Feature Story Final Draft

Carmen Clarke is a world traveler with an enthusiastic attitude. Her way of looking at things is different due to her living and touring abroad. To put it another way, she has had exposure to different types of scenarios that give her more expanded worldviews. Carmen is now able to look at situations objectivity and think of the various solutions and sides to the issue.

Carmen was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after her family moved to Pereira, Colombia, so Carmen's official first language is Spanish. After moving back from Colombia, Carmen spent the rest of her childhood in Austin, Texas. She attended the University of Texas where she met her husband of 20 years, Ken Clarke.

Since then, Carmen and Ken have traveled to over twenty different countries.

“My favorite trip was to Egypt in 2006. I got to sail the Nile and see tombs and pyramids. When I was younger I always loved learning about the pharaohs and King Tut in magazines like National Geographic, so it was really cool to finally see it all in person," said Carmen.

Paris, France was Carmen's favorite place to live (long term).

"It was beautiful and historical. The urban lifestyle was so exciting. There were gorgeous museums and cafes, and I loved the language,” Carmen said.

Carmen has experienced some of the finest art, history, and architecture in the world. 

Reflecting on when she first moved to Paris, Carmen thinks she was young and immature. 

"I felt like what I had to say was very important. Before I learned French the language barrier kept me quiet. For the first time in my life I just listened. I realized I could learn a lot from being an observer. It taught me to just shut up and appreciate what was around me,” Carmen said.

Carmen's adventurous outlook made her life in Paris quite eventful. She got really involved with the city and it's activities. 

"She joined local groups, learned the local languages, and helped other foreigners adapt the way she did," said Carmen's sister Katy Lizcano. 

When Carmen moved overseas she was no longer employed, so she became very active in the community. 

“She started volunteering and became a leader. Carmen has joined the American Women's Organization while living in France and Dubai,” said Carmen’s twin sister Ana McPherson.

Carmen says living in France gave her a lot of perspective on the US. 

“We have that our-way-is-the-best-way American attitude. It's ignorant. There are beautiful, well functioning places the world that aren't doing things our way." 

Carmen's new ideas and her fresh outlook have touched her family too. 

"She was often alone in these foreign countries, so she has developed a more independent spirit and a strong sense of purpose," said Lizcano.

Growing up Carmen always thought of herself as a conservative. Living in Paris, one of the most liberal countries in the world, she gained some perspective and discovered different political views. 

“She was able to see different types of governments and cultures and how they work, even though they are different than what she was accustomed to," said Lizcano. 

Carmen sees herself as being more open-minded now.

"I try to see different sides of issues. Maybe that's what wisdom is. It's what we're all working towards," she said.

Carmen has brought her worldviews and experiences back to her current residency in Houston. She strives to contribute as much as she can as a citizen so that her city can be the best it can be. She feels socially responsible in her community. 

"I used to not care about anything outside my own world, now I vote for every office position I can and keep up on current events. I am an engaged, more aware, member of society," said Carmen. 

Carmen lived in Paris for many years, so the attacks made by ISIS were heart wrenching. But she had some interesting thoughts about some of the same types of violence that other parts of the world are experiencing. 

“The attacks on Paris were tragic. It felt like 9/11 all over again for me, because it hit home. It also made me notice how much attention and sympathy we have for places we've idealized. Bombs went off in Beirut a few days before, so I feel like we are desensitized to violence taking place in these countries that we don't consider developed,” said Carmen.

 This is just another example of how critical thinking and knowledge of the world can open your mind.

Carmen and her husband Ken keep visiting new places all around the world. They hope their next big trip will be to Peru. Carmen Clarke continues to exhibit her enthusiasm and intelligence daily. She is a role model for those around her.