Being credentialed is the official status in the world of diplomacy and it is so true for protocol workers who produce in the blurred lines of our given employment. Much of my learning thus far has been transfer of knowledge from PDI-POA members who are so talented at what they do. On my own I've gained experiences from my personal journey being a foreign-born American, and from professional work in citizen diplomacy and higher education. Yet my experiences still are no match for earning the seal of approval that comes from an accredited protocol program. I've coveted the PSOW training course for a long time, but it has not yet been possible. After all the years of consuming books, attending the PDI conferences, learning on the job, and living protocol vicariously through the lives of others, this contest makes me sit up and ask: why not me, too? I've begun course work in a Communication master's program with aspirations of contributing to the body of research on international protocol. This would be the right time to win this award and obtain the credentials necessary to find ways to add value to this profession. There really is no other successful option than the PSOW experience. So I hereby toss in my hat for consideration. Thank you PSOW for the opportunity! And if you're inclined to vote for my story, your support is very much appreciated.