Intern Spotlight: Carolyn Rider

This is the first of three spotlights on our spring semester 2016 student interns.  Learning Life’s interns this spring are focused mostly on building our new Citizen Diplomacy Initiative, which will connect lower-income American families in Washington D.C. with similar families in other parts of the world through live online video-dialogue.  Carolyn and our other interns are conducting research and making contacts to grow the Initiative, and we are thankful for their work.  

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised surrounded by snow in Buffalo, New York.

CarolynRiderWhat is your year and major at what school?

I am a freshman at the George Washington University in D.C., and planning on majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in International Development and double minoring in Business Administration and Spanish.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to explore different neighborhoods around D.C., run to the Washington or Lincoln monuments, and go out to eat (love GCDC!) with my friends.

What is the most beautiful place you have seen on Earth, and why is it so beautiful?

Last winter break, I had the opportunity to visit Hawaii with my family. One of the islands we visited was Kauai, otherwise known as the “Garden Island.” We hiked part of the Napali Coast, which is 15 miles of rugged coastline. Most of it is inaccessible because of the sheer cliffs that drop straight down. It was the most incredible and beautiful hike I have ever done.

Is there a particular life experience you have had that has shaped you as a person?  If so, what was it, and how has it shaped who you are?

The summer after my sophomore year of high school, I participated in an exchange with a family in Germany. For three weeks, I lived with my host family, traveled around the country, and had the opportunity to experience German culture. This experience has inspired me to travel more and learn more about different people and cultures around the world.

Why did you choose to intern with Learning Life?

I want to help inform and empower more people, and Learning Life is all about that. I chose to intern with Learning Life’s Citizen Diplomacy Initiative because I believe it is important for anyone, no matter their socioeconomic level, to have the same opportunity to engage in diplomacy as anyone else.

What are your career plans?

I plan to work for an NGO (non-governmental organization) focused on international development, particularly for women and communities.