From Cornell to the UN with Sofia Herrera ’27

What I did and what I learned 

Every day was different. Some days I drafted policy briefs and research notes that helped shape Panama’s positions on emerging global security threats. Other days I translated letters and speeches between English and Spanish, ensuring our message resonated across languages and audiences. 

I supported major events during our presidency, from a high-level debate on maritime security to a closing reception hosted by President José Raúl Mulino. I helped draft a speech marking the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter, a moment that reminded me that this institution was born out of war but continues to stand as humanity’s best attempt at peace. I also took part in meetings of the Military Staff Committee, which Panama had recently joined, giving me a glimpse of how military considerations intersect with diplomacy.

I learned quickly that diplomacy is often in the details: the wording of a paragraph in a resolution, the tone of a note verbale, the seating arrangement of an event. But beyond the logistics, I realized how much heart goes into this work. Behind every speech and negotiation is a vision: a belief that cooperation, even if imperfect, can move the world closer to peace. 

1. Ignorance is not bliss. 
In this day and age, there is no shortage of misinformation. Yet what struck me most was how often people – even those in positions of power – choose to ignore inconvenient truths about global conflict and suffering. Working inside the U.N. exposed me to the chaos and urgency of events that rarely make headlines but which devastate communities and families every day. It made me realize how much energy we, in privileged societies, pour into problems that are not truly life-or-death, while millions lack even the most basic needs. 

2. The privilege of circumstance. 
One of the most humbling realizations I had was that the only reason I can pursue my education, my career and my dreams is because I was born in a country that gave me freedom and access to opportunity. Conflict does not discriminate; it affects people who are just as capable, brilliant and human as any of us. A life is a life, no matter whose it is or where it is lived. Watching diplomacy sometimes fail to prevent the loss of innocent lives was one of the hardest truths to process. 

3. Work for someone you admire. 
Another lesson was the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose values inspire you. During my internship, I had the honor of working under Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba and Deputy Permanent Rep. Ricardo Moscoso. Both are leaders who embody the best of diplomacy: wisdom paired with humility, conviction balanced with pragmatism and, above all, a genuine commitment to serving Panama and the international community. Watching them defend our country’s positions while also building bridges with others showed me that true leadership lies not in dominance, but in integrity. Their example is one I will carry with me for the rest of my career. 

4. Small voices can make an impact. 
Panama may be a small country, but during its presidency of the Security Council, it proved that size does not determine influence. With persistence and diplomacy, Panama set the agenda, built alliances and shaped conversations on global security. That lesson now fuels my own journey: If Panama can “punch above its weight,” so can I. 

Looking ahead 

Back at Cornell, I feel more grounded and more ambitious than ever. I want to take what I learned at the U.N. and apply it to my studies in global development, my future career in international policy and finance, and my lifelong commitment to lifting up communities at home and abroad. 

My summer in New York revealed the imperfections of global governance, the compromises, the bureaucracy, the slowness of consensus. But it also revealed its beauty: that in a single chamber, nations of every size come together to try, against all odds, to build peace.