Learning curve (np): A graph that depicts rate of learning, especially a graph of progress in the mastery of a skill against the time required for such mastery(Answers.com)
In the beginning, I was too naive, too relenting, and too slow.
Fast forward 10 months... I've learned to be critical (hopefully not overly so), relentless, and relatively swift.
Managing administrative work (and occasionally staff) in this special place entails several special skills (which I will elaborate in the following paragraphs). More often than not, there's a mountain of paperwork to be done and no one in particular strives to conquer this Everest. All too often, one has to do some wild goose chasing, which inadvertently requires one to perform way out of one's job description.
Help!Today was a perfect example. I had to track down a nameless person in authority (simply because the department administration has no idea of her name) to sign a relatively important document pertaining to our exit from this country (or something to that effect because nothing in it was written in English). Thereafter, I was expected (heck, demanded more like) to track down yet another unknown person and then make several copies of the said document for several parties involved.
Oh, yes. I did mention that I'm a teacher, didn't I?
But I digress (not entirely I might add).
If it were 10 months ago, I would have broken down and cried. Remember, no one speaks much English here, especially in the Idara'ama (main administration).
10 months ago, I would've given up. I would've said it was impossible to hunt for a nameless person in the huge maze also known as the largest public educational institute in this fair city. Let alone two. In short, I would've thrown the proverbial towel in.
But today. Today, I allowed myself five minutes of ranting (on the phone to the long-suffering hubby). Then I buckled down and tackled the job.
Ranting... it's good for the soul
You and me both, CharlieTrue enough. When I found Mrs. K, (she wasn't in her room, so I had to go on a minor quest, but that's another story for another day), I showed her the above mentioned Arabic document, which she read in a trice, and then pointed me to the correct corridor.
Part one solved. Nameless person now has a name and more importantly, a door number.
Now, on to part two. This previously nameless person, let's call her Mrs. F, doesn't speak a word of English. Somehow I had to ingratiate myself so that she'd be willing to spend some time with me and to sign this document. The last thing one wanted was for her to be offended (which can happen rather suddenly for seemingly no reason) and then refusing to cooperate and worst, dallying the paperwork. What to do, what to do, what to do? A task made doubly difficult with linguistic abilities taken away. Well, nothing a friendly 10,000 mega-watt smile and a standard greeting (remember, never in English) wouldn't help. :)
I did just that and like a lamb, she signed the document (but not without making me go upstairs first to get a copy of another document from yet another person).
And there. I was half-way through! I'll not bore you with the rest of the details because the steps are mainly repetitive from thence onwards. However, (in the true manner of a good teacher *grin*), let's recap the special skills required:-
1) Find someone who really likes you.
2) Be extremely friendly (a smile will usually take you a long way, but no guarantee because in reality, everything hinges on skill no. 1, as per above)
3) Greet in native language (very appeasable most of the time, but again no guarantee; see skill no. 1)
4) Have a truck-load of patience (the running around, especially in a 40degC weather, can get to one's nerves all too easily)
Literally grinning and bearingIn conclusion, to get two signatures on a single sheet document took me an hour. And THAT is a major accomplishment. 10 months ago, it would've taken me a whole day. I'm proud of myself. I'm proof that the learning curve is errorless.
Goooooood!
No good!KHALAS! Shukran! Ma'asalamah!
(Done! Thank you! Goodbye!)
PS:- If Carrie can talk about the cheating curve, I can talk about the learning curve! :D
Carrie Quote:-
Carrie: Someone's definition of what constitutes cheating is in direct proportion to how much they themselves want to cheat.
Miranda: That's moral relativism.
Carrie: I prefer to think of it as quantum cheating.
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phew! i'm tired from just reading this post. :p
evie said...
12 June 2008 07:06
hahah, i wasnt tired at all reading this post! it was darn interesting =) here i am trying to grow up soo fast when i just realised, growing up is a kinda slow progress..i guess even at 70 there are things to learn and things to be more mature about!
about you growing... KUDOS! its amazing what a few months in a foreign country can change your life eh? and yes i agree, ranting is kinda good for the soul.. bad for the hubby, but im sure it works both ways =) although come to think of it, men complain much less compared to us girls..
oh yes, another thing.. it almost seemed like they wanted you to stop being a teacher for a day and become a private investigator or something.. like you gotta look for a missing person type thing. i have yet to learn the frustration of admin work, but i kind thrive on being meticulous.. i hope that helps me in my future admin work =p
thx for reminding me that knowledge always.... ALLLLLWWAAYYSS comes in time..
oh, about that entrecard thingy, most of the info can be found on your dashboard.. its quite easy after you get the hang of it =)
by the way, still going out for makan on weekends? more al-baik? heheh..hugs!
Raising Mercury said...
12 June 2008 22:39
Evie: Hahaha... although it really isn't a laughing matter, I try to see this experience in a more humorous light in retrospection. :P
RM: There are always things to be learned. :) Life's like that. Spring surprises and whatnot in the least expected moment.
Yeah, men like to keep everything bottled up. I don't get it either (despite having dated the same man for 7 years and then getting married to the very same one). :P Life's mystery, eh, men? :P
Being meticulous helps TREMENDOUSLY, but this, unfortunately, is rare these parts. :( Important docs and papers have been known to be lost before whilst in the care of the admin. :(((
I've got more pics of the city. Will put them up as soon as I've transfered them into my laptop. :D
Aschafava said...
14 June 2008 16:08
hi keef halek hhhhhhhh
have anice day relly you are amzaing to learn and catch all the maining relly i apprciat you for that i'm in jeddah just if you need any help i'm under your order just because you are seems relly so nice sory mybe my writing it's bad but that is my teatcher told me but in speaking i'm good i hope i can make frindeship with you
alot of roses for you
ameen 0506691625
Anonymous said...
5 July 2008 08:42
Hi Ameen! (I hope you're not one of my Saudi students from Msia! :D) Thanks for leaving a comment and thank you for offering to help. But I'm leaving Jeddah on the 8th of July. However, do drop me a line whenever you get to Malaysia! :D
Take care!
Aschafava said...
5 July 2008 15:00