A day as a French Ambassador

​On March 22nd 2021, I had the unprecedented opportunity to accompany the French Ambassador on her first official visit to Limassol in her diplomatic role. Receiving a glimpse of the duties and approach was of utmost importance to me, as an aspiring diplomat myself. 

The 07:15 to 19:00 hectic day encompassed activities such as a meeting with the Mayor of Limassol, or a Press Conference with the Dean of the Technological University of Cyprus. The confident, considerate and knowledgeable approach held by the Ambassador as well as her political and cultural Attachés was truly inspiring and paved the way for a productive and cultivating day.  
 
Beyond her professionalism, the Ambassador impressed me with her care and devotion towards the cause of my visit. As I formed part of a female network of ‘Ambassadors for a Day’, her attitude towards promoting young women’s place in Diplomacy was very encouraging and welcoming. Her Excellency ensured that I always had time to ask or answer questions to these aforementioned high profile figures, even with immense time pressure, advised me on my own career aspirations and maintained informed, yet down-to-earth conversations about current affairs with a smile on her face.  
 
I was sincerely honoured to be Ms Grenet-Catalano’s guest during this deeply educational day. Her generosity extended to inviting me to the Embassy following the end of my exam period, so as to receive insight on processes such as the Press Translation or the methods of communication with the government in Paris. These would complete the brief overview of the functions and duties of an Ambassador, which have proved to be even more alluring than I would have imagined.  
 
Special gratitude must be expressed to Ms Salina Grenet-Catalano, her excellency the French Ambassador as well as her political attaché, Mr Kilian Vivien for arranging and hosting me on this special day, as well as the Modern Languages Department of our school and especially Ms Rengel and Ms Crambert for publicizing this wonderful opportunity I was so lucky to experience.  
Emily Petrou year 7