I grew up with a Dad that loved geography. Testing me on country capitals and flags was a common pastime between us. And so, I grew up with this same love for the world. My love manifested itself in cooking up dishes from different parts of the globe. Whatever cuisine and dishes I did not have a chance to try, I had to attempt to create it. It was a fun hobby that opened my eyes to the diversity of the world. I fostered this interest by seeking out new experiences whenever I could. In the past, I volunteered a couple times for a food pantry where I distributed food to diverse populations and communities. I was naturally curious and a talker, so connecting with people on the topic of food became easy. I found myself really loving it. Language learning also became a major interest of mine. I began to pick up words in foreign languages from people around me until I found myself dedicating time to learn the language that was being spoken around me.
So naturally with these interests, I majored in Global Affairs with a concentration in global inequalities and responses. I truly enjoyed classes like Globalization and Culture and those on human rights. I found my classes cultivated my interest for learning and allowed me to dive deeper into globalization, transforming it into a passion and a life-long cause. It was my senior year, when I was offered an internship with the International Rescue Committee to join their housing & logistics department. I was eager to apply what I have learned from my Global Affairs bachelor's program into an agency that directly worked with refugees to help them re-settle in the U.S. I studied migration and the movement of people through my GLOA classes and finally I was able to work in a professional environment helping refugees re-settle, and transforming my academic knowledge to actionable skills. Interning at IRC, I most definitely learned more about immigration processes and statuses, but also, I learned many valuable professional skills. And that is what I will carry with me as I pursue my personal and career goals. Being in the field of work where people rely on you for necessary items like food and shelter, you must be very precise in everything you do. I have made my share of mistakes, but I learned and grew from them. So, mistakes are essential to precision. And because people rely on us so much, emotions can run high. Stress and frustration are common. I have learned how to de-escalate a situation by validating the clients' feelings while offering feasible solutions.
I have developed incredibly important skills through trial and error during my internship. I sought to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have absolutely enjoyed every moment of my internship. I have connected with diverse people and communities, learned about the world from them, and got a chance to shadow staff in many departments at the IRC. As I continue my career path, I will use this valuable experience and the skills and knowledge I have gained from it. I intend to seek long-term employment with the IRC and continue helping refugees. My advice for students is to seek adventure and go outside of your comfort zone and your classroom. These experiences will be the ones that shape you and teach you things that a book will never.
February 13, 2025