Why?

Competence sir. I-I tell you now. I aint the most confident man out here. I done been a nomad, refugee, drifter. I aint from nowhere but the shore. And -

The shore?

Yes sir. Every print I leave in the sand will be gone by the next day. Sometimes I stay long enough just to build me a sandcastle and I’d pretend it was my kingdom but I knew it won’t gone last. I’m temporary.

Stop speaking in metaphors son.

Sorry sir. It's just a poem by my favorite writer sir. It really res-resonate with me. But I ain't got no home. I ain't ever felt at home in this world and I ain’t got no skill set to rely on when I end up somewhere new, save for on the field. Them fields bout the only thing I ever cultivated. But I can work sir. Ain’t no one that can outwork me. If you grant me the opportunity sir, I can become a competent man. I won’t need a home as I’ll feel at home in my own skin and I know I can handle myself wherever I go. Won’t be just some low man or drifter no more. I’ll be confident.

Are you doing this to be loved?

Ain't that why we do anything sir? Love. I-It don’t t come unconditionally. Gotta provide something.

That’s not a healthy way of approaching this son.

Sir. I could be honest with you o-or tell you what you wanna hear. I can say that (code-switching, even stops stuttering) “I am looking forward to pursuing this opportunity as I believe it will provide me with an education and experiences that will grant me incomparable benefits for the rest of my life. It will provide me with the opportunity to become a fully competent man prepared for the world. I’ve always wanted to travel the world and knew one day I’d wear the powder blue and cream. Service, work ethic, and help me become a man” I could tell you that. But I’ve traveled the world, sir. I did the labor they did for free and called service. And quite honestly I don't care for the colors. I just want to travel but on different terms than what I have been.

What terms do you think you’ll be able to travel on this time?

Up until now, I been forced to relocate looking for scraps, hoping to survive, alone. This time it’s on my own terms, or at least more favorable terms than begging and a new family waiting for me at the end.

I understand. Well, do you have any questions for me?

Well I know I can’t ask too much about the process but when did you become a renaissance man, and how has it-

I didn’t. I'm here for oversight. We’re trying to ensure those who participate in the mandatory study abroad program have an ample opportunity to participate in this elevated opportunity. You’ve been very honest with me so I’ll level with you. You add just as much value to this world as you do now as you will after this year is over. Just in this interview, I’ve gathered you are an intelligent young man. But you are young. You don't need this to be the man you want to be. You are going to embark on an experience that very few people get to make, but if you do it just to be loved or to pass a test, it will be all for naught. It is a beautiful world, at least it can be, and I am sorry that what you’ve experienced hasn’t been favorable. I hope this year you’re able to admire and enjoy the simple things. I don’t know the inner workings of this process but I need you to know love, respect, and kindness are not something you earn. You deserve it. It’s not transactional. This shit don’t change nothing. You’re already a ma- voice cracks. Here's your calendar. In this you will find your calendar, test, and pages for your mandatory journal entries. Protect it with your life. If you have any questions contact the number on the inside of the back cover. If you fail to pass a test you will not be able to move to the next location. You are not allowed to break the seal to the test/assignment before you make it to that location. If you choose to accept this commitment please say I do.

I do.

You are free to open your calendar.

Is this…forreal..?!!

Can you bring the next interviewee in?

Deangelo

Calendar 2035 January 1st - January 14th Guyana Jan 15th - 28th Cuba January 29th - February 11th SIERRA LEONE February 12 - 25th Panama February 26th - March 11th LIBYA March 12th - 25th VENEZUELA March 26th - April 8th CABO VERDE April 9th - 22nd PALESTINE April 23rd - May 6th TANZANIA May 7th - 20th BRAZIL May 21st - June 3rd GUINEA BISSAU June 4th - 17th HAITI June 18th - July 1st PARAGUAY July 2nd - 15th LIBERIA July 16th - 29th MALI July 30th - August 12th BOTSWANA August 13th - 26th NAURU August 27th - September 9th MAURITIUS September 10th - 23rd USA (HAWAII) September 24th - October 7th CUBA October 8th - 21st GUATEMALA October 22nd - November 4th Undisclosed location November 5th - 18th TOGO November 19th - December 2nd MALI December 3rd - 16th SOLOMON ISLANDS December 17th - 31st JAPAN (Tokyo)

Along with the sealed physical and/or competency assessment the applicant must pass written test on an elementary history of the country, memorize conversion rates to the U.S. Dollar. Perform service in that country

At the end the candidate must be conversational in five languages of their choice and learn to play one instrument (cannot be an instrument you’ve known how to play prior)

Failure to complete 22 of the 26 within the given time period will result in the dismissal of your candidacy.

All of the materials you need are located in the backpack and suitcase. Your passport is in the front pocket.

It is in your voice, speaking in your metaphors, and I don't have the feeling that I know how to improve it.