“A National Security Scholar”

I have attended The Presidential Leadership Series’ Private Sector Philanthropy and the Community Engagement program, and the Law and Criminal Justice’s Monday Programming’s Capitol Tour the past weeks. All of these events were intellectually stimulating. But, in one of these programs, a Special Agent from the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) has presented an intense and an exciting lecture. He spoke of his experience in federal law enforcement which I have found very interesting! Thinking broadly about the U.S. Congress, Philanthropic organizations, and especially the FBI/DoJ services have been one of the most important things in my life. And, it has been crucial to me to learn about these programs which seem far removed, yet are important in all our lives.

But, having that opportunity to learn broadly about the international security issues is a step closer to getting professional experiences and networking skills in Washington, DC. This week, I will be attending the Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard", a leadership development program for interns located in the Washington areas. Coming from varied of careers, this program has interns to come together to share their sense of competitiveness of knowledge in national security issues and, to gain an understanding of the national security issues and of the strong progressive national security thoughts. (Since this opportunity perfectly suits me, I will develop a more tougher scholastic discipline and a stronger aptitude for national security affairs.) Additionally, I will receive a “career boost” on my resume helping me in my post-graduation job search after obtaining my JD/PH.D degrees.

With the high competition for securing National Security positions in Washington, DC, it has become increasingly important to me that pursuing a graduate degree in international security would be helpful and necessary in the national security field. And, I believe that if you were a Deaf-African American, you had to be “three-times as good” to surpass the norm majority in this field. So, I always have been far above average, allowing myself the best shot at competing with a higher educational level for this particularly field.

As person of disability, I was told to go beyond what was expected of me, always hand in work that was above average, and always rise to the top. At TWC, I will definitely have this opportunity--- to show the U.S. policymakers that a Deaf person can rise to the top and to become an integral part of the national security agenda dealing with a broad spectrum of scenarios--- the military contingencies and military strategy and logistics, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, and the conventional war, weapons of mass destruction and of space and missile systems.

In addition to my Bachelor Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in International Security and taking a TWC class in "Managing the American Intelligence System" so, these educational opportunities would help me to gain an understanding of the major theories in the study of national security issues.

In all, my overall experience here will indeed prepare me for a career which matches my strong interests, and to use my experiences and knowledge to give back to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in America.

Warm wishes,

- Toronja