reflection

My various international experiences have enriched my cultural understanding and worldview which has increased my awareness of global issues, deepened my interests in international affairs, and empowered me to become more involved in global causes. My international coursework in particular has been instrumental in exposing me to a variety of global issues in political, social, and economic spheres. Specifically, I have developed an expertise in European and Asian affairs. I chose Europe as the region of focus for my international studies major which allowed me to develop a deep and complex understanding of European affairs, including European Union complexities, ethnographic conflicts like the Ukraine-Russian war and Catalonian independence movement, transnational issues such as terrorism and healthcare, and religious or cultural differences across the continent. I have also developed a strong understanding of modern global and transnational affairs in Asia from the plethora of electives and supplemental classes I’ve taken in Asian studies. I have taken several courses in Islamic studies and Southeast Asian history which have facilitated my understanding of convoluted modern tensions between Asian migrants and Western communities such as those in Europe. Moreover, I have developed a strong understanding of Islam which has helped me to empathize with people who are very different than me.

While my coursework has served as the foundation for my interests in global affairs, my international travel has fueled the growth of these interests and has empowered me to take action. My internship in South Africa was the first time I traveled outside of the United States and experienced a completely foreign culture. Through this experience I was able to gain a cultural understanding that was unparalleled to that inside of the classroom. More importantly, I was giving back to a community of people who were desperately in need. This was especially rewarding and fulfilling, after years of learning about conflicts, such as apartheid, with minimal experiences or ability to help firsthand. My heritage trip to France further invigorated my desire to become involved with global affairs. In a completely different way from my experience in South Africa, I felt connected to the people in France through my own heritage, which has inspired me to deepen my connection to my ancestral roots. Although the daily hardships and political issues are very different for the people in France, I was still able to recognize the people in need. The dichotomy of my international experiences has shown me that there are many ways to help others across the world and doing so makes the world a little bit brighter for both the people you help and for yourself.

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My international experiences, specifically my French language courses and diverse campus experiences, have contributed to my professional and career development in a variety of ways. Through my French courses, I have reached the Advanced level and am now continuing my practice individually. My ability to read and communicate in French opens the door to new networking and employment opportunities. Specifically, my knowledge of French is useful in the field of law where I hope to ultimately end up working as a patent attorney for pharmaceuticals. The French language is also a beautiful language that I enjoy practicing and has helped me to make new friends abroad and at home.

My leadership experiences on campus as a peer tutor, research assistant, and Hamilton Center fellow have prepared me to adapt to diverse work environments. In particular, my work in the writing center as a peer tutor has trained me to be adaptive in each tutoring session, which has allowed me to exercise a variety of approaches and skills. Being adaptive has improved my cross-cultural communication and deepened my empathy for people from all walks of life, as I have encountered students from all backgrounds, disciplines, and skill levels. In addition to my adaptability, I have developed communication skills and intercultural competencies which will aid in obtaining my first job after graduation. My research experiences have prepared me to present complex work and findings to both team members and diverse audiences without subject matter expertise. I have experience presenting complex work in business law and chemistry to peers in the field and the entirety of the undergraduate student population. While these presentations look very different, they are both important in their own purpose. Through my leadership in the Hamilton Center, I have interacted with students and professionals from around the world, which has allowed me to not only build global networking connections, but has strengthened my appreciation for cultural diversity and inclusion. As a result of my strong foundation in leadership, adaptability, and communication, I feel prepared to take on roles I may be unaccustomed to, which will undoubtedly prepare me for this next chapter in my life.