International Relations by Dylan

International Relations by Dylan - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I was young I was very interested in geography and travel. Through playing the world game, I learned to name every country on a map as well as name each flag and capitol. In addition, my parents won a trip to Ireland which was so different than trips to South Caroline and Wisconsin. This experience started my passion for travel and new cultures.

During my four years at Cary Grove High School, I actively engaged in both classes and activities that have not only shaped my character but have also fueled my interest in international relations. From a classroom standpoint, I took 4 years of French, Honors World History 1 and 2, and AP Human Geography. These were my favorite classes by far and helped point me in the direction of International Relations.

One significant part of my high school journey was my involvement in soccer from freshman to junior year. I played on the high school team at consecutively higher levels. built advanced skills and lasting friendships. In addition, I played club soccer and learned to collaborate to win and communicate properly. Soccer has been a platform for growth, teaching me resilience and teamwork. I have also participated in French Club because of my interest in learning French and French culture.

In my pursuit of global awareness, I joined ENGIN, an online platform connecting volunteers to help Ukrainians learn English. I practiced English with a 16 year old ballroom dancer in Ukraine. I learned about his life in the ongoing conflict and how he persevered with dance and school. Our conversations spanned from personal interests to cultural nuances to dealing with war. Engaging with someone facing these challenges heightened my awareness and fueled my interest in international relations.

I have also held three jobs while in high school. One was in fast food, the second one at a golf club and the third is teaching sports to kids. These jobs have given me a hard work ethic, helped me the understand the importance of clear communication, being patient and optimistic. I think these are important traits to doing work in the foreign service or as a diplomat.

My education goals are to major in International Relations, minor in French and to study abroad. I am drawn to the complexities of international security, trade, human rights, and global affairs. My fascination with the field was sparked in middle school when a family friend's brother, a U.S. government diplomat, shared his experiences of living and working in different parts of the world. I aspire to contribute to the global community through a career in diplomacy or government service. The prospect of a role that involves travel aligns with my personal interests of exploring diverse cultures and perspectives.

In conclusion, my journey through high school has been marked by diverse experiences that have shaped me into a compassionate and globally-minded individual. As I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey, I am driven by a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world of international relations.