Page 23 - UD Magazine Vol. 31 No. 1

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Because There’s Value in Getting Lost
Steve Bondy, AS84, BE86M, is U.S. ambassador to
Bahrain, where he’s responsible for the full range of
foreign policy interests. How’d he acquire the self-
assurance necessary to thrive in such a high-pressure role? Partially, a study abroad experience that had him lost and confused locating hostels and navigating public transportation throughout Europe. “It’s about resilience,” he says. “This kind of experience gives you confidence to make your way in the world.”
Because the Rapids Are Revelatory
Because It Creates Unlikely Alliances
At the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ben Olarsch, AS20, completed a group project alongside Palestinian and Israeli classmates—at a time when cross-border rocket launches regularly forced both these Palestinian and Israeli classmates into shelter. Still, they collaborated. The experience made Olarsch, now a case worker for a U.S. Congressman from New Jersey, a better public servant: “I’ve seen the power of sympathy for another’s experience.”
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THESE PATAGONIA FALLS “LOOKED LIKE SILK,” SAYS ALYSSA SANTIAGO, AS20. “THIS VIEW FOREVER CHANGED MY LIFE.”
In Argentina, when not hiking the Andes for an ethereal
Allen Gula, AS09, studied abroad 15 times. (His Milky Way view, Leigh Zakutansky, AS06, whitewater
professor mom allowed him to start tagging along rafted the Manso River. This ignited a passion that’s
at age 8.) From recognizing his privilege in Ecuador taken her around the globe, including 16 days in 11
to scuba diving in Galapagos, “I wanted to pay it Grand Canyon rapids. The sport introduced her to her
forward.” In 2015, Gula was hiking through Nepal husband, and it continues informing her professional
when an earthquake struck. He stayed behind life—she works as a rafting guide in the Poconos. Says
to rebuild, and he founded the Conscious Impact the Blue Hen: “One experience changed everything.”
nonprofit, which still recruits globally for the cause. V
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Because You’ll Want to Give Back
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