So today I started language training, somehow they think that if all I do is study Norwegian for the next 6 months I'll speak it perfectly, silly I know. I have to admit, I was (and still am) very nervous. I have a complex about learning languages. I think it mainly stems from the disappointment apparent on people's faces when they ask me how many languages I speak after learning I grew up all over the world. The answer, by the way, is one. Its english all the way for me. My grade school experience with spanish was also very discouraging (7+ years of instruction, can't speak a lick). I'm trying to be more positive this time around. After all, I'm getting paid to do nothing but learn Norwegian for the next 6 months, that's not all bad right?
Today really felt like the first day of school. I even went to Target last week to buy school supplies including a cute plastic puffy pink pencil case. very exciting I know. We basically had orientation classes all morning so nothing very concrete. I really don't know why I feel more confident now, its not like I walked into class and miraculously spoke fluently. The best part of the day was the afternoon where I sat for a battery of "learning style questionnaires". I shared some choice questions with Hannah and she insisted I blog them. My favorite had to be on a test where I had to rank the statements between 0 and 4 (0 being strongly disagree and 4 being strongly agree).
fav # 1: I like to dress in medieval armor.
fav # 2: I have a hard time distinguishing my dreams from reality.
fav # 3: There is a clear distinction between sane and crazy people.
Seriously? How do these questions really assess my learning style? I think they could pull security clearances based on these questions.
Today also made my realize how much I miss college. I don't think I properly appreciated the fabulousness of college. You have a very clear set of tasks and goals and a firm schedule that changes every semester. What's not to love? I am really looking forward to grad school in the next few years and to prove to myself that I'm actually working towards that goal, instead of just talking about it, I plan to take the GRE while I'm here.
Anyways, who knows, maybe I'll be singing a different tune in a few months but right now I'm not going to knock it. I really think I'm going to enjoy the next six months! yay!
I even took the essential "first day of school" picture. Granted it was in my room, not by the front door but it was just a little too ridiculous to stand in the lobby and try and take a picture of myself.
5 comments:
I once took an aptitude test at a place I worked for 5 years. I was the service manager at the time of the test. We were all told that it was just to see what we were good at or had an aptitude for. We were told of course that taking the test and being truthful would have no bearing on our jobs. I was let go a week later.
I did get a great severance package and it allowed me to finally get into teaching so no regrets, but I did think he was a bit of an underhanded liar about the whole thing at the time.
I am so excited for you to be learning Norwegian, and so it Dad. We are so excited to come and visit soon.
Don't worry--as you start learning Norwegian, every last ounce of Spanish that you ever learned will come rushing back into your mind. Your brain will say, "Foreign language? I have some of that in here--let's see, 'Yo Querio Taco Bell!'" when really, you should be thinking "noo ne, noo ne, noo ne, um dork dork, dork" (Norwegian is like Swedish, right?).
how's the norwegian coming along? Hello, my name is hester... what's your name? Do you know where the library is?
Dad is so excited to speak Norwegian with you. I just want to speak Swedish again.
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