Today JSBP took a trip to the US embassy in Budapest; we had the opportunity to meet with Jay Truesdale, a US diplomat here in Hungary. Right off the bat I was captivated him; not only was he an important state department official but he was a truly amazing and inspiring man who had the ability to intrigue 11 college kids about his job, and engage us in such a way that I personally was falling off my seat, hanging on to everything he was saying. Before listening to him talk, I had absolutely no interest in working for the government, because I don’t like the idea of working for a system that in so many ways I oppose.
Jay completely made me believe in the ideals of the system working for the people to make a difference. Tito asked him about the work he does to improve the image of Americans and the United States abroad, and while he was talking about what we can do in simple interactions with people here in Europe, he was legitimately tearing up about the United States and all the amazing things we that we do have to be proud of, even saying that “we have an important story to tell.” He was so earnest about making this shrinking world a livable place and creating policies to better the relationship between Hungary and America that I think we all wanted to do our part to be ambassadors in representing our country.
His explanation about what it takes to become a diplomat even made it all seem more attainable, as you don’t even need a college degree to be eligible. Becoming a diplomat requires a two-step process of examinations and background checks, which only 20% of people pass. Most impressive about Jay, who is clearly an incredibly smart guy, was how worldly he truly is. Working for the state department as a diplomat has given him the opportunity to meet artists, big wigs in industry, journalists, government officials, ordinary peasants (like us)…you name it, he’s met them. His job entails analyzing all aspects of the things he learns through conversations and constant observation of Hungary and the US, and making policy recommendations to the ambassador and actually implementing the policy that the state department officially decides on. He is really impacting the present day, and the future, which is something I would love to be able to do with my life. I would love to change the future, I would love to analyze and create options for companies or governmental agencies to ensue.
Overall, my impression of Jay is that he knows so much about everything...I was blown away by this guy and could not have been more excited about today’s field studies trip, which only makes me more excited for the upcoming trips.
JSBP with Jay Truesdale (looking very official I might add):
JSBP+Dorsey Fam with Jay Truesdale:
Hungarian pride in downtown Pest:
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Jay was so influential on not only your Budapest adventure but your views on the government as seen in your blog, "Jay completely made me believe in the ideals of the system working for the people to make a difference." Jay was certainly a powerful knowledgeable speaker and an asset to the US State Department. I also see you have taken his advice on making a difference with your life to heart.
Mary, I am sooo happy to see that I am not the only one walking away from Jay's talk with good feelings in my belly, ha. Jay is an outstanding speaker that seems to really care about his job and about his home country. The part that I may have enjoyed most about his presentation was the part when he talked about all of us, as exchange students, representing America during our time in Hungary. I have always been proud to be an American, but being here in Hungary PLUS listening to Jay today truly amplified those feelings. I just wanted to share that little bit with you because maybe you feel some of those same feelings.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, great post, beautiful blog, and I am so glad you enjoyed the visit last Wednesday. Hope you had a great weekend in Vienna!