Kennedy Center hosts annual Evening of Diplomacy

On the evening of Sept. 23, BYU welcomed current and former U.S. foreign service officers to campus for the Kennedy Centers Evening of Diplomacy.

The annual event is hosted by BYUs Foreign Service Student Organization (FSSO), which aims to prepare students for diplomatic careers through networking events, scholarships and other programs.

I think this event is the first time lots of students get to hear from an actual diplomat, current or retired, Nina Harris, one of the current FSSO presidents, said. Ive heard of students getting jobs through this event and just finding people that have similar interests and making those connections.

Jeffrey M. Hovenier, a retired U.S. ambassador and diplomat, was this years main speaker. Rather than speak purely about his own career, Hovenier reminded students that the evening was an opportunity to practice skills they may use in their careers.

This isnt just a reception of hors d'oeuvres and a mediocre speaker, he said. Its a simulation, and simulations are for practicing, not just performing.

Hovenier explained that diplomacy is about understanding and trust. He encouraged students to practice listening with genuine interest as they mingled with other guests throughout the night.

Looking for an outcome that works for both of you rather than an outcome that beats the other person turns out to be useful in parts of life far more than just diplomacy and international relations, Hovenier said. I think it works in a marriage, I think it works with a roommate.

Students took this invitation seriously as they conversed with peers and the foreign service officers in attendance. They listened and shared their goals, motivations and interests.

I really want to be able to help underprivileged people get the help and support that they need, Abby Redfearn, an international relations major, said. Ive really thought about immigration law for that just because I know that they are hard working people and I want to be able to help them. And I just feel like I have this duty to give back.

Curtis King, who attended the event, plans on coming to BYU in the upcoming winter semester. King doesnt know what he wants to major in yet, but his experience as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a big influence on the goals for the future.

I recently got back from my mission and I worked mostly with refugees, so I kind of want to implement that into my future career, King said.

Anna Culatta, another international relations major, was also inspired by her experiences as a missionary to pursue a career in foreign service.

I was on my mission when I realized that I wanted to work more with people and different relations between countries, Culatta said. It took living in another country to realize that.

Ultimately, the Evening of Diplomacy served as a reminder for students to truly live BYUs motto: Enter to learn, go forth to serve. For students looking into careers in diplomacy and foreign service, the idea of serving the world comes in a very literal sense.

Theres a lot of different cultures that dont necessarily contradict each other, its just a lot of misunderstandings, Braden Smith, an undergraduate in the international relations program, said. What Ive seen the most in the news and in politics is that misunderstanding becomes an issue that a lot of people lose their lives over. And I feel like with proper diplomacy, then that communication and that understanding can be brought into the right places.

Through events such as the Evening of Diplomacy and others put on by the Kennedy Center, students like Smith are learning what it means to create peace and build bridges of understanding.