Rena Childers Assignment 5

As a kindergartener I studied French. Although the term study is used liberally here, I received some basic information about the language. While other kids excelled in Science and Math, I did so in French. The moment I learned a new expression I would race home and try it out on my mother. What I didn’t realize until recently is that I still do the exact same thing. The language excites me in a way no other subject can. The idea of communicating with someone completely different from oneself is wildly appealing. This, along with my love for travel, helped focus my interests in the national/international field. For a while this manifested itself in American government and politics, and I wanted to be a senator. After I considered how I would fare in a dog-eat-dog debate, I shied away from the idea. Next I wanted to be secretary of state, because of my admiration for Hillary. But I quickly realized I would face the same obstacles. Finally I landed on the state department. Diplomatic work is some of the most important to our nations survival. Without the support of surrounding countries, we could not thrive as a nation. With this in mind, I determined that I would like to work in French-speaking Africa, tackling education and women’s rights reforms. I plan to make this a reality by attending a selective, challenging college and taking part in many study abroad and internships.