Major: Political Science
Minor: Economics
Hometown: Queens, NY

How did you learn about this opportunity?

I learned about this enrichment experience through the Liberal Arts Newswire which announces internship and job opportunities at the end of each email. The Newswire is sent to one's student email on a weekly basis.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

I am currently at the mid-point of this internship experience. So far, I have been able to attend the Center for Global Studies (CGS) sponsored lectures and write about the events to be published in the CGS newspaper. I’ve assisted with the smooth operation of CGS programs such as the World Stories Alive Series in which we invite native speakers of foreign languages to teach children 3-8 years old -- at their prime age to learn new languages -- foreign languages. I’m also in charge of social media and have worked to advertise CGS events. Finally, I am beginning to develop a K-12 (kindergarten to senior high) curriculum on the country Myanmar.

How did this experience impact you academically?

Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. It happens in daily life outside of the classroom, and the best form of learning occurs through experience. The CGS allows its interns to learn through experience. For instance, I had to do data entry and an analysis based on a survey reported by graduate students who attended one of CGS workshops. Although the task was not rocket science, it allowed me to see the long and arduous work that professional researchers and political scientists have to go through to produce the scientific papers and other work that students take for granted. It made me more appreciative of the work academics do. In addition, attending lectures by leaders from various fields all related to global studies is certainly insightful.

Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom. It happens in daily life outside of the classroom, and the best form of learning occurs through experience.

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

After graduation, I plan to get involved with the Peace Process in Myanmar. Myanmar has been plagued by ethnic conflicts for half a century and is striving to end the longest ongoing ethnic conflict in the world. After the country transitioned to democracy, efforts to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement have been made. I was aware of my interest in the Peace Process in Myanmar before interning with CGS, but CGS is arming me with the tools that I will need to be successful as a professional researcher. In other words, CGS is serving as a great transition from the school to work environment.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

I would recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students who are interested in global issues and who are seeking a great work experience in an environment designed to teach interns.