Growing up in rural Kentucky, Caden had always been eager to explore other parts of the world. Despite his demanding academic course load, he knew he needed to embrace a new challenge- learning a critical language and immersing himself in a different culture- to pursue his career aspirations in international affairs. Talking to his boarding school roommate, a virtual NSLI-Y alum, he discovered the NSLI-Y program. With no prior experience in Arabic and some apprehension about leaving the U.S. for the first time, he took a leap of faith. That decision not only sparked his interest in the Arabic language but fostered a lifelong passion for public service.

Reflecting on his time in Morocco, Caden shared that NSLI-Y shifted his worldview in ways he never anticipated. Through living with a Moroccan host family, exploring the streets of Rabat, and spending time with students from across the U.S., he learned to adapt to an entirely new culture and build lasting relationships with people from different backgrounds. “When I think back to my time in Morocco, the first thing that comes to mind is my incredible host family and cohort. My host family welcomed me with open arms… and showed me the very best their country had to offer. By the end of the summer, their family and friends had become mine, too.” As for his cohort, he found that nightly sunset walks and reflections provided “grounding moments” that helped to make Morocco feel like a “home away from home.”

Caden notes that it was the little moments on program that broadened his understanding of the world. He found ways to relate the challenges his neighbors in rural Kentucky faced to those he saw in his host community in Morocco, bridging his interest in domestic policy with international issues. Caden shared that these realizations not only “sparked a deeper commitment to public service” but also helped him realize that he was “no longer just a citizen of [his] small hometown, but a citizen of the world.” This, in turn, opened the door for Caden to pursue other opportunities in public service.

Transitioning into university life at Western Kentucky University, Caden sought opportunities to continue engaging in public diplomacy and global affairs, advocating for both his own community and communities abroad. Locally, he founded and leads his university’s Civic Engagement Resource Center, organizing campus-wide initiatives to increase student voter turnout and civic engagement. He also works as an Honors Teaching Fellow at the Mahurin Honors College, and holds leadership positions in WKU’s Pre-Law Student Association, Dynamic Leadership Institute, and the Student Government Association. Beyond his community, Caden represented Kentucky at the 24th Annual Public Policy Leadership Conference at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and has interned with the U.S. House of Representatives, NASA’s SunSketcher, and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs through the Student Internship Program, working on presidential advisory council initiatives focused on global diaspora engagement and strengthening U.S. interests and relations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Caden credits NSLI-Y with laying the foundation for his academic and career path. He has maintained a strong grasp of Arabic, applying it in numerous situations, and has developed a nuanced understanding of foreign policy, global cultures, and diplomatic challenges- further fueling his passion for diplomacy and public policy. He hopes to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained to improve public policy efforts in Kentucky and, after graduation, pursue a career as a government attorney specializing in international litigation.

When asked about advice on starting a career in public service, Caden emphasized two points: try everything and seek out a mentor. “Apply for every public service opportunity that comes your way. The answer is always no if you do not try, and rejection is never as scary as it seems. Every ‘yes’ gets you one step closer to your goals—and I promise, you will get a yes.” When it comes to mentorship, he advises, “Seek out someone in public service—whether they are a seasoned professional or just a few years ahead of you—who understands the importance of investing in the next generation. A good mentor can help you navigate the challenges and remind you why public service matters.”