A Summer of Being
Posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015 at 2:11 pm.
Lady Liberty on Liberty Island
It is now officially summer! This means that I have packed my bags and am hitting Route J-1 for a summer road trip once again. My staff will be joining in the adventure, and we look forward to showcasing the extraordinary J-1 participants who will make the United States their home this summer.
Like last year, I decided to kick off the summer version of my road trip in New York City. For young people, New York evokes a desire to dream big, so it is the perfect place to start. For the past 130 years, a special lady has been adding inspiration to the mix of energy and excitement, Lady Liberty. Just next to Ellis Island – where my grandparents first landed in this country – the Lady of Liberty and Enlightenment began her American life as a tall and beautiful symbol of welcome to the immigrants landing in a new world. Today, she serves as a reminder of all the possibilities that are available to those who are willing to take chances and try something new.
To me, Liberty Island serves as an exemplary host of J-1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) students. This year, Liberty Island welcomed roughly 80 SWT exchange visitors representing over ten countries. And for the SWT participants who work at Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty provides daily inspiration to make the most of their program experiences. I know this thanks to Rex and Eloisa, participants from the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.
Eloisa and Rex, SWT participants from the Philippines and the Dominican Republic
Eloisa feels “inspired and proud to work on Liberty Island, a place that means freedom and friendship to people from other countries.” Both Rex and Eloisa stress the significant impact this program will have on their future career endeavors. Rex says that for him, SWT and his time at Liberty Island have “changed everything, my whole view of life.” They both noted that in the United States, a person who works hard is rewarded. This is a lesson they both intend to take home and apply towards their future career goals; Rex in hospitality management, and Eloisa in architecture.
Lady Liberty is not the only one providing a positive example. Rex and Eloisa’s supervisor, Michael Cox, plans, organizes, and works diligently to ensure an enriching and positive experience for the exchange visitors, with exposure to cultural activities and learning opportunities that reflect the vibrancy of New York. When asked, he named at least 10 cultural activities planned for his students – and those were the activities just off the top of his head. He makes sure his participants use their English all day every day. According to Michael, “that’s the point of their program!”
Rex’s and Eloisa’s enthusiasm, their supervisor Michael’s commitment, and Lady Liberty’s welcoming symbolism will travel with me as I continue on the road this summer. I hope you enjoy our adventure.
Supervisor Michael Cox at Liberty Island
Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight
| About Rebecca Pasini Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange | |
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Rebecca A. Pasini joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges in July 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister - Counselor, Ms. Pasini has been an American diplomat since 1997.
Ms. Pasini previously served as the Director of Public and Congressional Affairs in the Bureau of Consular Affairs from 2021-2023. Other Washington assignments have included positions in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Office of Foreign Missions, and as a liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. She has also completed multiple overseas tours, including as Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in Islamabad, Pakistan, and as the Consular Chief in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Other tours included Mexico City and Kuwait.
A Maryland native, Ms. Pasini has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University, a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and an undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College.
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