As St. Edward’s University’s recently adopted motto, “take on your world,” suggests, the university prides itself on being globally connected. For most students, this means the opportunity to study abroad or participate in an international immersion program.

On Sept. 19, students had the opportunity to learn about a different way to represent their country in the global community. An information session informed students about working for the United States Department of State and gave them the chance to meet {NAME} Connor, a highly decorated foreign service officer who has worked and lived in places such as Malaysia, Israel and Colombia. Students could also hear about internships, and upperclassmen were able to learn about how to get a job in the United States Department of State. Connor spoke on which majors are desirable, the tests that future employees will have to pass and what it means to work for the State, specifically as a foreign service officer.

As Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences Doctor Nichols expressed, “having the information not only coming from a teacher, but from a professional is useful. Ms. Connor’s presentation gave students opportunities, programs and internships overseas that can give them hands on experience and a head start.” Even if you missed the first presentation, Connor will be back Oct. 24 to speak to the university again. This will be an opportunity that can help you grow as a member of the St. Edward’s community, as a student, especially if you are a Global Studies or Political Science major, and as a citizen of this country.

At such a global University, it was interesting to hear what student had to say about the Department of State presentation. There was a commonly felt wish that Ms. Connor could, as Global Studies major Donnie Dickey put it,“help us on our paths.” Indeed, Ms. Connor had an air of honestly wanting to help students succeed on the paths they were on. St.Edward’s has given its students interested in international affairs a way to meet an inspiration human being who has dedicated most of her life to serving our country abroad and at home.

Listening to Ms.Connor’s stories and hearing about the way she navigated her life to in order to get where she is today was inspirational and relevant enough to be appropriate for students of any age or major to attend. In times of such civil unrest around the world, it was refreshing to see a woman who has served this country, and the global community, so passionately. In this politically charged election season, with unrest in the Middle East and crises worldwide, Ms. Connor spoke in the perfect time, when students would truly benefit from hearing real stories from someone who has been our nation’s voice abroad for twenty-seven years. There is no better time then now to get to meet people who have made an impact on the world.