Trinity Magazine: Fall 2005

In Their Words:Leah Martin '06

Destination: China
Major: Political science
Favorite Course: "Spies and Analysts"
Currently: Works for NGP Software
Aspires to: Consult for the Democratic Party

Growing up in the backwoods of south Louisiana, even at a very young age, I always had a keen desire to explore the unknown. Whether I was roaming the hidden moss-covered trails along the bayous or sampling exotic cuisine at the various festivals, I was constantly fascinated and curious about culture and the world around me. My curiosity is what led me to Washington, DC, and ultimately to my interest in the Intelligence Community.

Through the Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence at Trinity, I, along with eight other amazingly talented women, was granted the opportunity of a lifetime; a chance to travel the world. With very few restrictions we were allowed to select the program and destination of our choice. For me, China seemed like a natural choice.

In May of 2005 I flew from Washington, DC, to Beijing, to begin my journey into the east with International Mission on Diplomacy and fifty other university students from all over the U.S.

While in China, I became a hero by climbing the Badaling section of the Great Wall, became enlightened by walking the seven levels of the Wild Goose Pagoda, stood among an ancient army of terra cotta warriors, danced in a musical fountain with the children of Xi’an, took a cruise on a dragon boat at the summer palace, met and discussed foreign policy with analysts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, got Shanghaied in Shanghai, sampled some of the most exotic cuisine on the planet, purposely got lost and found myself again on the streets of Beijing, and made some of the best memories of my life!

Now that I have literally been to China and back I cannot wait to see more of what this fabulous planet has to offer. I want to thank Trinity, the ICCAE, International Missions and all of the staff who worked tirelessly to make this trip possible. It was the experience of a lifetime!

Return to Global Travels

Return to Trinity Magazine Fall 2005 table of Contents