Dianne Decasa

How did you choose your degree program?

When I arrived in the United States, I had already completed two years of engineering studies in the Philippines. However, I had the feeling that this program was not really for me. As a result, I sought to discover a new interest and eventually became engrossed in the stories shared by others in my circle who work for the US State Department. I've also discovered that learning about various cultures and current events is something I enjoy doing.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

My academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences have impacted me in ways that I didn’t expect. The many interesting and relevant courses offered in this department have allowed me to grow as an individual. The topics covered in my classes have broadened my concept of culture and the many other circumstances and issues that are taking place in our global society. It teaches me to be empathetic towards others and to be more inquisitive about the things that are going on around the world.

What accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being a consistent honor student throughout my time at Mason. Many of us have been affected by the pandemic in various ways, but I am happy that despite these challenges, I was able to excel and achieve my goals. In my two years of stay at Mason, I have written many academic papers that I am proud of. I also have presented a few topics that allowed me to overcome my fear of public speaking.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? Please give an example of this impact if possible.

Throughout my time at Mason, the majority of my professors have had left a great impact on me. However, two instructors have had left a lasting impression on me. First is Professor Yasemin Ipek from my very first global affairs class. Despite the fact that we only met in person for half of the semester due to Covid-19, she has had a significant impact on my academic achievement at Mason. Professor Ipek has basically opened my eyes to the world of global affairs. She has sparked my interest in the topic as her class was very enjoyable and meaningful. She is also one of the few professors that make an effort to get to know her students. Next is Professor Al Fuertes from my INTS 416 class. In his class, we talked about the experiences of the displaced population. As someone who has direct experience with this topic, he has shared many eye-opening stories that inspire us, his students to be more emphatic about others especially to those who are forced to leave their homes as a result of violence. Both of these professors are very passionate and knowledgeable about the topic that they are teaching which I really appreciate.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

My current career plan following graduation is to simply break into the global affairs field. As a recent college graduate, I need to start building a strong presence in the industry, improving my core competencies through professional development, and on-the-job experience. Therefore, my short-term goal is to acquire a government job through contracting and excel in that position so that I can take on higher-level tasks as needed and prepare for future advancement opportunities. My long-term goals include gaining new experiences within the organization, progressing to higher positions when they become available, and eventually joining the State Department as a foreign service officer.