Freeman student has ‘diplomatic’ experience

Four years before a summer that would change her life, Emily Carder dreamed of becoming a High School Diplomat.

She learned about the cultural exchange program – which pairs 40 American students with 40 Japanese students for two weeks at Princeton University – through an acquaintance of her brother (then in high school himself) and posted it on her bedroom wall as a reminder each year.

As a rising junior, an eager Carder saw her opportunity, took the plunge and was selected as one of the 40 American students.  What came on the heels of this victory was fear.

This was one of the biggest moments in her life, and the excitement and anxiety of the unknown had begun to kick in. No one at Douglas S. Freeman High School had ever been selected before her, and she knew very little about the people and culture she was about to encounter.

“Everyone calls this program the best 10 days of your life, and when you walk in you wonder, is that really going to be the case?” Carder recalled.

Carder’s reservations melted away through the day-to-day relationship- building activities.  Deep discussions, martial arts, language classes and traditional Japanese- and American-themed events made friends out of strangers. Diplomacy can mean, simply, negotiation – but Carder said for her and her roommate, Sana Ota, it meant much more.

“It’s about making these relationships not only with the Japanese, but with people who are just as passionate about diplomacy and international relations,” an enthusiastic Carder said. “What’s interesting is that you learn about culture through these relationships.”

The two still keep in contact through video calls, but even without Facetime, Carder said she can still see Ota’s smile and hear her laugh. The two hope to visit in person again soon; the second part of the cultural exchange will take place this summer in Japan, where, if selected, Carder will stay with Ota’s family.

Until then, Carder is still soaking in the lessons of the experience. She said High School Diplomats already has made an impact in her life.

“I’m far more reflective, far more aware of the other person that I’m speaking to and I’ve re-evaluated a lot of my relationships.” Carder said.

According to highschooldiplomats.com, next year’s program will take place between July 24 and Aug. 4.