The world is my playground

At the time I wrote post, I was on a flight to Tokyo, Japan.
Friday, sometime in the A.M. according to Tokyo time.


I'm currently on my way to Tokyo, Japan for three full days of international exploring. While I have visited Mexico twice, Denmark and Sweden, this is my first solo excursion. As I'm sitting on the plane, which is where I'm handwriting this post, I'm simultaneously nervous and excited. Originally, my brother and I planned to travel together, but plans fell through, and here I am on a 14-hour flight to Tokyo. Upside, I'm traveling first-class on a 747. Thank you Cindy!! Although my brother is unable to accompany me, I'm still thrilled. I always believe everything happens for a reason, such as knowing that I can do this trip independently.

As I shared with people that was going by myself, I had a few positive responses, but the majority of people looked at me like I was out of my mind. "What!? By yourself!? Aren't you scared?" To answer, yes, it's natural I'm nervous, and I honestly cannot believe I am doing this on my own. For most of us, we have few, or many, grandeur ideas and objectives. But it's the final, "I'm doing it," that differentiates the thinkers from the doers. It's so easy to put off what we want to do; we will always have a reason to not do it. Well then, I ask, "What is your excuse for doing it then?" If you're going to think it, why not go with it?" My response: because I want to. Because I can. Why can't that be your excuse?

I don't just want to be a part of my city, state and country. I want to be a part of our world. The evening before I left for Japan, I met a friend of a friend. As we were discussing my trip, I told him I thought of the world as a playground. Think back to when you were a kid, and recess/lunch was your favorite part of the day. Right? We looked forward to the imagined games, merry-go-round, swings, slides...all of it! Each recess was slightly different from the previous one because we focused our attention on whatever looked appealing at that time. Not only did we love exploring all it had to offer, but it also became a setting for us to overcome challenges. For some, the tallest slide was intimidating. For others, they just couldn't get the swings down. Well, right now I'm looking at the opposite end of the monkey bars, hoping I'll cross them successfully.

But through it all, I'm blessed to have the encouragement and opportunity to do such a thing. Although I know my dad is beside himself--yes, dad, I can still tell though you try to hide it-- he knows I can accomplish this. Also, it doesn't hurt having my step mom as my cheerleader, telling me, "Do this! You're going to love it!" Thank you!

Who thought I would be traveling to Japan with just my backpack, Lonely Planet's Tokyo and a Japanese dictionary? Some who truly know me believe it, whilte others think I'm crazy. As I see it, the world becomes smaller every day. Globalization is taking effect, and it's unstoppable. The opportunities to visit and travel the world are here. What are you waiting for??? Culture barriers are breaking down. Ideas and values are transcending borders and seas at record speed. Almost every single culture is incorporating a little bit of someone else's, yet still maintaining their own, distinct way of life. By already being on this plane, I feel I've accomplished the most difficult part-- putting my hands on the first rung of the monkey bars and letting my legs dangle. It's exhilarating to not feel the support of the ground beneath my feet.

Because of its people, D.C. is beautiful

I packed Friday, finished last minute errands, and celebrated my final hours into the early morning before landing in Des Moines Saturday. Throughout the last four months in D.C., I was shoved, yelled at, and upset by strangers. But I also experienced the city's random, unexpected acts of kindness and hope I was able to reciprocate to those I encountered. I leave D.C. appreciative and thankful for the memories, which are endless, I will always remember.

Trading in the heels for flip-flops, or possibly a straw roof

Update: It's down to the last few days, and we are finishing-or starting- papers that could have been written weeks ago. But of course, the majority of us procrastinate.

Not only is my time ending here in D.C. , but my junior year is as well. Technically, I have one semester left at Simpson, which has me thinking the "real world" could be here sooner than I realize. Do I continue on, spending an additional $7,000 to fund a semester in the French Polynesia? Or do I graduate at semester, hoping to leave next spring as part of the Peace Corps? Or do I take on the extra monetary burden and then join?

Let's be honest, joining the Peace Corps is a serious commitment. It takes a specific, dedicated individual willing to commit more than two years to serve in an underdeveloped region. Not being allowed to choose your placement makes an individual even more hesitant to join. You are physically and psychologically challenged. Not only that, but expectations of the Peace Corps and the people you serve are demanding. Because of this, I ask myself, "Why would I not join?"

