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Melissa Racca
Ms. Jizi
UWRT 1104-015
21 November 2016
My Meaningful Life
When I imagine my future the same pictures often come to mind: I am
standing atop a roof gazing at the skyline of a grand city, trekking through
some beautiful, exotic land, walking among buildings or ruins that are
hundreds, even thousands of years old, or admiring artwork that for years
only existed in book or on a screen, and I am so moved that my eyes begin
to well up with tears. The view might change from daydream to daydream
but the feeling never does, and it is a feeling that I have promised myself I
will rediscover many times over throughout my life. The idea that there is so
much I have yet to learn and explore, so many moments like this still to be
had, is what has always driven me. So, when I began college it was clear to
me that I needed to find a career not only in a field that I would enjoy, but
one that would also allow for those moments of bliss that I have imagined so
many times.
I remember filling out college applications my senior year in high
school and finding one part in particular very unnerving: the word major
with a blank space next to it. Staring at that empty space was like staring
into a black hole. I had no idea how to comprehend the fact that right then
and there I was supposed to decide the rest of my life. I have always had a

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diverse range of interests and had never given much thought to what major I
would choose let alone what career I would find satisfying for years to come.
I filled that blank space with something practical, because that is what you
are supposed to do, and left it at that. A few months later I realized I had
made a terrible mistake. I changed my major to communications before I
even started college, but after a series of setbacks early on, I still didnt feel
like I was on the right path.
After deciding to take a political science course on a whim, everything
changed. I have always been fascinated with politics, having grown up in a
very politically oriented family with a grandmother who had devoted her
entire career to public service as a local politician, but never saw it as a
feasible, or practical, path. While taking this particular course on
international relations, I realized that studying political science could offer so
much more than just being a politician. The passion my professor displayed
and the engaging and thought provoking class discussions about complex
and relevant world affairs ignited my curiosity and for the first time in years,
I was excited. I immediately decided to add political science as second major
in conjunction with communications and work towards applying to graduate
school where I will pursue a masters degree in international relations. I had
finally found a career path that would not only employ my strengths and
allow for the lifestyle I want, but also one that I was extremely passionate
about. I have never looked back.

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A career in international relations can produce many different realities

whether it be working for an intergovernmental organization such as the
United Nations, an international aid organization, in the media, or even the
US government. While some might find these career paths daunting, I have
never been one to back down from a challenge. I find myself most engaged
with my pursuits when I am learning something new, my perspective is being
challenged or I can use my ingenuity to solve problems and complete tasks,
and a career in international relations will employ these character strengths
tenfold.
My love of adventure and desire to make a difference are above all else
my guiding principles, and this career path will provide me with opportunities
to engage in both. Working in the field, so to speak, will afford me countless
opportunities to travel and engage with and learn from so many different
individuals and cultures. As an international relations professional I will seek
to understand interactions on a global scale. Knowing what drives conflicts,
humanitarian crises, and even cooperation and how to approach these issues
is vital to the creation of peace, stability, and better opportunities for
everyone. I will be working to make the world a better place and improve the
lives of those I meet along the way. I know that as long as I stay true to these
values, I will be happy wherever I end up and with whatever career I am in. I
cant think of a better way to bring meaning to my life than helping others
while engaged in a profession I am passionate about.

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But none of this would be possible without my family. When I was just
ten years old, my grandmother took me on the trip of a lifetime to Ireland
and opened my eyes to a whole new world. As I got older, I would spend
countless hours in my grandfathers basement rummaging through his
encyclopedias and historical novels as I dreamt about all of the incredible
places I would one day travel to. I cant even count the number of times I
have told my family that I was going to move to Europe one day and never
come back. Not once did they tell me that I couldnt, instead they tell me
they cant wait to come visit. They have continued to inspire and support me
at every turn, and whether I am at home with them or half way around the
world they will always be a priority. Just because I grow older and venture out
on my own does not mean their support is any less important. Honestly, I
have never had much of a desire to start my own family, and I have no idea
what the future holds for me in that regard nor am I even going to venture a
guess. I have always joked that my family is big enough, and loud enough,
and insane enough to last me ten lifetimes and I will never feel like I am
missing out. Whatever happens, I know I will be okay because I already have
the most wonderful family I could ever hope for and I have no doubts that we
will always be there for each other.