When Mark Cassayre graduated from Justin-Siena High School in 1989, he knew he enjoyed traveling, meeting people from other countries and communicating with them in their native language. He had no idea what kind of a career he should attempt that would encompass his interest in the world outside of Napa.

"In the Foreign Service, I found that career," said Cassayre, 35, as he addressed approximately 80 students from his alma mater last week. "There are five different categories of Foreign Service officers. There are people who handle political issues; economics; consular officers who issue passports and visas; there are public diplomacy people, who act as public relations of the U.S. government to the country and there are people who manage the embassies. Foreign Service specialists can work in diplomatic security, financial management and construction. There are many overseas careers."

Cassayre joined the Foreign Service in 1998 and first served as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. He then served as a consular and political officer at the embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. In 2003 he was responsible for nonproliferation and space issues in the European Bureau's Office of Policy and Regional Affairs at the State Department in Washington, D.C.

Currently, he is in charge of the political section at the U.S. embassy in Windhoek, Namibia, in Africa. His diplomatic rank is first secretary with an official title of political officer.

"My job is, essentially, reporting," said Cassayre, who also spoke to students in other Napa and Sonoma schools as part of the Department of State's Hometown Diplomat program. "I take an issue in the local country that could be important to the United States and learn about it. I report on issues such as land reform, which is taking place in neighboring countries. My job is similar to a journalist in that I'm the eyes and ears of the U.S. on foreign soil. The other part of our jobs is to work on bilateral government relations. Our role is one of advocacy, promoting democracy and human rights and good governance."

He quizzed the students on their knowledge of what makes up a U.S. Embassy.

"First, it is a physical location for the U.S. representatives in another country," said Cassayre. "Second, we visit and help American citizens when they are overseas and need assistance with, for example, a lost passport. We work with American companies who may be in a dispute with the foreign country. The embassy registers American births in the foreign country. We also handle U.S. interests as they relate to foreign governments."

Before joining the Foreign Service, Cassayre was a political consultant and speechwriter at the South Korean Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and was an English teacher in Poland.

"The first thing to do if you want to become a U.S. diplomat is to take a test," said Cassayre to the test-savvy students. "To take the test, you must be at least 20 years old, an American citizen, have at least a high school degree, have worldwide availability and commit to at least two tours of duty. The test is a combination social studies exam, and tests your knowledge of the world, the United States, the Constitution and English grammar. It's very important in the Foreign Service to be able to write, read and articulate well."

Cassayre said the Foreign Service wants to hire people of different backgrounds. "Not just white, balding, middle-aged males like myself. There's about a 50/50 gender balance."

Students questioned Cassayre about the need for a second language.

"In international relations, you're encouraged to learn another language, although it's not required to join," explained Cassayre, who speaks French, Ukrainian and some Polish. "For tenure, you have to have at least one language because it's important that you speak their language. I personally enjoy the opportunity to learn another language and spent five months, full-time, learning Ukrainian before being posted in the Ukraine."

Foreign Service diplomats can expect a starting salary of $30,000 to $65,000 a year, depending on education and experience. Those in senior service with higher ranks and grades can make up to $100,000. Government housing is also provided.

As for his current post, Cassayre said he enjoys living in Namibia, a country most recently in the news as the birthplace for the child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

"Namibia is a wonderful country about twice the size of California," said Cassayre. "There are two million people. It's a semi-arid dessert with a coastline and very cold water from the Atlantic current. There is a big seal colony and fishing industry. It's the oldest desert in the world and has interesting animals. My family enjoys it and it's a safe place to live. There's potable water, no malaria and a nice community with wonderful friends."

Married with one daughter and a child on the way, Cassayre was concerned about the effect of moving every two or three years on his family, so he spoke to several Foreign Service families before he joined.

"The kids all said it was tough, but they enjoyed it and it presented them with different opportunities. As long as there are no family reasons why I shouldn't, I plan to be in the Foreign Service long term. It's not for everyone, but I like it."

As far as the future, Foreign Service officers can become ambassadors, but there's no guarantee. Cassayre said he hopes to stay in the Foreign Service and rise to different, more senior jobs, perhaps heading political sections or becoming the second in command at the embassy."

Students wanted to know what he remembered most fondly about being a Brave at Justin-Siena, which, when he started, had 450 to 500 students and now has an enrollment of about 610.

"It's hard to pick," said Cassayre. "I enjoyed Justin and am still good friends with many people I went with to high school. I enjoyed sports, I ran track, played football and basketball. That's another thing about the Foreign Service, it's not enough just to go to class, you also should have a lot of activities. Make sure you get out and about in the community. If you can study in a foreign land, it would be a very valuable experience."

Was it fun returning to Justin?

"It's great," said Cassayre. "One of the reasons I wanted to come here and speak is that when I first tried to learn about the Foreign Service, I had a hard time finding anyone in the field or get information about it. I wanted to give a face to what I do and tell them where they can go to get information. I would have liked this opportunity myself."