The experience of living and working in other cultures provides an environment to solidify theories and skill developed in the classroom. The opportunities abroad instilled my passion for serving others.
- Ronald Reagan -
"We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone."
Dakar, Senegal
Fall 2014
Geneva, Switzerland
2010-2012
For a short summer, I was able to work with a private institution of higher education and research under the European Union umbrella, CIFE (Centre International de Formation Européenne). As a project assistant, I was responsible for assisting blended learning postgraduate study programs that targeted students in Central Asia, the Baltics, and throughout Europe. Key components of my job were to manage the public relations and the advertising activities of the organization while preparing and editing documents in English and French. Besides the general administrative support, such as scheduling and facilitating meetings, drafting meeting minutes, drafting and tracking memos, I had the distinct privilege of attending meetings with Europe's top official to engage in a panel discussion of the Brexit vote that occurred that summer. With two trips to the capital of Europe (Brussels), I learned at the feet of experts on how to respond to the challenges of an ever-changing world.
During an exciting 5 month adventure in Dakar, I was able to immerse myself in the culture while serving as a valuable member of a non-governmental organization (NGO). I played a critical role in organizing, preparing, and running a start-up NGO, Culture d'Enfance, that advocates for the rights of children in Senegal. My personal contributions include setting up visitations and visiting local orphanages and schools to teach about public health (due to the Ebola epidemic in surrounding countries) and giving children with low-financial backgrounds opportunity to have fun and create through painting, theater, and games. My major project was to create, advertise, and direct a national conference and campaign on gender-based violence with high levels of cross-culture interaction and cultural adaptability. The internship stretched my abilities into self-learning how to create a company logo, film and edit promotional videos, and write letters of partnership to acquire funding.
As a full-time missionary for two years, I had the unique privilege of serving others and discovering my passion for public service, international living, and most importantly, people. This experience was not easy; I endured a strict work schedule of 6:30a-10:30p daily work with no holidays while maintaining a high level of moral standards including honesty, chastity, and accountability. My two-year experience was integral in my own personal development and instilled my desire to pick a lifestyle rather than a career. Being immersed in public service brought me the biggest challenges, the biggest growth, and the biggest satisfaction.