What the FSO?!?!

In less than two hours we all take off for the Land of Lederhosen. However, this morning before we even left the hotel was just as exciting. That's because we met Foreign Service Officers!!! Let me list the ways being an Officer is my dream...

Just talking public diplomacy with my new favorite FSOs, Aroosha and Anna.

1. I've been seriously interested in being an Officer since this past spring. What with my interests in journalism, business, and languages, it sort of combines into the perfect option. Additionally, the public diplomacy track allows for a great deal of analytical thinking as well as working with people on a more personal level. Just my cup of tea.

You had me at "discover."

2. You get to travel. What's not to love about getting the chance to live in Brazil or India or Belgium and interact with the local public? You have opportunities to participate in cultural events while still contributing to the community. There are many places I'd love to live, and not simply be a rich, white tourist. 

So many countries so little time.

3. Wouldn't it be awesome to provide your kids with a world view early on? My parents did a pretty good job with this since we traveled so much, and I greatly appreciate that. Being able to send my kids to international schools, have them learn new languages, and understand what other people in the world live like would be a wonderful experience for us all.

Garden International School's in Malaysia. 

After the Officers spoke to the CBYXers, I felt like it sparked an interest in quite a few of my peers. I must say, the Officers did make it sound pretty awesome. I was already super interested in the Foreign Service, but their anecdotes and perspectives made me even more intrigued. 

The only requirements to apply to become and FSO is that you're 18 years of age and an American citizen. So really, I could've started my application today, but I think I'll wait at least until I've first finished the exchange program.