When other students concerned themselves with extracurriculars, course loads and AP tests, Eric Alseth concerned himself with issues beyond KHS. From tensions between Vietnam and its surrounding countries to the loose communist government of China, the status of countries around the world were constantly on Eric Alseth’s mind.
Since the beginning of junior year, Eric wanted to work in the field of creating and maintaining positive relations between countries, or diplomacy. This interest was fostered by involvement in foreign language classes, success in AP World History and participation in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP), which sent Eric to live in Hamburg for three months and travel through central and southern Germany for a week.
“[Diplomacy] is figuring out how to solve problems,” Eric said. “I found out back in middle school I was good at logic puzzles, and this is kind of an application of that.”
Coming from a family where engineering is a forte, Eric thought he would become an engineer when he was younger. However, after realizing he did not like mathematics, Eric said he realized he wouldn’t be happy working in engineering.
Even at a young age, Eric said he paid careful attention to world news. Although it did not cause him to consider diplomacy as a career at the time, he recalls becoming especially interested in the Balkans conflict through the news and the film Behind Enemy Lines.
“I never realized I wanted to be a diplomat in a certain moment,” Eric said. “It built up over time with each history class and seeing events scroll by on a ticker at the bottom of the TV.”
Eric’s friends describe him as a passionate person who thrives when working with information. Mason Schelenberg, senior, said with these two elements combined, Eric should have no trouble becoming a diplomat.
“He’s very concerned in world politics, is very opinionated, and likes to have his opinion voiced,” Mason said. “He’ll be a strong leader.”
Eric hopes for success as a diplomat and looks forward to working around the world. Specifically, he would like to help create infrastructure in southeast Asia and southeast Europe.
“I want to do anything to help people,” Eric said. “I’m not in this for the money. It’s all idealistic.”
