As I write this essay, I am sitting in Bălți after a full day of teaching English to Russian speakers, with two events already completed in Transnistria. Despite the agonizing decision I faced a few months ago, I am confident that I made the right choice. I knew at the time that I could make a broader impact in a position specifically aligned with my skills and interests rather than one where I would have virtually no say in my assignment. I understand that career Foreign Service Officers rarely get to choose their postings, and this does not concern me, because regardless of where I serve, I would be working my dream job as a diplomat. At this early stage in my career, I want to use my time effectively to build skills and experience in a region of the world I am deeply passionate about and to strengthen my proficiency in a language critical to U.S. national security interests.
I thrive in situations that demand creativity, engagement and flexibility. That is why I want to serve as a diplomat. My ability to improvise makes me well-suited for this career. My decision to leave one prestigious international opportunity for another reflects this adaptability. As a diplomat, one must be comfortable with last-minute changes as facts on the ground evolve. In addition to being able to improvise, I understand the importance of staying well-informed about the overarching issues shaping the policymaking process and diplomatic protocol.
As a Perry World House Student Fellow, a European Studies Institute Fellow and a Penn Abroad Ambassador, I was responsible for leading meetings and coordinating interviews for policy projects with top diplomats, as well as conducting extensive background research and preparation for stakeholders.
