Walker was always interested in history, cultures, and politics. Walker notes that, “Growing up in a rural part of eastern North Carolina, NSLI-Y gave me the chance to explore the world, engage with new people, and embrace perspectives that pushed me to think more broadly about politics, place, and purpose.” ​

Walker credits NSLI-Y with opening the door for the professional and academic experiences that he’s had, saying that, “Through the program, I didn’t just learn a language; I gained a deeper appreciation for Moldova’s cultural and historical complexity. It laid the foundation for my future in international education and continues to influence how I approach my work and research today.”​

Immediately after NSLI-Y, Walker began an internship with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office working on a North Carolina/Moldova bilateral partnership program in education, governance, and health care. Walker quickly transitioned from being a student in Moldova to working with students and faculty in Moldova and North Carolina! This led to two internships at the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, including one at the Office of Cyber Threat and Investigations. He currently supports global initiatives at the University of North Carolina, including the North Carolina- Moldova Partnership for Peace Program at the university level.​

Walker continues to pursue Russian at a high level as well, continuing his study throughout his undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 2023 Walker completed his MA in Media and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on Russia and Eastern Europe. He begins his PhD this fall and plans to continue to study Russia and Eastern Europe.​