Dear Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council:
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the 2018 Emerging Leaders Program at the 2018 Global Ties U.S. National Meeting in Washington, D.C. To be amongst 20 other Emerging Leaders, over 70 ambassadors, and more than 1,000 exchange makers was truly an extraordinary experience. When I received the email from Judy Donner at Global Ties U.S. congratulating me on acceptance into the program, I was ecstatic! I was excited for new experiences and expanding my knowledge on potential career paths. My time at the National Meeting included attending sessions, networking, a luncheon with ambassadors, an embassy reception, and a visit to the U.S. Department of State.
On the first day of the National Meeting, I escorted multiple ambassadors from Libya, Bulgaria, and Switzerland for a luncheon. I had the honor of sitting next to the chargé d’affaires of Belarus, Mr. Pavel Shidlovsky. Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council Executive Director Jena Melançon and I were able to discuss more about Global Ties U.S., the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council.
Before attending a reception at the Embassy of the Argentine Republic, I heard from staff members who work for FHI 360, WorldDenver, and GlobalTies U.S. Each panelist provided their story on how they got where they are today, resume tips, and they answered any questions we had for them in regard to pursuing a certain career. Another rewarding meeting was with Carmen Mezzera of Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) who provided me with potential options to either pursue graduate school right away or to take a few years and continue to gain professional experience. My fellow Emerging Leaders and I attended the embassy reception which was delightful and my first time at an embassy.
The second day of the National Meeting was my most memorable day because my fellow Emerging Leaders and I visited the U.S. Department of State for a simulation scenario and we had the chance to meet current staffers. The simulation scenario was about a refugee crisis. I really enjoyed the simulation because it was my first one and I was able to experience diplomacy in action. The current staffers were extremely kind and helpful while discussing possible opportunities with the State Department. I was able to speak with a few of them about applying for the Peace Corps as well as to discuss my conditional offer as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru. Following this session was the Department of State reception where I was able to network with other community based members and Department of State staffers.
My final day at the National Meeting was bittersweet. I had the chance to meet wonderful people doing great things and then it was time to fly home. Not only did the National Meeting open up many doors, it provided me more information about citizen diplomacy and the ways in which we can continue to make citizen diplomacy in Pensacola a success. It was a pleasure meeting everyone and I feel more confident in pursuing my career goals working in international affairs and public diplomacy. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you Global Ties U.S., Jena Melançon, and most importantly, everyone at the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council!
Sincerely,
Racine Frank
Racine Frank is a student at the University of West Florida and began her internship in our office in January 2017. She recently attended the 2018 national meeting on citizen diplomacy in Washington, D.C., a meeting sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Twenty emerging leaders from all over the country were selected to attend, and the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council was pleased to have northwest Florida represented by Racine.
