Amaya gains insight into Foreign Service

University of North Georgia (UNG) senior Tracy Amaya took part in the competitive Meridian-Cox Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Washington, D.C., from June 23-29.

Amaya, who is pursuing a degree in political science, said the fellowship provided an array of meaningful experiences, from meeting United Nations (UN) Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to visiting the Indonesian embassy to watching fireworks at George Washington's Mount Vernon, the historic home of the first U.S. president.

The Gainesville, Georgia, resident's experience in the nation's capital piqued her interest in a career with the U.S. Foreign Service as a diplomat.

"I further developed my debating, negotiating and problem-solving skills, all while expanding my understanding of cross-cultural exchange and diplomacy," Amaya said.

Amaya said her experience in Model UN, both the club and the class, has been a great resource in equipping her with valuable skills.

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully-paid enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness and access to Foreign Service careers to students from underrepresented communities across the United States. A partnership among Meridian International Center, the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, and Community Colleges for International Development, the Foreign Service Fellowship provides undergraduate students with insight into American diplomacy while underscoring educational, internship and career paths within the U.S. Foreign Service.

"Tracy is an outstanding student who pays very close attention to detail and has grown vocationally since she joined UNG. The Meridian-Cox Fellowship was a great opportunity for her as she has sought to garner more experiences in the government sector," Dr. Bibek Chand, assistant professor of political science and Model UN faculty adviser, said. "I am certain that the experience will further encourage Tracy to seek out more opportunities. She is definitely going places, and this fellowship was a great steppingstone her for career."