Dream job

This week in Uruguay, our last guided visit was to the United States Embassy to Uruguay. None of the group was quite certain exactly what we would be doing here, but after about three rounds of security, we were finally let in for a presentation. Here, I learned that embassies' main priorities are to serve the American people abroad, and discussed the various goals and services embassies hope to provide. We heard from the head of research, an intern, a consular affairs employee, and another higher up position--and these presentations turned me around.

I was inspired by all the work they do on a daily basis and the strong impact it has on so many individuals. One woman is interviewing Uruguayan citizens in Spanish and deciding whether to grant them a visa to the United States. Theoretically, her analysis and decisions could singlehandedly control someone's future hopes and dreams. Another is receiving news wire/cable information from the Capitol and offices in Washington DC, and deciding how to best share it with the Uruguayan citizens. These are important positions and are happening in just about every country. Best of all, these presenters were real people--they were American citizens who graduated from state colleges (ironically, all journalism majors) and went on to work in an industry combining journalism, politics and public affairs.

The US Embassy to Uruguay, overseeing the beach

So what was my next step? Researching the US Department of State internships for next summer. Or for future employment. Employment becomes difficult because the majority of these positions only remain in one location for two to four years, so it's a difficult job to settle down in but definitely something respected. As I felt after Project Mexico, this visit once again sparked my determination to help people of Hispanic heritage fulfill dreams and enter the US. Thankfully, I have a professional project or thesis for graduate school where I can pursue this interest, but working for consular affairs or in the Bureau of the Western hemisphere has become a goal that will hopefully soon be achieved, come January!