Oxford University Summer Program in Forced Migration & International Law, Wadham College in 2001

In high school, I used to dream of attending Oxford University, but I wanted to do it as part of a multinational experience rather than applying to do an entire degree there. I guess I never really knew how that part of my life would come together until it happened. Studies in Canada and then moving abroad enabled me to devise interdisciplinary projects. Over time, I learned the art of persuading people about the merit of my proposals. The award of a Chevening Scholarship made part of my Ph.D. project possible, and my life has since been forever changed.

Based in France, my doctoral studies in International Relations and Diplomacy involved practical learning with knowledgeable professionals at places such as the European Commission and the United Nations. As the least-experienced among my PhD colleagues, I developed a project that enabled me to pursue education and develop consulting experience with individuals of different generations in over 20 countries.

The diverse internships and part-time work I undertook to support myself helped me discover a fascination with facilitating communication and bridging disciplines that do not traditionally interface. My PhD evolved to propose mediation strategies for leaders and other people interested in Human space activities and improving global education more generally.

I took my experience working with members of government and industry in the area of international space cooperation to Oxford. My aim was to interact with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics specializing in international law. I sought to gain new insight into consensus-building and potential solutions for trans-border problems. At Oxford, I sharpened my abilities and the varied ideas and experiences from nationals of space-faring and non-space-faring countries enriched our UN simulations. Group-oriented problem-solving sparked debate among participants and invited lecturers. Such interactions helped everyone better recognize the volatility of international relations because we better understood the root causes of disagreement in negotiations, including issues of power and control. The chance to see documentary films about trans-border issues and to speak with the filmmakers was also most enlightening.

While I was at Oxford, I made many friends and professional contacts. Other memorable experiences involved meeting up with friends to whom I had written in the U.K. but hadn't seen in 5-10 years. I often reminisce about my related experiences on the trains and buses, impromptu trips to London, Scotland, Stonehenge, and the Cotswalds. I was also thrilled to explore different places I had once only read about in poetry and prose. The wonderful labyrinth of the Bodelian Library at Oxford was another highlight because of the associated history.

As I look back, my summer experiences taught me a lot about listening and enabled me to improve myself in various ways during my seemingly timeless journeys in and around Oxford. When I was awarded my Ph.D. in July 2002 with Distinction, I recognized this achievement was due in part to my British Chevening experience.