Friday, April 4, 2008

Inter A-100 Class Happy Hour

Last night Alan, Sicily and I went to a happy hour for the 139th A-100 class, sponsored by the 137th A-100 class at the Brickskeller in Dupont Circle. Members of the 138th A-100, which is Alan's class, were also there. After a dinner of onion rings, garlic vegetables and Belgian beer with talked about the realities of A-100 with the next in-coming class.

It was interesting to give information and answer questions for people that are about to start with the State Department. We had forgotten all of the questions we used to have. It showed us how much we have learned and have started to adjust. We will definitely take advantage of any future networking activities, since you learn so much.

Less than seven days to flag day!

4 comments:

debbie mcclure said...

I am waiting anxiously to take my orals. One quick question you might be able to answer...can you leave town on the weekends during A100? My daughter will be in her Sr. year and I might need to fly home for her Sat. night graduation...
A little early to fret, but it would be nice to know one way or the other...
thanks!

Natalie Buda Smith said...

Yes, you can leave town on your weekends - your days off. The only time that you will not be able to leave town is during the off-site, which is usually two nights, three days during the week. Congratulations!

Natalie Buda Smith said...

To expand on my comment above, just in case: You are able to leave town on your days off, but you are not allowed to take days off during training. You must attend every day of training, which when Alan attended was limited to Monday through Friday.

Anonymous said...

I stayed here (in the upstairs hotel) during my FSOA, and celebrated that night with a beer downstairs that evening. Waiting for clearances now, but I hope to follow in your footsteps one of these days/months/years!