by Darion Akins
The connection between small town America and foreign affairs may not be immediately apparent, but there is a strong link between the two. While the U.S. Department of State is responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations with approximately 170 countries around the world, small town America focuses on maintaining close-knit, family-oriented communities. Despite this apparent difference, both share a common goal of building, maintaining and nurturing relationships, a crucial skill set that the Department of State seeks in its next generation workforce.
Maintaining diplomatic relations is similar to maintaining family relationships. Diplomats ensure the lines of communication remain open so that problems between countries can be quickly resolved. Just like with families, nothing good happens when we stop talking to one another. Strengthening and maintaining foreign relations supports American prosperity. It also ensures Americans in distress overseas have friendly faces at embassies and consulates to assist with, for example, the loss of a passport.
In my small hometown of Hugo, Okla., pursuing a career in diplomacy would have seemed like a far-fetched dream. Many people in such communities may not even be familiar with the occupation. In Hugo, endeavors to pursue a career in diplomacy might be met with comments like: “Well, bless your little heart” — which is not a vote of confidence.
Many students and young professionals from places like Institute, Welch, Blacksville and East Lynn in West Virginia have shared their doubts about a career in diplomacy, too. Yet, in them I observed not only the same shared values of hospitality and kindness present in my hometown, but also highly sought-after traits like self-reliance, determination and grit. These latter three traits especially encourage us small-town folk to adopt a never-give-up and never-give-in attitude, even in the face of adversity.
For instance, my grandmother, a Black woman who earned a nursing degree in the 1940s, struggled to find work because no hospital or clinic would hire her. Undeterred, she and my grandfather decided to open a nursing home. They applied for a business loan from the local bank. It was summarily denied. The bank officials said that if my grandparents could raise $10,000 (valued at about $200,000 today) in cash collateral, then the loan would be approved.
Two years later, in spite of my grandparents returning with the money and a request that the agreement be honored, the bank officials still refused. Determined to bring her dream to life, my grandmother relied on other connections and relationships to eventually secure a $60,000 loan, compelling the original bank to honor its agreement — plus another $5,000 for good measure.
My grandparents’ determination and grit inspired me to pursue my own path of becoming a foreign service officer, even though I initially failed in my attempt. Nevertheless, I was determined to author my own story and succeeded in my second attempt. Now, after 20 years of service, I have lived in six countries (Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Indonesia and Germany), traveled to six continents and learned foreign languages (most recently German).
As a senior foreign service officer with a seat at decision-making tables, I am proud to bring my small-town background and perspective to the world stage.
Secretary of State Blinken often emphasizes the importance of leveraging people’s diverse ideas, experiences, expertise and contributions for the benefit of our organization and country. This includes small town Americans, who, because they seek self-directed solutions to overcome challenges while maintaining key relationships, often possess the character traits and skills that the Foreign Service values in its employees.
That is why the Department of State is inviting small town Americans to join us in representing our country. Answer our call to serve the nation in the field of diplomacy. Because we not only need you, we are searching for you.
