The Exchange Program comes full circle

I was 18 years old when I was accepted Philippine Youth Leadership Program sponsored by the US Department of State. My exchange consisted of a month of training and leadership development at Northern Illinois University that focused on developing principled civic leadership, community development, responsible citizenship, and project management. (https://ph.usembassy.gov/youth-leadership). I remember being very excited but worried at the same time. I thought “What would it be like to fly a plane for 18 hours? What would it be like to have a foster family? Will I survive without eating rice for a month? Will I survive cold weather? How do I convert Fahrenheit back in Celsius?” I later learned that these were the same concerns that my fellow delegates felt. After all, we were ready to leave the safety and security of our parents behind for this wonderful learning adventure. Now I know what Bilbo must have felt when he went on with the dwarves and Gandalf.

In keeping with the theme of the environmental course during my exchange program, I will share some points about my country. In the Philippines, especially in my island of Mindanao, we are blessed with natural resources. A large part of our energy supply comes from hydropower and other renewable sources. Unlike the capital, Manila, you can buy large quantities of fruits and vegetables for less than 50 Philippine pesos, which is roughly one US dollar. Since agriculture is one of our highest income earning sectors, we are proud to be called the “Food Basin” of the Philippines. Unfortunately, this blessing is doubled by the lack of political influence and individual will to effect change and preserve what we have been given. In our small town, many do not know that the Lake Lanao Watershed Reserve is the source of our hydropower plant. It is sad to note that people living nearby use it for their functions of washing, washing clothes, cooking and even toileting, but they constantly throw garbage. Illegal logging remains rampant as we struggle with the weak checks and balances mechanisms of local authorities and private entities. My country is beautiful and fun, and its people are resilient. This is why, among other things, despite being the most resource-blessed island in the Philippines, the poorest provinces can also be found in Mindanao.

This is one of the many stories heard about my country. It is also along these lines that I have been particularly privileged, during my Youth Leadership Program exchange program in the Philippines, to learn from experts how to embody ourselves as agents of change. I was able to hear best practices and strategies from impacting social change in various programs that promote youth and public understanding of the environment.

Nearly nine years later, I moved to the US to join my husband on active duty. After his change of duty station from New York, we came to Colorado Springs. As a foreign-born military spouse, I worry about finding myself disconnected from my established community and network. But I am happy to know about the mission of the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council (CSWAC) in expanding the community of globally engaged citizens in Colorado, and I welcome the opportunity to reconnect with my exchange program experience.

Indeed, my exchange experience came full circle.

Last month, I watched Ambassador Harry Thomas speak about the future of diplomacy. He also shared insights and projects while assigned to the Philippines. He served as ambassador to the Philippines from 2010-2013. I have met him personally on several occasions at the American Embassy in the Philippines. He was also the ambassador that sent my exchange group to Northern Illinois University.

I will never forget when I met him, because at that moment I was inspired to pursue a career in diplomacy.

I am more than happy to find myself back in this community. I am grateful to be a part of CSWAC, proving that the world really is small. Let me also thank everyone involved in the international affairs programs for the opportunity to grow and learn. I hope that participants of international exchanges will be able to give back the knowledge given to them by sharing culture, values ​​and knowledge wherever they go and that one day we hope to see you in our countries.

Many Thanks and Long Live!

– Ayana Garcia