I grew up with world maps and Atlas books as my toys. For a long time, I remembered all the capital cities (now I know maybe 90%…) Maps and memory are how I developed my global worldview while living in a conservative family and community. This early interest is what nurtured my interest in international affairs and later on international development.

After completing my undergraduate program in Thailand, I spent around nine years exploring and exposing myself to diverse sectors and projects domestically and internationally. I enjoyed my time in Thailand working on projects that allowed me to learn and empathize with local, indigenous, and ethnic minority communities across the country that have been excluded and marginalized from the national policy.

I had appendicitis while trekking solo in the Himalayas, fell from the mountains in Kyrgyzstan, got lost in a foggy mountain in Georgia, volunteered with the indigenous of Peru, worked at a horse farm in Turkey, picked blueberries in South Korea, and much more. I’ve been living my dream life and achieving what once felt like an impossible childhood aspiration, but at the same time, I am saddened to realize that many local communities around the world are facing injustices and marginalization, just like those in my home country.

I came to Sanford intending to hone my policy analysis skills. I plan to contribute to a policy process that better engages and empowers local communities, particularly in the realm of natural resource governance. – Chone Chaowai MIDP’24 #HumansofDukeSanford

Chone is a Rotary Peace Fellow

Image captions:
1. wearing a camouflage-style hat when carrying out field research about indigenous communities and natural resource management.
2. Field monitoring in Thailand
3. Who doesn’t like dogs!
4. Running an educational project at an elephant rescue sanctuary