Summons to Serve: From Classroom to State Department

28/09/2025 53 min

Listen "Summons to Serve: From Classroom to State Department"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Uncharted, host Max CdeBaca sits down with Joshua Roth, a Pioneer alumnus whose journey has taken him from high school research on neuroscience to his current role as Executive Assistant at the U.S. Department of State.Joshua reflects on the moments that shaped his career path, from fieldwork in Bosnia to exploring transitional justice, and how his Pioneer experience gave him the confidence to ask hard questions about law, democracy, and human rights. Together, Max and Joshua dive into the tension between ideals and practice: What do democratic values really mean? How do we balance justice and security? And how can young scholars move from theory into meaningful public service?Along the way, Joshua opens up about battling impostor syndrome, navigating internships, and finding purpose in work that matters. His advice to students: don’t let self-doubt hold you back, because curiosity, persistence, and integrity are the qualities that can carry you forward.Listen now!Uncharted: A Top Alumni Podcast, featured by FeedSpot.#PioneerAlumni #PublicService #HumanRights #TransitionalJustice #Diplomacy #CareerJourney #StudentAdvice #UnchartedPioneer

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