Education Through Culture

My experience at the International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, fundamentally shifted how I understand intercultural communication. Engaging with Cadets from Ireland, Britain, France, Canada, and many other nations made it clear that even among close allies, our lived experiences and values differ in ways that are difficult to appreciate from a distance. Hearing how others navigate challenges unique to their countries forced me to examine my own assumptions and recognize how privileged I have been in my opportunities as an American cadet.

These conversations will directly shape how I practice as a future Army nurse. Effective nursing requires the ability to meet each patient where they are and understand how their culture and beliefs influence their care. The forum reinforced that cultural humility is not a soft skill but a
competency that can be applied in any field.

Perhaps the most lasting takeaway was a deepened appreciation for human connection across difference. Spending time with Cadets from around the world reminded me that trust is built gradually through genuine curiosity and shared experience. I am grateful to have represented the United States in that setting and humbled by what I received in return. I carry those friendships and perspectives into my growth as both an officer and a future nurse.