Kevin in Strasbourg, France

Kevin McLaughlin is the Programs Assistant for the World Affairs Council for the summer of 2018. He is from Farmington, CT, and is currently a rising senior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Kevin is a political science major and a French minor.

Kevin diving into the Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik, Croatia

 

1. When and why did you first show interest in global affairs?

I first showed interest in global affairs in high school through my participation in the Model UN program. This interest was then further fostered through both political science classes and my study abroad experience in Strasbourg, France, where I was given the opportunity to observe on multiple occasions the debate between EU Parliament members at the EU Parliament building located in Strasbourg.

2. Do you have a particular area of interest in global affairs?

One area of interest for me is immigration policy and politics. I am interested in the increasing importance of immigration policy given the rise of refugees and asylum seekers from the Middle East and Northern Africa, along with the proliferation of anti-immigrant sentiment expressed by politicians both in the United States, and Europe. Seeing how politicians deal with the issue of immigration is fascinating, and if citizens across the globe can stay informed on this issue, better outcomes in immigration policy will be achieved.

Kevin in Strasbourg, France (still!)

3. What do you do at CTWAC?

As Program Assistant, I help to coordinate and plan events at CTWAC. This includes helping to make event flyers, emails, and other materials that are used to promote events to CTWAC members and the public. Additionally, I help to ensure that all CTWAC events run smoothly by aiding in the set-up and clean-up of those events.

4. What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy playing golf, running and swimming with my dog, playing the ukulele, and hanging out with friends.

Photo of Kevin taken from the Sacre Coeur in Paris, France

5. Why do you think global engagement is important?

Global engagement is important because, as citizens, we have the incredible power to have a real influence on what American foreign policy will be. If we decide a global issue is important, and that action should be taken, we have the power to spark that action. In order cause the best course of action, and to achieve the best outcomes for the world, it is essential that we stay informed. If the American citizenry is informed and engages in productive discussion about global issues, it will then be able to vote with knowledge and incite change for the better, both in the U.S. and across the globe.

6. Do you have any tips on how to get involved in global affairs?

Do something small to stay informed—Download news applications like BBC and CNN onto your phone and turn notifications on. If a notification pops up and intrigues you, read the article and research the issue. Be aware of biases and go to multiple sources for your news.

Kevin with his study abroad group in Dubrovnik, Croatia