Some succeed because they're destined. Others succeed because they're determined.

Before the symposium began, an individual— sitting next to me— and I introduced ourselves. Naturally, we began conversing and the gentleman was originally from Pakistan. Come to find out, he studied at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University! Following in his father's path, he is also a diplomat.

During a break between the symposium's two segments, he introduced me to several ambassadors. My discussions with these leading and accomplished individuals reiterated the importance of maintaining and strengthening international relations in the social and political sector. The discussions also made me realize how much I desire to be a part of the global relationship. I understand the field I want to enter is competitive, but I am determined to be part of it.

I have been forced to prioritize since first living in D.C. I realize that what I want to do in the end could be hindered by what I do and do not do in the near, fasting approaching future. It's not that I have a lot to think about, but what it's what I'm thinking about that is and has been a significant part of my life. If I were invincible, I could everything, but I'm not. Stretching yourself thin only makes you mediocre because everything you focus on suffers. Sacrificing even one activity or person, whether that's studies, family and friends, health or an organization, is difficult to grapple, but an individual cannot do it all and still devote a hundred percent. At some point, guilt manifests itself because you know someone or something is suffering.

I'm unsure what will follow May 2010, but I hope with the right stepping stones and circumstances I will be living and working abroad. Afterwards, I am enrolling in graduate school. I’m unsure of a specific focus within international relations to pursue, and the purpose of being abroad during the interim is to determine that. My uphill battle also includes gaining a foreign language competency prior to applying. But I do know the school I hope to attend, and that itself will influence my prioritization.

I conclude with my favorite quote and title of this post: Some succeed because they're destined. Others succeed because they're determined.