Carleton Scholar Looks to Career in Diplomacy

A member of Carleton College's first Posse from Houston, Sebastian Tovar’s first semester is underway. With a strong interest in improving international relations and fighting for social equality, he aspires to one day serve as a diplomat.

This summer, Sebastian worked with the Cascajal Foundation in Houston to provide academic and financial assistance to young people of Colombian descent who want to pursue higher education. His essay about effecting change in the United States’ Columbian community won first place in the Foundation’s essay competition, earning him a scholarship award.

As a high school student, Sebastian, who is fluent in both Spanish and Chinese, was an exchange student in China through the American Field Service program. He later volunteered with the program and served as a returnee coordinator for his area team. Through the Youth Exchange & Study Program he met with U.S. senators to advocate for the program as well as for greater cultural and religious tolerance.