My name is Leanna Kathleena (yes, that is my entire first name) or Kathy for short. I am 17 years old, a freshman at CAS studying Economics and either International Relations or Politics. The study of intergovernmental relations and politics has proven itself to be my natural calling. Having lived in a variety of cultural environments—from bustling Manila, to chic Los Angeles, ever-changing Singapore, rural England, and most recently, suburban Houston—I have grown up with a full perspective of the world. Little fun fact about me: I have traveled to approximately 50 cities in 17 countries, an achievement that I am proudly honored to have accomplished at such a young age. Apart from my international affairs and politics related interests, I am a huge fan of classic music, movies, and literature. Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Janis Joplin are among my favorite musicians; Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, and Lawrence of Arabia are some favorite movies, and Catcher in the Rye, Catch-22, 1984, and A Tale of Two Cities, my favorite literature. Additionally, an enormous part of my life has been Model United Nations. Having been a delegate for the past three years, MUN has taught me so much more about the world than I could have dreamed. I learned about economics, politics, humanitarian efforts, disarmament, world health, and war to a degree that makes me certain a career in international relations would be the perfect path to take. Especially considering the forum of debate, MUN is a manner in which informed, interested young international relations enthusiasts are able to voice their opinions, receive feedback, and respond to criticism.
Through my column on this blog I hope to share my own opinion about the world, no matter how insignificant the voice of a young college student may be in the realm of global politics. I tend to gravitate towards more socioeconomic issues, particularly those that affect the lower class and underprivileged. In terms of a regional preference, I have been strongly influenced by my own travels, which were mostly in Europe and Southeast Asia. I look forward to reading your responses, especially your criticisms and concerns about anything I write!