-100 class. Right now, I’m just trying to focus on wrapping up my senior year of college but sometimes I like to daydream and think about what embassies I’d like to bid on.
Maybe this is premature but… I don’t know. I have no idea what will come. All I know is that I feel extremely fortunate, lucky, grateful, and in disbelief. Until last year, I actually had no idea what the Foreign Service was. I thought I’d end up being a lawyer or running for political office somewhere. What’s that saying?
Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.
WOW. Congratulations on your awesome opportunity and on being added to the register! You had a college degree by age 20? That’s amazing. Good for you!
ah i need to edit my writing before publishing! i’m actually 21 and i’m graduating in two weeks. i had the option of starting a-100 in june but that’s way too soon for me. by the way, i really enjoy your writing – keep up the great work!