Jay started off by asking all of us who we were and where we were from and then followed by mentioning that he was actually a New Hampshire native. Good news for us cause no matter how stupid we could have sounded I think he liked us off the bat (we of course didn't sound stupid and actually impressed him with our questions). He then went into the background of what exactly a diplomat is, what their responsibilities are and so on. Next came the question and answer which was absolutely fascinating. I would have loved to be able to write down every question along with Jay's expert response to each but if I were to explain all that was said this would turn into a 10 page book about things from Hungarian cultural life to American perception abroad to vast political history.
What I can sum up this conversation into, is that Jay showed time and time again with his answers how dedicated he was to his country and how much he wanted to make a difference. He made diplomats look like the Gandhi's of politics; trying to keep things at peace, people happy, and most of all loving what he was doing the whole time. He talked about improving the American image abroad and how you don't need to be a diplomat to do this but that we were, as study abroad students, diplomats that needed to represent our country while over here. He mentioned how almost anyone could try and be a diplomat if they really wanted too. A lot goes into it but it is possible if you have the right skills and determination. He talked about Hungary's difficult political past and how they were trying to move on and grow as a country and how he was trying to help them accomplish this goal. He mentioned all the amazing people you meet and how if you get really good at this job, its your people skills that will get you interviews with the big guys. What I thought was most interesting is that Jay said he was always a student meaning he was constantly learning on the job. He said he loved this part of what he did because there was always something new to learn or discover about a variety of things. Who knew being a student for the rest of your life could be a good thing?
Overall Jay was an amazing guy who was so knowledgeable about almost anything that came up. He talked about the United States with such passion that on 2 occasions he actually teared up. He used to be a teacher so I think he enjoyed conversing with us as much as we enjoyed conversing with him. Jay changed my thoughts about foreign diplomats and I can beyond doubt say that this was an experience of a lifetime.
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| JSBP lookin' all professional |
Courtney, it's obvious by the way you speak about Jay's characteristics that this is a job you are thinking about (or something in this political line of work)...and I think you would do a great job judging by the way you project yourself-from what I've seen so far. I agree with you about my first impression of Mr. Truesdale, but in the end take his personality and self-presentation for confidence and belief that his job is important and can change lives for the better. Here's to hoping you always remember this talk and the idea that you can make a difference!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same first impression of Jay - the generic business suit with the same old, tired opinions. Like you, though, my impression was shattered when he began interacting with us. It's funny how even in a new culture, where we are consciously open-minded and willing to learn, we still hold onto some of the same judgements from back home. I really loved your writing in this - "He made diplomats look like the Ghandi's of politics" really made me smile. You're exactly right, too. Jay really took a lot of the sleaze and shady factors out of politics and replaced it with hope and energy - exactly like a diplomat. Anyways, you wrote a very insightful entry about Jay, while still injecting a little bit of humor and personal interest. Can't wait to read the next ones, Court!
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