D-

As a student, I like A’s. I am, in fact addicted to them, and to the ideal of trying to do things in the most perfect way possible. In Uganda, people talk about passing (at 40 percent). Whether through getting a band that consists of two drummers and a trumpeter that can only play one line of one chorus, or through building structures that will topple within a decade, or using a mop that consists of a rag, or building doors and windows that don't fit in their frames, or keeping all motor vehicles at a halfway operational status, it seems as though the focus here is on D- work. If a D- takes an hour, then a C takes four and an A+ takes 20—therefore, it seems as though people really work quickly because poor quality doesn’t take time. In fact, there is a fundamental misunderstanding of why someone would spend a long time on something in pursuit of perfection. For example, no one in my community knew what good tone on a trumpet was until I demonstrated it—they were just used to the kid that blows three notes in ear- shattering volume. Furthermore, this marching band only marches down the road; formations, songs, coordination—not part of the picture. My sisters cannot understand why my master’s completion paper is taking so long, and no one fathoms why an American built a high quality, time consuming structure in my village.
I am at a loss as to what I should change and what I should leave. There are so many little things I could nitpick, but I think I need to focus on what I am doing. Doing activity plans and budgets was another thing I felt to be poor work, but at least we compiled an improved plan for one of the activities. This is why peace corps volunteers, however, are useful. If I can bring a project from a D- to a C, I will feel as though I’ve done something. Don’t worry, however, I am pursuing that A on my paper!