When I came across the Global Health Corps website, I was excited that an organization that I shared similar values and passions with existed. Immediately I knew I wanted to be a part of this great community. And I embarked on the journey that I have been on for the past six months.
My GHC experience has included professional, leadership and personal development, and a community intertwined, experiences that I do not believe are commonly found together. My GHC experience commenced at Yale for the two week fellow training, which was enlightening regarding issues in global health today. Having worked for a private healthcare provider in Zimbabwe I often pondered about the local population who could not afford medical insurance or pay cash for private or state provided health services. Throughout the training I learned that equitable access to health was a global health challenge. My thought process was also challenged from being single lens focused to multi-dimensional, with introduction to topics, such as social determinants of health.
As a young leader in global health I have learned of the importance of collaboration, personal and organizational narratives and networking. My GHC experience has also enabled me to stand on the shoulders of giants. I had always wanted a formal mentor but never knew how to approach someone, so I was pretty excited about the advisor program which pairs a fellow with a professional in a similar field. I am glad that for the past six months, I have regular thoughtful conversations with a mentor, who has not only helped as someone I am accountable to but, provides insight from perspectives I would not have thought of.
Personally, I have learned how to attentively listen to others as they speak and thoughtfully engage. This has definitely enriched my conversations. I have also come to an awareness of the importance of self care and how that impacts my personal life, and even the work I do. Through carefully structured sessions conducted by Still Harbor, my GHC experience has brought healing and provided a way of being aware of my self and others, and moving forward in that positive light. I have also learned to maintain that ‘peace’, through contemplative practices, which has seen me journal a lot more.
One of my worries after realizing I will be moving far away from my home, family, and friends was that I would be lonely. My experience has been that of a great community and friendship. This has included my co- fellow’s mum taking us out for lunch during my first week at our placement, hanging out with the other fellows during weekends, a Christmas party hosted by my co-fellow’s mum, and sharing a basket of fresh farm produce provided by my roommate’s parents, among many other fun filled days.
Six months into the fellowship year, my GHC experience has been exciting, not that I have not faced challenges. However, I learned to be resilient, have had support, and so many sources of advice. I am excited for the remaining months, the surprises and lessons, they bring as I continue on this journey.