Hey, all. I'm in technical training for my job here at the Air Force as a linguist. My language is getting tough, and it's starting to affect my performance as an Airman. I joined to prove to myself and others that I was strong enough to not only serve my country, but to succeed in one of the most difficult jobs the armed forces have to offer. Recently my output hasn't been good, across the board. There are options, but I feel like that would be copping out. I could go to study halls, or get a tutor, or ask for extra work, but I can't bring myself to do it, I think more out of pride than anything. I know that I should go, but my pride is one of the only things the service hasn't changed in me, and I'm scared to let that go. My question to you all is this. Can you give me something that will convince me to go? I'm having some trouble doing it myself. I know it seems like a bit of an attention grab, and maybe it is, but I need somepony to pull me up by the collar and give me a reason to go.
For me, getting someone flesh and blood to yell at me to do something always helps. In my mind, disappointing someone is the worse possible thing i could do, worse than the hit to my pride from asking for help. It could just be me, but working for someone else as opposed to myself has always worked wonders.
Remember Applejack, dear friend. Not seeking help when you need it out of pride could very well cause some problems. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you know you can't do it alone.
There's no shame in getting extra help. You'll have PLENTY of pride after succeeding, so it shouldn't hold you back from a greater experience.
I guess I'm worried about changing too. Everyone who is here seems to be cut from the same cloth except for me. I've always been different and proud of it. I love the opportunity I have to serve, but I don't want an integral part of me gone, ya know? It makes perfect sense to go, but I don't like to run with the herd, as it were. I'm going to have to swallow my pride and get some help, aren't I?
I don't know about being cut from the same cloth, but think of it this way: it may sometimes be better to run with the herd than resist it and be trampled. If getting assistance helps you get ahead of where you are now and where can get on your own, don't be afraid to ask. Swallowing your pride now and then doesn't necessarily have to change you. And change isn't all bad, if you ask me. I used to fear changing myself, not knowing what I would become if I underwent a change. But now that I have, thanks to this community, I can say that even after change, I'm still me. I'm just a cheerful and positive me instead of a cynical, fatalistic one. All great people had help getting to the top. There's no shame in it. The only shame comes about from corruption and playing the system to get an unwarranted leg up, and that's not what you're talking about doing.
Thank you so much everypony, I actually got pulled into my MTL (Military Training Leader)s office today, and he explained to me that even though it was tough, I just needed to suck it up and deal, because that's what I signed up for. After thinking about it, I've decided that even though I'm seeing some improvement in my output, I'm going to go ahead with study hall starting next week, and see if it helps more. I'm proud to have such a great community offering support and advice, and hope to keep aiming high!
