Here it is, my first blog. I suppose that this would be a good point to explain a little bit about myself. I am a former United States Marine, an Eagle Scout, and full time student at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in beautiful Kennesaw, Georgia. I am beginning my senior year as an International Affairs major, I have maintained a 3.82 gpa, and I look forward to entering the job market upon graduation.
I have really enjoyed my time at the university. I especially enjoyed competing for KSU's Model United Nations team. The Model UN team has added greatly to my understanding of the world of international relations, international law and organization, and a wide range of topics confronting the US and the world today. Additionally, I have learned a great deal about the formation of foreign policy , its implementation, interpretation, debate, and research. As a leader I had the privilege of leading an eight student delegation to a second place award, out of roughly 75 schools, while representing the Republic of Cuba.
Before I began my studies at Kennesaw I joined the US Marines. Before that I graduated from South Cobb High School with honors. Additionally, I was a Boy Scout in Cobb County, GA. As a Boy Scout I earned the Rank of Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank that the Boy Scouts can bestow on a boy.
Friday, September 7, 2007
My summer in Washington
Over the past summer, May - July 2007, I had the great honor of being invited to intern at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC. I interned in the Global Economy and Development Program researching topics including international volunteerism, public diplomacy, and public health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Of course, living in the district was an amazing experience. Learning the in's and out's of life on "The Hill" was an invaluable life lesson that I will carry with me. One of the most important things that I learned in DC was that I have a real interest in pursuing advanced degrees and living a life of learning. Working in the environment of free thinking and innovation was inspiring.
Also, living in DC was a great cultural experience for me. There was something very special about living and working in such a historically rich city. I enjoyed seeing the sights, visiting the museums, and touring the monuments. The Brookings Institution is located just off Dupont Circle so I was really in a central location for cultural and professional happenings around the District.
Also, living in DC was a great cultural experience for me. There was something very special about living and working in such a historically rich city. I enjoyed seeing the sights, visiting the museums, and touring the monuments. The Brookings Institution is located just off Dupont Circle so I was really in a central location for cultural and professional happenings around the District.
My Time in the Marine Corps
Before I came to Kennesaw State University I joined the United States Marine Corps (2000 - 2004). This was one of the major formative experiences of my life. It was during the thirteen weeks on Paris Island and the subsequent 4 years that I learned how to learn, how to work, how to lead, and how to excel at tasks set before me.
During my enlistment I was trained as a basic rifle-man and as an Aviation Ordnance System Technician. As a rifle-man I learned discipline, strength, obedience, and chain of command. As an ordnance technician I learned a great deal about how to lead and execute complex operations involving multiple teams and goals. Additionally, I learned how to trouble shoot electronic components, deal with hazardous and sensitive weapons systems, manage sensitive information and insure physical security of sensitive documents and weapons systems as well as related components. During my enlistment I was deployed to Japan for three years. It was from Japan that I was ordered to deploy on many joint training operations in countries including Australia, Thailand, South Korea, and with US forces on the island of Guam.
By the end of my enlistment I was promoted to the rank of Corporal (E-4). Additionally, I was awarded one Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, one Good Conduct Medal, one National Defense Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additionally, I was recognized with letters of appreciation and meritorious masts for the outstanding discharge of my duties.
During my enlistment I was trained as a basic rifle-man and as an Aviation Ordnance System Technician. As a rifle-man I learned discipline, strength, obedience, and chain of command. As an ordnance technician I learned a great deal about how to lead and execute complex operations involving multiple teams and goals. Additionally, I learned how to trouble shoot electronic components, deal with hazardous and sensitive weapons systems, manage sensitive information and insure physical security of sensitive documents and weapons systems as well as related components. During my enlistment I was deployed to Japan for three years. It was from Japan that I was ordered to deploy on many joint training operations in countries including Australia, Thailand, South Korea, and with US forces on the island of Guam.
By the end of my enlistment I was promoted to the rank of Corporal (E-4). Additionally, I was awarded one Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, one Good Conduct Medal, one National Defense Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Additionally, I was recognized with letters of appreciation and meritorious masts for the outstanding discharge of my duties.
The Boy Scouts of America
As far back as I can remember, I have been in the Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts. This was a very important experience to the formation of my character and personality. In addition to learning great skills like wilderness survival, cooking, and civic responsibility I learned important lessons about leadership and accountability as a troop leader for Troop 61.
