international politics

STEP: Education/Internship Abroad

For my STEP project, I undertook an internship with an interior design firm abroad. During my time there, I engaged in various design activities for the first time, including client interactions, site visits, measurements, and initial concept development. This experience was not only professionally enlightening but also deeply transformative on a personal level.

Before this internship, my understanding of where my architectural degree could lead me was vague. However, the exposure I gained during this internship clarified the multitude of opportunities within the design field. While I am still committed to my architectural studies, I’m now aware of the diverse paths available within the design realm. Throughout my internship, I had the chance to interact with suppliers in fields like textiles, lighting, and furniture. This exposure highlighted the need for designers in these areas as well. What intrigued me further was observing colleagues with architectural backgrounds successfully transition into interior design and other related roles. Watching my team leader and managers guide designers to create impactful visions made me realize that I also want to become one, someone that guides the team to bring a concept to life, rather than the one creating it.

Beyond its professional implications, this experience also fostered personal growth. Relocating abroad pushed me beyond my comfort zone and aided in the cultivation of healthier habits, such as going to the gym, and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing a better work-life balance. Prior to this trip, I was heavily engrossed into my studies, to the point where I got sick multiple times throughout the semester. With the structured work hours of a nine-to-five, I enjoyed being able to leave my job, and not have to worry about anything else involving my work. Moreover, the exposure to new cultures and environments instilled a sense of confidence within me. The ability to explore unfamiliar territories, savor diverse cuisines, and engage with people from different backgrounds contributed to my growth. Immigrating from Southeast Asia to America, this experience highlighted the privileges I enjoyed due to my geographic location. The ease of traveling to neighboring countries and experiencing different cultures while benefiting from favorable currency rates highlighted the advantages I often took for granted. Yet, the most impactful aspect was the relationships I formed and the insights I gained from interacting with unfamiliar faces. I had the privilege of immersing myself in new experiences and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, varying wealth, and different ethnicities. This exposure significantly expanded my perspective, enriching my understanding of both my own reality and the realities that others live.

This journey has been an incredible catalyst for my growth as a young adult, both personally and professionally. The unique blend of experiencing Singapore’s progressive technology and exploring new countries over weekends is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Stepping beyond my comfort zone, I seized these moments to cultivate positive habits–hitting the gym, valuing work-life equilibrium, and broadening my horizons. Not only that, I now have an unquenchable desire to see more of the world, and experience what it has to offer.

Standing in front of the infamous Merlion

My colleagues and I

Dinner with fellow OSU student

Trip to the Philippines!

International Politics Study Abroad in Copenhagen (DIS Scandinavia)

 

My STEP signature project was a study abroad class that was completed in one month this summer with DIS Study Abroad (located in Copenhagen and Stockholm). I learned about the national security challenges across many Eastern European countries since the Cold War and the impact of the invasion of Ukraine. I had the opportunity to visit the Poland-Russia border, Bornholm Garrison, and the European Solidarity Center with my classmates and guest lecturers to speak on today’s sociopolitical and geopolitical changes since the war in Ukraine. This was a transformative experience for me because i knew very surface level of the international politics and security architecture in Eastern Europe. I was able to truly be independent in my learning, to make the most out of living in a foreign country where I knew no one. I was able to have a month where I could “start over” and interact with the locals. I was able to grasp what society was like and how it differs from the United States. I was very fortunate that I was able to afford living and program expenses while in Copenhagen.

One interaction I had with a Denmark military officer named Major Andersen when we visited the Bornholm Garrison in Denmark. He taught us a lot about the ongoing challenges that the Baltic Sea Region and the Arctic faces. He gave a presentation to us about how important resources are to both Russia and China, explaining that the relationship between them and the Western democracies are most likely not going to improve much. With my experience in the US Army, I learned a lot about how important manpower and weapons spending plays into these international tensions. This peaked my interest in international studies and politics, especially because of how important diplomacy plays a role in politics these days. I would love to be able to work in both intelligence and national security.

This development is heavily influencing my leadership capstone presentation with Buckeye Leadership Fellows, Cohort of 2024. As a selected member this past December, we must present a project and topic to our cohort, guests, and other academics that is allowed to be present before we graduate with our undergrad diploma. I am going to present about the role and implications of Kaliningrad Oblast, a semi-exclave located just by the border of Poland and Lithuania. The geopolitical role of KO is a major interest of mine, especially in how it plays in the invasion of Ukraine. I am completing a publication on this topic because it is not heavily discussed nor taught in American higher-education. For those that are far away from the war itself, it’s important that others become more aware of the political turmoil that is happening right now. I would love to present my capstone as my public demonstration since it will be held in the Ohio State Student Union building. I think having open discussions will help educate those around us on the current state affairs of many countries in this region that is facing violence and migration crises.