Photo credit: Odyssey Traveller
It is crazy to think that some internships are ending this month, and all I can think about is how lucky I am that I get to work with UNODC in Myanmar for another three months. Although I have had the opportunity to be part of great projects already in these past weeks, I really feel like I have a lot more that I need to experience with my internship placement. Moreover, I keep hoping that the COVID-19 situation will improve so as to allow me to be able to work for some time in the physical office in Myanmar. In the meantime, I am happy to be staying safe at home and to participate in a lot of interesting work projects. Once it will be safe to travel again, if I do not have the chance to work in Myanmar, I am certain that I will visit it one day. I am looking forward to being able to experience being in the country and to see the people with whom I have made great connections.
During this month there has been two launch events of reports that I had the chance to work on. Needless to say, it has been a very exciting time for me and the office. These are great opportunities to share our work with other people and organisations, which offers the possibility of future collaboration with them. Additionally, these events are accompanied by panel discussions with expert panelists, which allow us to learn more about the different perspectives on the best practices and needs for responding to gender-based violence within Myanmar. I am very grateful that I was able to participate in such events.
As the end of year and vacation time approaches, there is a lot to get done before people begin their holidays. There is a lot of administrative work to be done and there are many reports that need to be submitted to highlight our work that was accomplished this year. Although this kind of work may not be as captivating as doing research, writing briefs, or planning out events, it needs to get done and I am glad that I am able to join my colleagues in completing these tasks.
I am especially excited for what the new year will bring. I know that we are going to be planning a lot of new projects and events in January and I cannot wait to see what we come up with. So far, I have mainly worked on projects that were already in progress. Now, I will have the ability to hopefully see a project through from beginning to end. On the other hand, I know I will be starting projects without being able to complete them and even though that is disappointing, I hope to be able to stay updated on the outcomes of these projects.
Although I am looking forward to the holidays, I am going to miss interacting with everyone from the office for a few days. I am also again very fortunate to be living in Halifax and will be able to spend time with my family. Even though things may not always appear like they are going that well due to the pandemic, I am really thankful for all that I do have simply by living here.