My first two months as a GHC fellow have been an exceptional experience. While at training at Yale University, I realized how important it was to make conversation and create networks. This experience was rather overwhelming and challenging but later I found it quite stimulating. Such networks and conversations initially appeared like preparing for a quiz or an interview. Over time I have, however, learned that my idea of conversation and networking was far from the truth and that by being a GHC fellow these two seemingly dreaded phases were to be an important part of my life.
Furthermore, working with the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has made me appreciate the importance of networking and conversation. The monitoring and evaluation department where I am currently placed has an interesting conversation tradition that keeps the team meaningfully engaged and entertained during some of our lunch time breaks. The tradition is that one person suggests a topic of discussion for the team; sometimes topics are as basic and simple as our favorite places or animals in the world, while at times as intricate as domestic violence, culture or governance. A typical day at the department is busy with lots of reports and performance indicators to monitor. So, being able to unwind, share opinions, and agree or disagree on some ideas has been a great opportunity for me and my co-fellow to meet the team and get to know each other better. Generally, this experience has changed my views about conversations and demystified my initial fears.
I am currently reading a book entitled Fierce Conversations by Suzan Scott. In her book, Scott remarks that our lives can either succeed or fail gradually or suddenly one single conversation at a time. She further adds that while no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career or life, any conversation can. Well aware of the hidden treasure that lies in these phrases and in the fact that my contribution to life, my job or my placement organization might just be hidden in a conversation or a network, I am blessed to be on board, to be able to take time off a busy day and just unwind, blessed to be a GHC fellow and to just be able to make conversations and connect. I am realizing that I can hold a conversation, sometimes I don’t have to say anything but listen. So, in order to make an enduring connection with the people I serve I need to connect and make conversation.