The Honors College connects future international affairs leaders with opportunities that expand their professional horizons. Darian Randle, a senior studying Global Affairs, strengthened his understanding of international exchange and diplomacy during a two week visit to Japan last Spring.
Participating in the 2018 Kakehashi Project, a global affairs leadership development program sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Randle worked with business and government leaders in Tokyo to enhance U.S.-Japanese relations. The Kakehashi Project invites students to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local government offices, as well as the Toyota and Honda executive offices in Tokyo.
“This program presents a great stepping stone to my career in international affairs,” explains Randle, whose networking with Japanese leaders helped him build relationships he hopes will prepare him for a career. The Kakehashi Project allows Randle to consider U.S.-Japanese relations from a “new perspective,” says the senior, who is gaining interpersonal skills by communicating with global leaders.
Beyond interacting with diplomats, Randle expanded his cultural worldview through a homestay outside of Tokyo, which gave him the opportunity to learn about Japanese customs and traditions from multiple perspectives.
Randle expresses gratitude to his Honors College support system, crediting Dr. Berger and Dr. Woolsey for their mentorship throughout his undergraduate career. “Having Dr. Berger and Dr. Woolsey as mentors in the Honors College has better prepared me for my journey once I graduate,” he reflects.
"I'm impressed with how motivated and persistent Darian is," shares Honors College Curriculum Coordinator John Woolsey, who has seen Randle grow as an undergraduate at Mason.
Randle’s journey in Japan spanned the last two weeks of March. To find out more about the international affairs program, visit their website.
Original reporting by Jimmy O'Hara. Photographs provided by Darian Randle.