Kaylen is in her last semester of college at Trinity College and majors in Public Policy and Law with a concentration in International & Human Rights and a Rhetoric minor. She is our Social Media and Communications intern this Spring and we couldn’t be happier to have her on the team!

1. When and why did you first show interest in global affairs?
I’m a small-town girl from Georgia and always had a small-town perspective. When I went to Trinity College in Connecticut, I was able to meet many different people from around the world and began to take International Studies and Human Rights classes that broadened my view of the world and made me aware of global issues. My Introduction to Human Rights Professor and I would sit in his office discussing global affairs and he would suggest different books for me to read about different human rights violations inside and outside the country and I was hooked. Now I am a Public Policy and Law major with a concentration in International and Human Rights.

2. Do you have a particular area of interest within global affairs?
My particular area of interest within global affairs is Human Rights specifically Women’s Rights and Sexual Violence.

3. What do you do at CTWAC?
I am the Social Media and Communications intern. My responsibilities include managing our social media accounts, creating weekly podcast posts, updating our blog about specific global topics, and working on our newsletter Comm(Unity).

4. What do you do in your free time?
I love reading, listening to podcasts, and dancing to my favorite songs. At Trinity College I host a Radio show where I play alternative and rock music. I also love traveling. My favorite places I’ve gone have been Berlin, Barcelona, and Tokyo.

5. Why do you think that global engagement is important?
I believe global awareness is essential as the world is so interconnected. Many Americans don’t naturally think in a global context. We have the privilege being a first world country to not have to constantly care about what’s going on everywhere else. However, it is imperative to be globally aware to truly make a difference in the world. We are not just American citizens, but we are global citizens.

6. Do you have any tips on how to get involved in global affairs?
I believe following a world news source is so important. America is a bubble and most of our news is focused on America or if its international it’s still focused on America’s role internationally. I think if you’re in high school you should join your local Model UN or if you’re in college you can start by taking an introduction to Human Rights or International Studies course. As a community member you can join discussions the world affairs council has to get involved in global affairs.