“I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of us volunteer two years of our lives to go anywhere in the world, serving communities and sharing our beliefs with people who are interested in hearing them. After my freshman year at @princeton and a White House Internship, I chose to serve and was asked to go to Denmark, which is actually where many of my ancestors came from. For two years I spent each day talking to people about their beliefs, their hopes, and what makes them happy. I got the chance to meet people from scores of different countries, including some of my distant Danish relatives. I even visited the home of my ancestors who left in 1861 to come to America. My experiences really opened my eyes to the diversity of beliefs and backgrounds in the world and reminded me of a quote from Aristotle: 'It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.' That rang true as I served my mission, and now motivates much of how I engage at @princeton. When I returned to college, not only had I developed an interest in Arctic security and geopolitics, but policies discussed in classrooms felt humanized and I experienced a much more people-focused approach to my studies. Policy is not exclusively about a financial bottom line or a landmark treaty being signed; it has real repercussions on people’s lives. A policy can increase people’s happiness or jeopardize their safety, and, as a policymaker, it is crucial to understand that you hold that responsibility. Looking back at all of the lessons I learned on my mission, I am reminded of why I am at Princeton and so grateful to be exposed to so many different ideas to help me find and share truth, wherever it is to be found. Through @princetonspia, I hope to prepare to serve our country however I can, starting with the community I am living in and protecting every individual’s right to believe, think, and speak as they wish.”— Riley Owen ’22. * #Princetagram #PolicyProfile is an @Instagram series featuring our community. Want to be featured? Comment/DM us.