Paul Schaffner served in the Marine Corps for eight years as a radio repairman and embassy guard. He left the Marine Corps in 2017 and returned to school to pursue an international relations degree. After he received his bachelor's from Portland State University, he enrolled in a dual-degree program between Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs where he graduated with a master’s in international affairs specializing in international security and conflict resolution. In his spare time, he likes to climb mountains and practice French. He lives in Arlington with his dog, Méabh, and is pursuing a career in foreign policy.