Though Nazima is a relative newcomer to the U.S. Department of State, she had already demonstrated herself to be an outstanding FSO with a long list of achievements. From working with the government of Bangladesh to stem political violence and extremism, to building ties with the World Bank and U.S. Treasury, to earning the respect of the Bangladeshi ambassador to the United States, Nazima has demonstrated an aptitude for what she has called one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable.

Whether working in Bangladesh or traveling to New York and Washington for high-level meetings with United Nations, Bangladeshi, and American officials, Nazima is equally at home. Of course, while the diplomatic life can be, at times, glamorous and exciting, Nazima is quick to point it that it is her contribution to a safer, more secure, and more prosperous world that motivates her.

Tim's career as a Foreign Service Officer has already given him a diverse range of experience. From helping producers of an American television program arrange for security in a remote corner of the Guatemalan rain forest, to ensuring members of the Iraqi National Assembly made it safely to Baghdad in time for an important Constitutional referendum, Tim has accomplished much in his short tenure.

What motivates Foreign Service Officers like Tim? The chance to take on important responsibilities on behalf of his country. As the head of the local reconstruction council in Najaf, he works daily with American and Iraqi diplomats, contractors, and the local Shiite population to help bring not only democracy to the region, but prosperity as well. In short, his is a fascinating career that would be impossible with anyone but the Foreign Service.

It was in the country of Lesotho that Gwendolyn played a role in history. Mired in allegations of corruption that had resulted in an attempted coup, Lesotho's experiment in democracy was in a precarious position. New elections would need to conform to rigorous international standards if their results were to be accepted by the public. To that end, Gwendolyn was recruited from her post in Pretoria, South Africa to visit neighboring Lesotho and help ensure polling was conducted in a fair and accurate manner.

Here, Gwendolyn witnessed democracy in action at polling locations throughout traditionally tribal areas. She stayed late into the night to ensure every vote was properly counted and recorded. The results? For Lesotho, a successful election. For Gwendolyn, a front row seat to history where she herself was a participant. To Gwendolyn, the task of helping to transform countries into freer, more prosperous members of the international community is an opportunity she cherishes.

May, currently stationed at the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana, Mexico, was the recipient of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, and credits the program with allowing her to finish her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in International Relations. Now as a Foreign Service Officer in the Public Diplomacy track, May is proud of her accomplishments working to implement American policy in South America as well as facilitating cross-border cooperation and communication with Mexico.

Whether helping to improve relations between the U.S. and foreign governments, working with Colombian law enforcement officials, producing a video on visa processing, writing speeches for a Consul General, or ensuring human rights conventions were observed, May's career thus far has been rich in challenges - and professional rewards.

Storm realized the significance of his new career the day he left for his first post - March 22, 2003 - the day the U.S. entered into a war with Iraq. Though Storm was bound for Lagos, Nigeria, that day was an acute reminder that a career in foreign policy was one of the most challenging and rewarding careers available.

Many moments from his first year of consular duty stand out in Storm's memory, including the smile on the face of a Nigerian teenager as he granted her a visa to study in the United States and the joy of an American family as they finalized the adoption of a Nigerian orphan. Storm's second year as a Foreign Service Officer provided even more rewarding moments as he traveled across Nigeria speaking to groups both large and small about U.S. policy. Storm had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people including heads of universities, directors of NGO's, members of the business community, students, and families.

Though Storm's career as a Foreign Service Officer is just beginning, he's had the chance to accomplish things that would not have been possible in any other organization. He is proud not only to serve his country, but also to build a career at the forefront of international relations.

Whether helping to implement the President's Emergency Plan on AIDS Relief from the U.S. embassy in South Africa, or reaching across cultures in any number of other vitally important tasks, Jane has one of the most fascinating careers in the world. Having chosen the Public Diplomacy career track, one of five Foreign Service career tracks available, she works with international arts, culture, and media, all while meeting new people, learning French and Spanish, experiencing new places, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. Jane knows the work she does as a Foreign Service Officer makes the world a better, more secure, more prosperous place.

It's a long way from Laura's hometown of Chicago Heights, Illinois to New Delhi, India, where she is posted as a Consular Officer, yet her journey is not at all surprising. Since she was a little girl, Laura took a keen interest in international affairs, and in college, she took advantage of the U.S. Department of State's internship opportunities, luckily earning a position at the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.

Initially attracted to the Foreign Service because of the involvement in foreign policy it promised, Laura appreciates other aspects of the career, too. The chance to live and work in a foreign culture, help both American citizens and citizens of a foreign country, and learn languages such as Hindi, remind Laura on a daily basis of all the unique advantages to being a Foreign Service Officer.

As a Hispanic-American who spent summers in Honduras watching the women in her family promote civic service and preserve ecology, Heidi developed a natural interest in international relations, economic development, human rights, and the political empowerment of people.

Following her destiny, Heidi joined the Foreign Service through the Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program, which allowed her to finish her undergraduate degree and obtain a Master's degree. Having chosen the Economic track, one of five career tracks available, Heidi lived and worked in El Salvador where she encouraged local businesses to promote dollarization legislation to the government and fostered economic competition. While there, she had the opportunity to experience public diplomacy, economic, political, and consular work.

Heidi recognizes that it's important to remind foreign citizens that the United States is not a homogenous society. "It's multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and, at the end of the day, we're all Americans by virtue of our citizenship, not our ethnicity."

With the desire to work in an exciting environment that impacts people's lives, while living in and getting to know another country's people and culture, Kimberly became a Foreign Service Officer, having chosen the Political career track, one of five tracks available.

Kimberly interviews citizens, of the host country where she serves, who want to travel to the United States for business or pleasure. She finds it rewarding to exchange ideas - and food - with the people from these countries. Kimberly knows the work she does as a Foreign Service Officer makes the world a better, more secure, more prosperous place.