It has been far too long since I’ve contributed to The Artichoke’s Life. My goal is to change that and get back into the groove of regular contributions. With that in mind, in today’s increasingly interconnected world, the ability to connect with people across regions and cultures is both a valuable skill and a meaningful experience. Whether for personal growth, professional collaboration, or cultural exchange, forging relationships beyond our immediate circles helps us better understand our shared humanity. More than 15 years ago, there was a vision that CSINext could become that kind of connection.
Recently, I took the CSINext roster and entered it into an online app called ZeeMap. After inputting the data, I placed pins where each CSINext member is located, along with a few markers for our current board. The final pin represents a member on the opposite side of the planet from my own location—a powerful reminder of just how far our network extends.
Consider Arizona, where the desert landscape provides more than just natural beauty—it serves as a gathering place. From conferences in Phoenix to community events in Tucson, Arizona attracts individuals from across the United States and abroad. The blend of local traditions and international visitors fosters an environment where ideas and perspectives naturally cross paths.
In Ohio, the Midwest’s reputation for warmth and hospitality holds true. Whether through academic institutions in Columbus, entrepreneurial communities in Cleveland, or cultural festivals in smaller towns, Ohio offers opportunities for genuine interaction. These connections are often grounded in a sense of openness, making it easy to build meaningful relationships that extend beyond state lines.
The U.S. Virgin Islands present a different dynamic altogether. As a cultural crossroads of the Caribbean, the islands offer rich opportunities for exchange. Conversations here often happen in relaxed, welcoming settings—on a beach, at a local market, or during a music festival—reminding us that connection does not always require formal settings. Sometimes, the most lasting bonds are created in moments of shared joy and discovery.
On the other side of the world, Japan provides a striking example of how tradition and modernity coexist in building relationships. Professional and social interactions often begin with small gestures of respect—such as a bow or the exchange of business cards—but evolve into deeper connections through shared experiences, whether over a meal, a cultural event, or a collaborative project. Japan’s emphasis on respect and attentiveness offers valuable lessons for global communication.
Together, these examples illustrate that the essence of connecting with people across borders lies in curiosity, respect, and openness. Whether standing beneath the Arizona sky, participating in a cultural exchange in Ohio, experiencing island hospitality in the Virgin Islands, or embracing traditions in Japan, each interaction adds to a greater understanding of the world.
Ultimately, building these connections is not only about expanding networks—it is about fostering empathy, creating shared value, and strengthening the ties that make us part of a global community.
…and now for something completely different.
Ironically, the fear of long words is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. The 36-letter word was first used in the first century BCE to criticize writers with an unreasonable penchant for long words.