Unlike most of my peers at East Hartford High School who were involved in Wishbone, my program was In Washington D.C., not Connecticut. The idea of traveling by myself was scary, but it shows how one can achieve greatness once they step out of their comfort zone. As soon as I stepped on the main campus of Georgetown University, I felt this exhilarating rush of adventure spread through my body. I was able to interact with kids from different countries such as China, Brazil and even Australia to name a few. I even learned the significance of domestic diversity as I witnessed so many kids from different states represent their home state so proudly. As a result, this allowed me to have as much pride for Connecticut than anything else in this world. I met my birthday twin-hence fulfilling the birthday paradox. As a program filled with aspiring diplomats, we ran through the streets of Times Square, strutted through the walkways of D.C. in our fancy suits and dresses, we explored every single inch of the monuments we visited(even at midnight), we stepped on Finnish soil for one day, we were drenched in sweat while waiting outside the State Department building, we speed walked through campus in order to be 15 minutes early to our next meeting, we met influential ambassadors/professors along the way and we partied like no tomorrow on the last night together. Part of being in the program was wearing this lanyard indicating our hometown and our name. The program has had such a huge impact on me that I feel incomplete without wearing my lanyard or even carrying my NSLC binder around. One night, we were paired up with other kids. That night will be one of the nights that I WILL NOT forget. I was paired up with one girl from California and another girl from Virginia. We talked about our lives and it got extremely personal and emotional. Another time we did a rope course at the University of Maryland and I was partners with a girl from Australia. We were both able to bond over us reminiscing about swinging when we were little. Swinging for me was like flying into this new reality; I was able to picture myself living this life where I'll be free because I'll be flying all over the world. I'm happy to say that International Diplomacy with NSLC has given me a start to my sincerest desire. I have strong faith that the relationships I have created with the people who attended this program will be long lasting relationships, no matter which corner of the world that we're currently on.

So much good news has happened within these few months. I sincerely would like to thank the Dalio Foundation and the Wishbone Organization for providing the funds and the platform to raise money for my passion. I also want to give a huge shoutout to the individuals who were involved in this process. Without your support and consideration, I don't think I would've found another alternative to achieve this goal. As of now, my advocate and I are extremely excited for the trip in July. I have started to pack some things in my suitcase.