The Foreign Service Journal, December 2018

My job is not just about investigating fraud cases or mak- ing connections with our counterparts. Using interpersonal skills, I am able to liaise with and maintain relationships with the Indonesian government. For example, when a U.S. military plane had to make an emergency landing in Banda Aceh, I was asked by my supervisor to assist our defense attaché’s office to seek permission from immigration for the air crew to deplane at the airport and enter the city. It was a difficult negotiation because most of the crew did not have passports with them. My immigration contact told me that he was hesitant to speak to our deputy chief of mission about the situation. Banda Aceh is a sensitive area in Indonesia where the unexpected landing of a U.S. military plane could be considered a potential threat to the country. The Indonesian government was afraid that the emergency landing was an intended action by the U.S. government to infiltrate the area. Although there was a day-long delay for the crew to be permitted to enter the city, immigration officials finally issued an emer- gency short visit pass to the crew, who departed the next day without incident. The best thing about my job is having the ability to communicate directly with our counterparts to advance our relations. Under the direction of my supervisor, I am empowered to do this, and it has given me the opportunity to nurture ties, develop trust and build a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens the U.S.-Indonesian partnership. Working at the U.S. embassy has been a great opportunity for my personal and professional growth. It is a fun place to work and a great place to learn more about American culture, as well as U.S. government policies and programs and their positive impact on Indonesia. The mission participates in many programs that contribute to the community. One suggestion I have is to include the children of Locally Employed staff in the summer-hire program. There is a summer-hire program for U.S. college and high school students, but not one for the children of LE staff. I feel such a program would be of great benefit to the embassy community. Building Bridges to Prosperity n ANGELA TURRIN, INTERNATIONAL TRADE SPECIALIST, U.S. EMBASSY MADRID, SPAIN One sunny day in 1995, I was walking up a street in São Paulo, Brazil, to go visit my grandmother when I noticed a beautiful building on the corner of her new street. The sign read “U.S. Commercial Service,” and the U.S. flag was flying outside. Entering the building was easy back then, and I walked in and read all the information on a board displaying the several sectors and activities that amazing office covered. As I was reading, a lady named Marina Konno approached me. She asked if she could help me. “I speak English, and am looking for a job,” I answered. “What do you do here? Where can I leave my CV?” (You are prob- ably wondering how I had a CV on me—yes, I was car- rying a copy. Coincidence? Luck? Destiny!) I gave my information to Marina and left the building, not knowing that this simple action would change my life forever. The next day I received a call from her, got an interview and the follow- ing day was offered a job to help coordinate a trade mission. That is howmy love story with the U.S. Commercial Service began. In 2001 I applied for a position in Madrid and transferred to fulfill a dream and live an adventure as I explored new work pos- sibilities. It was a perfect fit with my personality. Twenty-three years have gone by since that first day, and I have worked in every single position this organization can offer, from back office to front office, and in different sectors and regional projects. My friends ask where I find the motivation. It’s easy; in the passion to carry on the mission of building bridges to prosperity. I am fluent in four languages and have lived in four different countries. Knowing how to address cultural change and adapt THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2018 67 Like American employees, LE staff have career goals and aspirations. —Khalil Derbel Angela Turrin.