On the trail to earning the rank of Eagle Scout I had to satisfy many requirements. I had to hold a leadership position with in the Troop. This required that I win an election to become troop leader. I was in charge of six patrols with between 8-12 boys each. Additionally, I had to undertake a self designed and executed service project. I decided to build a nature trail and outdoor learning area in the wooded area adjoining Harmony Lealand elementary school. My team and I planted many indigenous plants, built many benches, and cleared a winding trail through three acres of school land. All of this took four hundred and fifty personal hours and roughly three times that in peer volunteer hours.
On the trail to earning the rank of Eagle Scout I had to satisfy many requirements. I had to hold a leadership position with in the Troop. This required that I win an election to become troop leader. I was in charge of six patrols with between 8-12 boys each. Additionally, I had to undertake a self designed and executed service project. I decided to build a nature trail and outdoor learning area in the wooded area adjoining Harmony Lealand elementary school. My team and I planted many indigenous plants, built many benches, and cleared a winding trail through three acres of school land. All of this took four hundred and fifty personal hours and roughly three times that in peer volunteer hours.
Resume of Paul R. Harris
Education:
· Major: International Affairs (concentration in diplomacy and international service)
· Planned graduation date: December 2008
· Current GPA: 3.82
· Recognized as a Dean's List student for the past seven consecutive semesters.
Extra Curricular Activities:
· Participated and lead KSU Model United Nations teams (’05-’07),
o Recognized as outstanding delegation for representing the Islamic Republic of Iran,
o Led a team representing “
o Represented KSU at a Harvard World Model UN summit in
· Directed committees for KSU High School Model UN (’06-’07)
o Organized background guides for student research,
o Controlled committee of 100+ high school students,
· Director General, Kennesaw State University High School Model UN conference (2007-2008).
· Participated in Outward Bound,
Work Experience:
· The Brookings Institution, Global Economy and Development Program: Internship
o Assisted Brookings Fellow in research for senate policy brief regarding the adoption of proposals made by the Brookings Institution,
o Assisted Brookings Fellow in research for an editor’s prospectus in the area of international volunteerism and the effects of volunteers on diplomatic relations, development, stability, and peace,
o Managed office related tasks including: scheduling meetings, arranging conference calls, and managing the logistics for briefs and large conference
· Supplemental Instructor (Political Science 1101)
o Assisted students enrolled in Pols. 1101 succeed in the class by:
1. Teaching note taking techniques
2. Recommending study techniques to improve performance
3. Hosting study groups on and off campus
4. Answering students questions outside of the class room
5. Preparing supplemental readings pertinent to the coarse
o Reported to the professor and the Supplemental Instructor program relevant data regarding student participation and performance in study groups
·
Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician (6541)
o Inventoried, assembled, and transported sensitive and hazardous weapon systems and components,
o Trained in monitor, survey, and decontamination techniques for dealing with nuclear, chemical and biological attacks,
o Managed paper trail for munitions and munitions systems for shipment, storage, and transfer to end user,
o Traveled extensively throughout the Pacific in support of training operations with allied military forces,
o Obtained a Government Secret Security Clearance.
· Recreational Equipment Inc.
o Point of sale specialist
o Customer Service
o Conducted daily sales audits for a $14,000,000 per year retail store
Personal Achievements:
· Earned the Eagle Scout Award from Troop 61 Boy Scouts of
· Commended for achieving a 99.99% accountability of ordnance and ordnance related articles in the 2003-2004 weapons safety inspection while serving in
· PADI Certified diver
· Received excellent reviews for work at REI with statements of “meets” or “exceeds” expectations in all areas of review
· Graduated from
Great Books!
Here is a list of some of the books that I have read over the past couple of years that I think have really influenced my take on the world.
1. The Boy Scout Handbook, BSA
2. Security by Other Means, Lael Brainard
3. The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Samuel P. Huntington
4. Diplomacy, Henry Kissinger
5. The World is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman
6. The Sling and the Stone, Thomas X. Hammes
7. Dark Star Safari, Paul Theroux
8. Degrees in Violence, David Blair
9. Nuclear Terrorism, Graham Allison
10. Revolutionary Wealth,
11. Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife, John A. Nagl
12. Blind Side, Francis Fukuyama
13. The Future of Arms Control, Levi and O’hanlon
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