Six years ago I began dreaming about taking Protocol Officer Training and the doors it could open for me. Every month I read though your newsletter wishing there was a way for me to make it a reality. Now, hopefully, I can thanks to this contest. My job at Oak Ridge National Laboratory routinely provides opportunities for me to work with my management, politicians, and host scientists from around the world. I want our guests to have the best experience when visiting our facility. Protocol is essential for making these visits productive from a business perspective and comfortable from a social perspective. Ultimately, I want to become ORNL’s Protocol Officer and winning this training would give me the knowledge I need and potentially afford me the opportunity to do that on a larger scale. I truly believe our world is becoming smaller and that it’s important for all of us to be respectful and understanding of the diversity of the people around us. I know the importance of etiquette and decorum with each dignitary and guest that visits our facility. Winning this contest could finally put me in a position to help those around me understand just how important protocol is to the success of our global mission as well.