At the top of the Pyramid!

It has been sometime since I did some serious blogging. Followers of this blog would know that I had been busy with studies for the most part of 2009. Well, I ripped open an important mail that came in yesterday and am happy to announce that I have finally completed my studies and passed all the tests and exams on my first attempt. Applause! Applause!!!

The all-important mail came from the Japanese Cultural Society, which informed me that I had passed and  scored 78.5% on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 3 and that was well beyond my expectations. I felt really really pleased with myself as I had undertaken the test out of  free will (out-of-pocket as well) and committed myself to a solid 8 months of self-study. This meant less time for frivolous activities (like blogging : )) and musing about the state of affairs of the economy. In addition, I also had to juggle work as well as my the CIA exams (No, I am not training myself to be an undercover agent … more on this in a future post). For my learning journey, you can click here , here, here and here.

Why did I put myself through this punishing schedule? I can only think of one reason and that is out of  love for the Japanese language and culture. HR folks would love me for saying this … At least for the moment, I have arrived at the apex of the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid … at the point of SELF ACTUALISATION! 

After working for several years, I felt there was surely more to life than just building one’s career and earning the dough. I wanted to prove to myself that my mind has not gone into hibernation mode and that I could manage time amid the busyness. It is easy to fall into the trap of routine and monotany and not engage the mind therefore, I am happy with this tiny bit of success and accomplishment.

I would be putting up my score card and the certificate once I have collected them. Happy! よかったね！