My First Two Years in the Foreign Service

At 28 years old, I have officially reached my two year mark with the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service. What a ride it has been so far! This is truly a remarkable experience that I am so grateful to be a part of. It is an experience that requires immense flexibility, bullet-proof resilience and a hell of an optimistic perspective despite all that you will see and feel along the way.

The foreign service will ignite the adventurous spirits and warm nomadic hearts of those who serve. I have seen pure authenticity in towns I never thought I'd visit. I have explored hidden gems and popular destinations. I have seen poverty and genuine happiness coexisting until I begun to analyze the correlation between the two. Because I've met and bonded with people who have no water, no electricity, and little to no income but they transmit more peace than people who have countless commodities. I have explored parts of my identity as I have explored parts of the world and I have reprogrammed my perspective on politics, the global economy, and social issues. The foreign service will completely rewire parts of your personality and uncover elements of your being that you did not know were there.

But on the other hand, the foreign service has challenged me and required sacrifices I did not think I would have to make. I came here with my ex-spouse and my amazing son. But 6 months from now, I’m leaving to my next assignment divorced with a very slim window of time to see my son throughout the year. The Foreign Service takes a huge toll on family life and it will test parts of your relationship(s) that perhaps have not been tested in the past. And as with any test, some people pass and some fail depending on how prepared we were. For those who are single in the foreign service, it becomes difficult to date. A relationship will inevitably become a long distance one once it’s time depart for the next assignment. Or, you and your partner may have to consider moving together to the next country. Or, your relationship will result in separation. Or, you simply date knowing that feelings will complicate your situation, therefore, you lock the door to your heart. Whether you have a partner or are embarking on this journey alone, the foreign service requires flexibility and an immense ability to adapt to new environments quickly. It requires many goodbyes that sometimes hurt more than others. And you will spend many months and many miles away from your parents, siblings, and other loved ones.
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Professionally, I do not plan to serve in the foreign service throughout my entire career. But it is comforting to know that this chapter of my professional life is applicable to whatever I choose to do next. The skills, the character traits, the experiences you pick up along the way will make you invaluable to your next employer. Of course, that’s assuming that you choose to truly absorb what the job throws at you and that you maximize the experience. 

So what's next for me? It is no secret I have political aspirations. In the next few years, I will roll out my first business venture in Costa Rica, publish my second book, and begin my political run for office. I am immensely excited for what's to come and I am so grateful for such a strong supportive group of family and friends.