International Affairs Masters, Diplomatic Career, Human Rights

International Affairs Masters, Diplomatic Career, Human Rights Personal Statement

My great-grandparents hailed from Dresden, Germany. Though they were not Jewish, they anticipated the looming danger in the late 1930s and managed to escape to America just in time. Tragically, many of their relatives perished a few years later during the firebombing. At 20, the events of September 11, 2001, sparked my political and international awareness. Witnessing the attack and its aftermath pushed me to mature quickly, driving me to engage politically and support my country. Since then, I have passionately delved into global history, with the ambition of becoming a diplomat to represent my country abroad.

The intersection of international affairs, national security, and human rights is central to my professional interest and passion. My goal is to contribute positively to society by ensuring our country's safety from terrorism and advocating for fundamental human rights, both domestically and internationally. I aim to be a professional communicator at a diplomatic level, tackling political and diplomatic challenges to create safer environments for Americans overseas through sustainable diplomatic initiatives.

I aspire to work with the UN, the State Department, or a non-governmental organization, immersing myself in international affairs, national security, and the pursuit of greater recognition and enforcement of human rights. My ultimate success would be to emulate Hillary Clinton, though I would also be content to advance to a management role in a private security or human rights organization. Currently, I am studying International Relations at XXXX University in Scotland as part of a semester-long study abroad program. I have interned with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress in Washington, D.C., a non-profit focused on promoting leadership within the executive and legislative branches. This experience taught me to think creatively about innovative solutions to national challenges and deepened my appreciation for preserving the historic memory of the Presidency. Regardless of my professional path, I will continue studying history, as my greatest joy is understanding the successes and failures of American leadership.

I am extremely competitive and diligent, unmatched in my work ethic. I quickly grasp new concepts and efficiently complete tasks. Much of the praise I receive is for my writing skills, and my greatest honor during my internship was being chosen to write a research paper due to the staff's admiration for my abilities.

I will graduate with honors—after just three years—from XXXX University in May 2013. Until Christmas, I am deeply engaged in History, International Relations and Diplomacy, and Conflict Intervention studies here in Scotland. I have taken several courses on international affairs, including Transnational Issues and US Foreign Policy.

My primary interests lie in national security and human rights. I am particularly fascinated by nuclear proliferation and ongoing conflicts in developing countries, especially in the Middle East. I have always been deeply committed to women's rights both internationally and domestically and am a strong advocate for educating and empowering women.

I gained significant self-awareness while volunteering for a month in a rural Costa Rican town in July 2010, teaching Basic English and Math to underprivileged children aged 5-11.

Having grown up in South Texas with exposure to Spanish from a young age, I communicated well with the children. I also organized and participated in extracurricular activities, such as soccer, Frisbee, arts, and crafts. This experience taught me that I am most at ease living, working, and thinking in a foreign language abroad. I am grateful to be bilingual, as it will aid me in learning a third language, Arabic.

In 2006, I co-founded a tennis camp called XXXX, teaching underprivileged children from a nearby trailer park and group home the basics of tennis. I played tennis competitively throughout my life and had hoped to secure a college scholarship until a severe ankle injury ended my tennis career.

The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress was founded by a former NATO Ambassador, Dr. XXXX. I was thrilled to work alongside experienced policymakers and former government officials. I conducted extensive research and produced a substantial amount of policy analysis in support of the Center’s projects. I also helped organize meetings with public officials, the media, Presidential scholars, and NGO leaders, as well as assisted with conferences, publications, and public relations outreach.

A project of particular importance to me was my 15-page research paper on the politicization of the intelligence community, focusing on the failed intelligence practices of the Bush Administration and the CIA prior to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. My experience with the Center has made me confident in my ability to excel in your rigorous program. I appreciate your consideration of my application.

International Affairs Masters, Diplomatic Career, Human Rights