BETTY THAI

SOLVING PROBLEMS ON A GLOBAL SCALE

Gould MSL student Betty Thai earned fellowship that could lead to job as a U.S. diplomat

Betty Thai hopes to pursue a career in international affairs to help vulnerable groups around the world By Eric Lindberg Like many children of immigrant parents, Betty Thai grew up in the role of cultural navigator.

When it came time to enroll her in elementary school, her parents, who are from Southern China, asked her to research and decide which school to attend. She translated at parent-teacher conferences, pored over the complicated language of important government documents and pointed out expensive charges in household bills to her mother.

That responsibility at a young age made Thai deeply passionate about understanding cultural differences. It led her to USC, where she pursues undergraduate degrees in political science and East Asian languages and cultures at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, while working toward a Master of Studies in Law at the USC Gould School of Law. The senior envisions a career devoted to exploring other cultures and advocating for vulnerable groups around the world. She studied abroad in China on a Gilman Scholarship in 2019 and recently received the prestigious Pickering Fellowship, which covers a twoyear master’s degree followed by an overseas posting in the U.S. Foreign Service. “I realized there are a lot of deep-rooted issues, especially facing underserved communities and minorities,” Thai said. “I want to get involved in politics to help solve those issues and address those structural barriers that people like my parents have to face.” FINDING PASSION FOR CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGE Thai, raised in California’s San Fernando Valley, had a strong work ethic at a young age. Instead of watching cartoons like other kids, she studied Mandarin on Saturday mornings at Chinese language school. While studying in China through her Gilman Scholarship, Thai became the de facto translator and navigator for her American classmates. In Chinese language class, she was the only student from the United States, and she joined in many conversations about life, politics and culture in the U.S. and China. When Thai realized she wanted to pursue a career in international affairs, the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program became her top goal.

The fellowship covers tuition and fees at a two-year master’s program in international affairs or a similar topic as well as a stipend to cover living expenses. Fellows complete two summer internships — first at the U.S. Department of State, then overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. In exchange, fellows agree to spend at least five years as a foreign service officer after completing their degrees. Thai didn’t expect to be selected, not even telling her mom she applied until the acceptance letter arrived. Thai’s current goal is to become a political officer in the U.S. Foreign Service, analyzing politics in her host country and making recommendations to leaders in Washington, D.C. It would be the opportunity of a lifetime: “I could influence policies that can help underserved communities on an international scale.”