There are many reasons for concern in the world, including issues with global warming, violent conflicts, pandemics, natural and manmade disasters, and so much more. However, there are many reasons for optimism and persistence including to make things better for our planet, improve the health of lives the world over, reduce poverty, and belief that we humans can make a positive difference in our own and in the lives of others.
My two guests - Zhanna Imel and Ardian Maloku - are to such optimistic and persistent people. Zhanna (twenty something) was adopted from an orphanage in Kazakhstan. She came from a life of difficulty and not the best outlook for her future. Once in America, moved around with her adopted parents for many years. Finally, living in a RV with her Mother and Brother always moving, always, on the go, and different schools. When you hear Zhanna's voice on this episode, you'll understand her commitment to a brighter future for herself and others. She's now in the US Foreign Service (US Department of State) as a US Diplomat. Although life wasn't that easy for her, she never lost her sense of optimism.
Ardian (a young thirty something), a former Albanian refugee who's family escaped war torn Kosovo when he was just years old. He's seen death and destruction up close. He arrived in the States without being able to speak and read English. There were many instances Ardian could have gotten involved with the wrong crowd, sought the wrong things, or looked for some imaginary east path to financial or material success. But his goal was to become a US Diplomat and serve his adopted country in public service. Ardian is now in the U.S. Foreign Service (US Department of State) as a US Diplomat. Even when life through him some difficult curves, he persevered to make a positive difference for himself and others.
As you listened to their voices, Zhanna and Ardian remind us that it's fine to be optimistic and to persist to be our better selves. I do hope you consider sharing this episode with others who may find their stories interesting as new US Department of State Foreign Service Professionals.
For more information about US Department of State internships and employment opportunities, please see information contained via this website: https://careers.state.gov/
The goal of my podcast is to have interesting guests share their thoughts on different issues, have guest co-hosts to discuss various topics (especially those that offer humor), and even share short episodes in which I discuss thoughtful and even heartwarming issues.
*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine
**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**
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