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Letters 1998
17-vi-98
Dear Mr Beeby
I have just finished a year (my third year of University) at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where I was studying International Politics. It was a fantastic place to be and full of many opportunities. While I was there I managed to join a team of ten Political Students in an intense study of American foreign policy. Over the year this involved a series of lectures by prominent figures involved in US politics and foreign affairs. We also embarked upon three key field studies; including a trip to Venezuela to discuss the situation in Latin America with President Caldera and his government body; an offshore excursion to the USS Enterprise out in the Atlantic - a few days to aid our understanding of the armed forces and America's military position in world politics, and finally a day at the Pentagon in DC. to meet the men that run the show.
In February I was also asked by the university to represent them at a prominent political conference at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Here students, professors, government and N.G.O. representatives spent a week preparing a paper on the outlook on American relations with Africa. All these were, indeed, incredible experiences, which I will forget in no short time.
Since the academic year ended I travelled for a month with friends which was great fun. Now I am interning for three months at the CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I am working as a research reporter with CNN News-stand, the political documentary team. The internships are very well run here and, as well as the work experience itself, CNN provide us with courses and seminars in 'documentary production', 'broadcast writing', and 'digital video editing' skills. I have only been here for two weeks but already I am finding it to be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Finally, a couple of days ago my parents phoned me with the great news that I had won $1000 scholarship from the University of Edinburgh Development Trust for my internship project with CNN.
I realise I have been ever so lucky this year, with the opportunities that have come my way. It has made for a very special time out here in the States. Still, it will be great to get back to the UK. in late August to see my family and friends again. I hope I will be able to come back to see you all at Clayesmore before I return to Edinburgh for my final year.
All the best,
Georgian Spicer
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