The World and its Affairs

SPC Attends St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs

Long time ago, great explorers set on expeditions to travel the land and sea. It took many years for humanity to correct the belief that the Earth is not flat, but a huge globe. In fact, the Earth is made up of diverse land forms and broad depths of sea. It is also is a home for different wildlife, vegetation, and of course, a wide range of cultures and races. Nonetheless, people tend to neglect these kinds of things, as they just see what is just within their parameters instead of looking at the big picture.

SPC students raised their awareness as they attended the St Petersburg Conference on World Affairs at USF St. Petersburg that was in session from February 17-19.  The World Affairs Conference discussed topics that promote people’s welfare and uphold their rights – hot topics such as employment in the U.S., women’s rights, immigration, as well as current circumstances in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America.

SPC students from Clearwater campus participated in an International Career Session where they learned about joining the Peace Corps, working as a diplomat, or working in the intelligence services. CIA veteran Eugene Poteat talked about his service in the intelligence field. One of the biggest things he mentioned is how different media have portrayed the CIA and other intelligence committees.

What students thought about the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs:

“It was deeply fascinating. I always thought of organizations like the CIA and FBI as almost mythical things, but hearing Mr. Poteat speak showed me that a career in intelligence is a very real and interesting career path. “ – Jeffrey Lozada.

“It was an eye opening and informative. It was a great honor meeting Eugene Poteat, a renowned senior CIA executive. The conference did not just provide different resource materials, but the audience got intake from the speaker himself. “– Judy Bun.

The conference showed students what it is like to be in other people’s shoes. It gave students the knowledge that there are things happening outside their campuses. The conference promotes awareness. It taught students that no matter how massive the world is in size, with all these cultures and heritages, it is not a small world after all.

Written by Camille Custodio