To Future Participant - BP 6 (GS)

Dear Future Participant,

            The Global Health Zambia Program taught me how to deal with difficult work situations, but also there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My partner and I had to put together an occasional paper and a presentation despite not having much direction from my partner organization.  As stated in my previous blog post, Grace and I were given the freedom to choose our topic when we began working at ActionAid, which I appreciated because our boss wanted us to enjoy researching our topic. However, as research progress, our boss usually was not available when we went into the office and when we were able to talk with him, he did not offer direction. Due to this, our research was not narrowed until less than two weeks before our paper and presentation were due. The office was not the ideal working environment neither because it was very loud. We would often become frustrated because we feared that our project was not going to be helpful because we were not sure how much of the information that we were presenting was new and useful. Marja and Tine were great resources at SAIPAR for our paper and our presentation and they kept us motivated.

           

            Despite all of the setbacks, we were successfully able to present to our organization. Almost all of the members of ActionAid were present for our presentation and we appreciated the overwhelming amount of support. During the discussion after the presentation, the members were thanking us for the work that we did and recognized that they did not support us as much as we needed, but despite that, were able to produce a product that they will be able to use in their future work. Throughout the process, it was difficult because it was unclear if the project would make an impact, which is the primary reason that I joined the program. Before this program, I would have become very discouraged given that I was not given validation to move forward with my ideas with a project and I would not have enjoyed working in a group project. I am grateful to have been in a partnership that was mutually supportive and respectful of each other’s ideas. We complemented each other well and were able to produce a successful product that we were both happy with. Additionally, before this experience, I found writing papers intimidating because I have never considered myself a good writer. This summer taught me that I am capable of eloquently contributing to a 40-page occasional paper. I also was not a confident public speaker before, but I was able to present to 17 stakeholders who work professionally in my area of research.

            In addition to a rough working experience, my home stay was not the smoothest ride either. However, the other members of my cohort, who I would consider to be some of my good friends now, made me feel better about my experience and even invited me over their houses to spend time with their host families. We were told that Zambians were some of the nicest people we would ever meet and even though I was very frustrated with my home and work situations, I found that statement to be true when I met their parents. Despite meeting them for a few hours, they made me feel "most welcomed" and I appreciated it. I found that support was available whenever I needed it. 

            Despite not having the smoothest ride, I am happily walking away with this experience being a more confident academic, writer, and speaker. My advice is to appreciate Zambia for all that it can teach you, not only pertaining to your project, but also about yourself.  For many of us, this is the only time we will be in Zambia or just be in Zambia with the same people so it is important to cherish the experiences that you will carry back home. I am now reflecting on my overall experience in Zambia and I would not change any of the memories I made, both good and bad, nor the people that I had them with. 

Make the most of your experience and enjoy!

Best,               

Gabby Statia