As my internship with the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a dynamic summer that has broadened my perspective on the world and prepared me for opportunities in the future. As I enter my senior year at American University, I am grateful for the experiences I have had and the skills I have gained.
Over the summer I have been exposed to a wide range of topics and projects in global affairs. From day one, I was given responsibility for projects that would be published in Council communications. One of the most unique and transformative projects I worked on was writing blog posts around current topics in global affairs, from the conflict between Israel and Palestine to the complexity of weaponized migration. Each piece I worked on was a chance to critically engage with a certain issue, as I worked to refine my writing to make it more informative and factual.
One of the highlights of my internship has been the opportunity to accompany groups visiting New Hampshire as part of the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Seeing the exchange of ideas between professionals from the state and international visitors further reinforced the significant impact of my work as an intern and the vital role the Council plays in fostering these connections.
Towards the end of the summer, I was honored to participate in an event that welcomed members of parliament from Ukraine and provided a platform for them to speak about the conflict their nation faces. Not only was I moved by their emotional testimonies from the war, but it was powerful to witness the dialogue between these members of parliament and citizens in New Hampshire as people asked thoughtful questions. Events like these allow members of the community to become a part of the conversation about global issues as informed citizens.
As a young person especially, my work at the Council has allowed me to more fully understand my role as a global citizen. Through my own international experiences and the countless opportunities to meet visitors this summer, I have often found myself representing New Hampshire and the United States in the conversations I have had. My work this summer has shifted my understanding to better see my place in our interconnected world. As I look towards my future, I am more sure than ever that engagement with organizations like the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire will remain vital to understanding the issues that lie ahead.
I am immensely pleased to share that this summer has set the stage for my next adventure. I have been offered a State Department internship for the upcoming spring semester, which will deepen my understanding and engagement with international affairs in Washington, D.C. While I am proud of the effort I invested in my application, I want to acknowledge the importance of the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire in reaching this milestone. Their insight and guidance made me aware of this opportunity and helped me to build a strong application through exposure to a variety of projects and experiences this summer. From writing blog posts to accompanying international leaders, I am thankful for all I have learned - and how I have learned - over the past few months that prepares me to think critically and speak thoughtfully in this new role.
By: Lucas Gendron, WACNH Intern
