Ambassador: Cultural Exchange and Working with Younger Generation

There are many jobs with high standards and requirements. However being an ambassador is not a job that ends at 5 p.m. every day. Serving as an ambassador is a lifestyle, a title that has to be maintained all the time. I believe that a cultural ambassador is a very responsible and demanding position, something that is naturally done by a person with sincere motives. An ambassador reflects his country’s culture but also remains open-minded and ready to accept some elements of other cultures. An ambassador is not someone who judges the cover, he or she needs to see the core of the issue, deep inside each problem as it arises. A cultural ambassador is a well-educated person with strong communication skills who cannot be narrow minded as the position requires always seeing a bigger picture.

All of the offered ideas of representing my country were very interesting. However, speaking about my perception of sharing the culture, one idea particularly caught my attention. Even though I see how a circumspect guest lecture or a bright and colorful international festival may become a great opportunity to show people what my culture really is like, I still believe these seem to be events that can gather people once. Audience will come and enjoy it but it does not necessarily mean that they will stay attracted or will see some culture peculiarities through a one-time occasion. This is why I prefer to name volunteering at local youth center my favorite option. I like it because it will be a long-lasting sharing of my knowledge and culture. I will get to establish a relationship with people there which will help not only to spread some cultural aspects but let them see myself as a person, let them make their own conclusions about me and the country I come from.

In addition to what has been said, to me the word “youth” is synonymous to the word “future”. Working with younger generation is exciting and totally worth some difficulties that may come along. They are the ones that are growing up in the time when information has the biggest power. It is very important that they see some things for themselves and do not form stereotypes because they are the future. They will go on studying, working, traveling and collaborating internationally. I would love to make an effort and share with them everything about my country and culture so those young people would have an opinion of their own.