Maps to Markets
"Mr. Representative, your proposed quota cuts seem...aggressive." The voice echoed across the OPEC boardroom, filled with the curious stares of student delegates from around the world.  We were high schoolers, thrown into a global energy crisis simulation as part of an intense international competition.

As I defended our strategy, something clicked.  Behind the numbers were real people, real lives impacted by our decisions.  And then, another realization: AI could revolutionize how we manage the global economy, predicting disruptions and optimizing resources.  This was my "aha!" moment.

That simulation, that bronze medal – third place in a global battle of wits – was a catalyst.  It fueled my passion for economics, sparked by those "Made in..." labels that whispered tales of interconnectedness.

My journey from "maps to markets" has been a personal exploration, driven by a desire to understand the intricate dance of geography, economics, international relations, and the transformative power of AI.  The Observatory of Economic Complexity, my virtual playground, allows me to trace the flow of goods and resources, a constant reminder of our interconnected world.  This is my path, and I'm just getting started.