This Blog

I don't want to make my first post too lengthy so I'll be direct to the point.  I'm writing this blog to help some friends who want to be career diplomats someday by using this as an avenue to prepare them mentally (when we can't meet for pep talks!) before they take the Foreign Service Officers' Exam--undoubtedly the most difficult government exam there is in the face of this country.  At least, that's what a lot of people have been saying.

Personally, I don't have any point of comparison given that this is the only government exam I've taken my entire life.

I guess what makes the FSOE a difficult nut to crack is that you don't really know where to begin studying, what to start reading, how to take that first step.  It's like sailing on a starless night or walking in an endless forest with a broken compass.  It can get that confusing.

I want this blog to be a map or a compass of sorts.  It may not guarantee that the examinee will make it all the way, but I'm sure it will help anyone who wants to take the FSOE a head start in his or her review.  One of the greatest killers in any kind of exam is when you start to feel that you can't make it.  Preparation gives you that confidence that you will be able to make it and from there, it ultimately becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This blog will be short.  I may not even be able to update it anymore once I feel that its purpose has been served.  I hope this will help.

Whoever you are, if you're determined to be one of the lucky few who will make it to the FSOE's less than 10% passing rate, let me just tell you that no test is too difficult for as long as you gave preparing for it your best shot.

Consider this my way of paying forward the kindness and the generosity of all the people who have helped me on my way to becoming a career diplomat.