Natasha Starceski
I chose Norwich because it offered something rare and distinguished among U.S. graduate fields. Norwich offered a unique chance to study the art, science, and vast applicability of diplomacy that I could not find anywhere else.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I am a veteran and currently serving Soldier in the Montana Army National Guard from Helena, Montana. I have one six-year-old son in kindergarten, and a dog that I named "Indiana" after my childhood hero, Indiana Jones. My hobbies include reading, book collecting, playing the drums, and international languages, food, and travel. I have had many distinct privileges and opportunities to work with different types of organizations at the local, state, national, and international levels since becoming a servicemember. I have been in the Montana Army National Guard for 14 years and plan to continue working as a citizen-soldier until I'm ready to retire from the military. My time and tours as a citizen-soldier have given me knowledge and exposure to various professional fields, including intelligence work, diplomatic professionals, world-class leaders, and published authors and speakers; all of whom I aspire to continue working and growing alongside.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “My motivation for studying diplomacy came from a mix of experiences from my youth and my current professional life. I come from a mixed-race family and was fortunate to have early exposure to many different languages and ways of life. I have also been a Soldier and military leader for 14 years and have been inspired by international acquaintances and colleagues outside the U.S. to include joint and coalition partners that have been pivotal in shaping my personal and professional growth to be a better, more well-rounded, and informed leader.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “My future professional goals include working as a Defense Attaché in an embassy overseas or in any capacity where I can continue to serve and represent my country as a uniformed professional working alongside international partners. After military retirement, I plan to transition full-time into the diplomatic field of foreign service and hopefully serve as a resident U.S. diplomat and perhaps as an ambassador someday.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I chose Norwich because it offered something rare and distinguished among U.S. graduate fields. Norwich offered a unique chance to study the art, science, and vast applicability of diplomacy that I could not find anywhere else. The diplomacy program further provided me the chance to study online, which was great given that I do not live anywhere near a university that offers diplomacy specifically as a field of advanced study.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “My only uncertainty was that I would miss out on opportunities to learn from my peers, although I have had many interactions and discussions with peers that I've learned immensely from. The deciding factors to attend Norwich narrowed to two reasons: 1) going to school online was better for my schedule, and 2) I was able to study what I was passionate about while continuing to live and serve in Montana.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “I did not have any solid expectations at the beginning of the program other than I wanted it to challenge my working knowledge and ability to think critically about complex issues or scenarios. I have absolutely been challenged beyond what I thought I was capable of achieving as a student, and I am immensely proud of the growth that I have had in my abilities to conduct research, write scholarly work, and discuss difficult but relevant issues in today's world.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “My advice to future online Norwich students would be not to discredit yourself for studying online. Learning is an opportunity to be better no matter how it is pursued. Read as much as you can and then some. Gather additional books on your current subject and immerse yourself in it in daily and manageable doses. Ask questions, challenge your peers and professors, and reflect on your own experiences to help you grow as an academic and a professional.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “I plan to use my degree to help me be more informed and strategic as a military officer and leader. Having a background in diplomacy while also being a member of the military is a rarity, but I am passionate about being distinguishable among my peers and in my field. I do plan to eventually retire from military service but continue serving in a foreign service capacity.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “My biggest personal success has been that I did not give it up. At a critical point, I had to withdraw from my coursework in late 2023 without a plan or warning due to safety concerns while I was on deployment in the Middle East. I was devastated but able to come back into the program without penalty and more determined to finish and excel in my coursework. Norwich took me back as a student after I got home without question and with all the encouragement and compassion that helped me reset and keep going.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “I have been able to apply the considerations in diplomatic problem-solving to my military settings immediately. Having a secondary profession that is geared towards complex problem-solving, but with a broader view to help assess and implement more thought-out and strategic plans and implementations has set me apart from the typical ways of thinking in military planning and execution.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “I will carry the pride of being a Norwich student always. As a military member getting to study from afar at a historic and distinguished military institution, I am proud to wear the name and wave the banner of Norwich. It has been an incredible experience and a compelling privilege to study diplomacy at Norwich University.”
Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich or the impact of Norwich on your life?”
A: “The Norwich staff in the financial aid, registrar's, and bursar's office were incredible in helping me continue my studies and graduate. Without their flexibility, moral support, and efforts to go above and beyond to retain me as a student and get me over the finish line, I seriously question whether I would have had the standalone confidence to continue. Their acts of professionalism and personal heroism cannot be understated. Specific shoutout to Bethany Reynolds, Shaun McCaughey, Nishan Grout, and all the professors who have been on this long-fought journey with me; all of whom prayed for my safe return and helped shoulder the resilience and perseverance to see me reach my goal.”