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.

Back channeling in political diplomacy

Tonight I attended a symposium on the French & American Presidential Connection: Communication and Coordination during Crisis hosted by Meridian International Center, a not-for-profit organization that builds "sustainable global partnerships through leadership exchanges, international collaboration and cultural diplomacy."

The symposium consisted of a round table discussion analyzing a draft study by Joseph Fitchett. Fitchett's report, The Presidencies: a Unique Dynamic between the U.S. and France, contains a dual thesis. The first thesis concentrates on the level of capacity both countries can politically and diplomatically work together. Fitchett's second thesis focuses on the degree to which the two countries can successfully maintain a working relationship based on perspective differences.

Fitchett argues his insight offers an "operational importance" involving the usage of "back channels," which can also be described similar to a "behind the scene" communication between two leaders. Back channels may be used to overcome obstacles, outflank opposition or remove an issue from bureaucratic hands.

A majority of the panel composed of highly experienced ambassadors, as well as Admiral Edouard Guillaud, Commander of the Legion d'Honneur and Commander of the Ordre national du Merite. I do wonder why there were no female panelists participating?

According to Fitchett, back channeling is not a tool of policy making or changing views, but is rather a management tool.

What I find intriguing is that one of Fitchett's key components to back channeling uses secrecy of content, not the channel itself, to ensure success. Did someone mention...secret?

How is a back channel implemented, in Fitchett's terms a 'tool of management,' if the current administration strongly advocates transparency? Can it be debated that secrecy is the antithesis of transparency?

Also, if back channeling respects an established viewpoint, then what is the purpose of a back channel if both parties advocate an already formulated objective? Wouldn't this conflict with the success of back channeling even before discussion begins? Wouldn't the intent of back channeling be to not only accept a difference in perspective, but also to reach a collaborative decision? What about the consensual give-and-take to reach a final balance between viewpoints?

I thank Meridian for organizing the symposium in a time where diplomatic and political efforts are being deemed necessary to overcome the current global economic crisis.

Enjoying the touristy weekend

Mom came to visit this weekend. We had a great time exploring Old Town Alexandria, which is one of my new favorite places in the D.C. area. I took her on a personalized tour of the Capitol and shared with her everything I didn't know. Haha. Mom claimed she had a date with Abe, so we had to see the war memorials. Overall all, we ate well and saw various other landmarks such as the Masonic Temple and Gatsby's Tavern, which was frequented by George Washington. Friday and Saturday's weather was gorgeous and complemented the time Mom and I had together.

Home and Back

I survived my first and only visit home without staying! It felt great to be back in Iowa. You honestly don't realize what "home" is until you're gone for a while. I spent time with the family and saw a few friends while I was back. Luckily, I was able to stay until Sunday (Easter) before leaving.

Anna and I coloring eggs. As you can see in the background, our house is being remodeled. When isn't it?






After leaving Iowa, I was stuck in Minneapolis for the night. After taking the wrong shuttle to the wrong hotel, which was an honest mistake because there are two similar ones in a five mile radius, I managed to get to the correct hotel.

I snagged the last open seat on this morning's early flight to New York City. Unfortunately, there was not enough room for carry-ons, and I had to check-in my luggage at the gate, which you never want to do when flying stand-by! After landing in NY, I missed my connection to D.C. Helpful hint: remember that any "shuttle" flights you take from LaGaurdia are accessible by a shuttle bus that run every 15 minutes from the main terminal.

As I'm waiting for the hour to pass, I realized my luggage had probably gone on without me. While I wanted to make sure where it was, no one could find it. The first leg of my trip was through Northwest, and the shuttle was Delta. Although the companies have merged, their systems are still separate. Delta couldn't access the information, and NW couldn't find it.

Luckily, the luggage was found and put on my flight from NY to D.C. Whew. The Delta and NW employees were extremely helpful, and I'm grateful for their patience with my persistence because I didn't want to leave until I knew where it was.

In less than 24 hours, I have been in Iowa, Minnesota, New York and D.C. I also went to work for the remainder of the day. Nap anyone?