By Art Shane Dacua
Classrooms teach us theories. Textbooks provide us with answers. But it’s in the real world where we begin to ask the right questions—and discover the lessons that truly shape us.
As students of foreign affairs, we spend years learning about diplomacy, international relations, and global policies. We analyze historical events, interpret foreign policies, and familiarize complex frameworks. But once we step into our internships, we quickly realize that real-world experiences teach us things no book ever could.
Internships are more than a graduation requirement. They are a reality check—a moment where theory meets practice. In the office, we learn that diplomacy isn’t always about grand speeches or formal negotiations; sometimes, it’s about how we communicate with our colleagues, manage time, respond to pressure, or carry ourselves with integrity.
We learn that being early isn’t just about discipline—it reflects professionalism. That listening is sometimes more powerful than speaking. That asking questions shows strength, not weakness. And that mistakes, while uncomfortable, are often the best teachers we’ll ever have.
During our internships, we meet mentors who don’t just correct our work—they shape our perspectives. We face tasks we’ve never done before and realize that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. In fact, it starts the moment we admit we don’t know everything.
More importantly, we begin to see ourselves not just as students, but as future professionals or public servants—capable of contributing, growing, and making a difference.
Learning beyond books means embracing the challenges of the workplace, adapting to new environments, and learning to work with people of different backgrounds and beliefs. It means understanding that public service and diplomacy are not abstract concepts, but human-centered efforts grounded in collaboration, empathy, and accountability.
So, as we move forward—armed with both academic knowledge and real-life lessons—we carry with us a deeper sense of purpose. Our internships may have been temporary, but the growth they sparked will shape us for a lifetime.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just what we learned—it’s who we become in the process. It’s the moment you start growing beyond the page and into purpose.
