More than half way through!

It is now basically the halfway point of my time here in Singapore. I guess it's time for some reflection. After coming here, I think what I've learned the most about is schmoozing. All these events that the Bulldogs have been invited too has only shown me how important know the right people is and what the right connections can get you. Singapore is all about giving perks to VIP members. I've always kind of been disdainful of the term "networking." Even though I realize that a large part of the value of Yale is the people we meet, I never wanted to think of my friendships in that way. All the networking events that I've been to here have been different though. Yes you do go to these events and make small talk with a lot of different people, but the purpose is to find those several that you really click with, not kiss-ass to every single person you meet. And we have been meeting extremely cool people at these events.

Due to a Yale Alum, Cary Schmelzer, who introduced us to another Cary who works at the FBI, we were able to get an audience with the Singapore Ambassador, David Adelman and the Deputy Chief of Missions, Louis Mazel, held a happy hour in our name. Ambassador Adelman spared 30 minutes of his time to talk to 6 Yale undergraduate interns in Singapore. He was down to earth, humble about his achievements and very personable. BUT he also demonstrated how knowing the right people at the right time would land you the right job. He met President Obama several years back, before the elections and because of several common interests, became friends. He helped President Obama tour around the country and gave speeches for him and after the elections was granted his first choice of coming to Singapore as the Ambassador. Granted he had an impressive resume of having his own start-up, being a partner at a major law firm and serving as former Senator of Georgia for several years, but working one's way up the Foreign Service ladder would not have landed him the job. At this meeting we were also able to see Ambassador Adelman present Mike Davis, a retiring FBI officer with his retirement credentials, which is apparently a great moment in their career. It was amazing that we could be there to witness that moment. (This Mike Davis guy was also featured in the National Geographic on his work in Istanbul)

Later that day the DCM also hosted a happy hour, inviting other Yale alums and some Embassy officers to gather at his "residence." Which was pretty amazing. He had us stand up in front and introduce ourselves, like as if we were important people. The rest of the crowd were all people who have careers in the government, or Yale alums their own amazing careers. It really was such an honor.

On another note, I think something else I've learned this summer is something about how I interact with others. It really wasn't until this summer that I've felt a strong desire to change someone around me. I feel like pushing this person to step beyond this imaginary line that she has created for herself and stop living life so carefully. At the same time, I can't justify why I am doing this because how she leads life is perfectly fine. There's nothing wrong with how she makes decisions, but I am always overcome by this immense desire to just shake her and break apart these ropes that she's tied around her feet. But I also feel totally egotistical saying this. Like as if I have the right to tell anyone else how to live life. By pushing her all the time and questioning her actions, I now almost feel like I've been bullying her. But because she always responds with a smile, I never know when I'm going too far, when my words of "encouragement" turn into words simply impose my views of life onto her. Maybe I should keep my comments to myself? Plenty of people do that and many times with other people I do keep them to myself. But for some reason I just feel compelled to tell her about my dissatisfaction with what she does. After 4 weeks of such interactions, I'm kind of tired and I'm sure she is too, maybe I should just stop?
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