“While I was posted to U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, working for the U.S. Foreign Service, my portfolio covered Malaysia’s domestic #politics. In 2018, the opposition won national elections for the first time in the country’s history. That night, @usembassykl colleagues and I watched the returns at the embassy until 4 a.m. Days later, Anwar Ibrahim, who had been the opposition leader for 20 years, convicted twice on politically motivated charges and imprisoned, was released. He was in the hospital under detention, and my colleague and I went there to see him walk free. It was incredible to witness these critical moments in #Malaysia’s history. Sometimes just being present sends a signal that the U.S. is paying attention and engaged. I’ve always been drawn to the #service aspect of the Foreign Service; I see it as a way of serving my country and serving Americans overseas, but also serving the American public at home. I’m at @PrincetonSPIA for the one-year Master in Public Policy program as a professional assignment, along with my State Department colleague Carissa Gonzalez. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from and about others with nongovernmental backgrounds. We come from such diverse professional and personal experiences, and there’s a wide perspective among the MPP and the MPA cohorts. In its work overseas, the State Department often depends upon the expertise of civil society and academia, and my time at @Princeton is one way to build relationships and learn how #diplomacy can be strengthened by academics and their research. The time and space to think about things from a 30,000-foot level is such a privilege. I’m excited to return to the Foreign Service reinvigorated and with a whole new group of friends and colleagues upon whom I can call for advice.” – Drew Curiel MPP ’21.