FSS Orientation: Day 1

So, today was the day.  Something that started years ago finally came to pass.  Today was the first day of Foreign Service Orientation (specialists) for me and 80+ other men and women from all different backgrounds, specialties, and areas.

The day started early because, basically, I was awake by 4:30 am.  Since I didn't want to be late on the first day -- and be "that guy" -- I went ahead a got up.  It was nice, though, because I did some yoga, which I think helped me calm down and center.  Shower, coffee, breakfast, and out the door by 6:40.  Metro, Rosslyn to Foggy Bottom, and a walk down 23rd Street and there I was:  outside the Harry S. Truman Building, a.k.a. Main State, and greeting some of my fellow members of the 138th Foreign Service Specialist Orientation class.  

(stock photo from the internet)

Talking with a new colleague, I realized that I forgot my passport.

WHAT?!?!

Yep, I forgot my passport.  I put it specifically out on the counter to remember to bring it, and don't you know went out of my apartment without it.  About 10 seconds of panic thinking I needed to go back to Rosslyn to get it, and then I realized I did remember to bring the original of my birth certificate.  Go figure!  I spoke with one of the HR people helping us and my birth certificate with my MA driver's license would be just fine.

WHEW!  

Did I mention that it was so humid this morning that I was melting inside my suit?  Well, I was.  Good news is that so was everyone else -- it wasn't just me.

Day 1 outfit:  charcoal suit, blue and white striped shirt, red, white and blue rep-striped tie.

How to describe the first day?  Very administrative.  I won't lie -- being inside the Department of State building felt really, really cool.  Definitely.  But today was all about paperwork.  Lots and lots of paperwork.  And PowerPoint.  And lots of information that doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense right now, but will in a bit.

Oh, and having problems with PowerPoint presentations seems to be universal.

We took the Oath of Office* this morning, learned lots of stuff, got lots of handouts on health insurance and retirement, and had a great (and a bit intimidating) security briefing.

Then...we got our badges!  Once I had that and was walking back to the Foggy Bottom Metro station with one of my new FMO colleagues, it really hit me.  

I am diplomacy.  And this is going to be really cool.

*This was taken administratively in order to get on the payroll and receive our badges.  It still has meaning.  Our swearing-in ceremony will be at the end of orientation and we will take the Oath again.