Fast Facts:

Department: Communications
Hometown: Rye, NY
College/University and Major: Occidental College, Diplomacy and World Affairs 
Languages spoken: English, Thai, French
Go-to source for interesting takes on what’s going on in the world: The New York Times (I prefer hard-copies)
The last thing I Googled for work: “North Korea nuclear tests”
Fun Fact: I lived in Burma, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Ukraine

What drew you to the Pacific Council?

I am interested in pursuing a career in international affairs and the Pacific Council was the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the field. The Council provides a dynamic perspective on global issues by engaging experts through innovative, cutting edge for processing ideas and possibilities. These international agenda issues are perfectly framed in their newsroom articles. 

Throughout my college courses I spent a majority of my time learning about international relations theory. The Pacific Council would provide me with the opportunity to apply what I learned in school to the real world and see these theories in action. What stood out to me was how the Pacific Council recognizes the importance of discourse in the policy-making process. It brings together non-traditional international policy experts such as entrepreneurs, thought leaders, business people, and civil society to incorporate new perspectives on global affairs.

When did you first realize you had a passion for international affairs?

I have always had a passion for international affairs since I spent most of my childhood abroad. My father worked for the United Nations Development Program, so I got a firsthand experience of his work. One of my more distinct memories that triggered my passion was when I accompanied my father on one of his field excursions. We took a trip to rural rice fields in the northern part of Cambodia where we met with local farmers. I got a chance to learn how their lives had drastically improved because of a new development in a more resistant strain of rice. 

In that moment I realized the interconnectivity of the world where one development has ripple effects throughout the world. However, it was not until high school that I decided I wanted to work in the field of international affairs. After learning about various genocides I decided that within international affairs, I was most interested in human rights.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done since starting at the Pacific Council?

I got a chance to listen in and live-tweet a conference call on the tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. I had taken a class on modern Iran, so I was intrigued to hear the perspective of two prestigious experts on the issue. A large portion of the class material was dedicated to the Iranian Revolution and the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini. Thus, during the conference call, it was interesting to hear the consequences of the revolution and the differences in Iranian relations with the rest of the world under Ayatollah Khomeini versus his successor.

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The Pacific Council’s Junior Fellowship program offers students and recent graduates the unique opportunity to work alongside our staff of non-profit and foreign policy professionals. Apply now to become a Summer 2016 Junior Fellow!