“Anyon” (Hello in Korean) from my friend and IMGG colleague Julie!

The 22 year-old South Korean native found herself in Paris studying at La Sorbonne for the last semester when she was offered an opportunity to come to Geneva for an internship with the Institute for Media and Global Governance. Originally from Korea University in Seoul, Julie has a double-major in international relations and French. She is trilingual, speaking French, English and Korean. This vivacious individual proves herself everyday as she is hardworking, determined and passionate.

Her decision to come intern in Geneva is humble as she believes an organization like IMGG has the ability to use media to improve human rights. With her father always emphasizing the power of media, Julie was well motivated upon her arrival to Switzerland. She hopes to improve her skills and attention to detail in her work with this internship. Julie stated she knew everyone coming to work with IMGG would have their own set of values which she could learn from. She sought these professional and cordial friendships as culture exchanges.

She would eventually like to work with refugees and war-torn countries. When I asked her why she wanted to work in such a field she said:  “I can’t tell or imagine how war is, but I can imagine how it would be, and it would be terrible. That makes me want to help the people that have gone through that situation. I am happy and I want to be able to give that back.” As she has no desire to sit behind a desk all day, she hopes to go out onto the field and interact with refugees as well as change the current system that helps these war-torn countries.

So far, Julie says her biggest accomplishment was going to Morocco this past summer to teach local villages how to use computer software. For one month, she worked with a team of 4 people to lecture on how to use computers. She did not expect that students would appreciate it as much as she envisioned. Julie believed it was a very rewarding experience.

Passionate of cultures, languages, diversity and humanity, Julie is a very ambitious young lady that has such a bright future ahead. Her ability to work with her colleagues through a swift and professional manner will surely serve her well through all her endeavors. I know that even after Julie and I part, we will find ourselves working together as we see the world through the same lens, full of hope and potential.

Crossing borders

After a long week, I found myself in need of a break. So, on Saturday morning I packed my bag and headed to Gare Cornavin for the next train to Courmayeur, the Italian side of the Alps. Although Mapquest indicated the travel time would be around 45 minutes to cross borders, I found myself on a 3-hour train ride. You could say I saw the large portion of this small country. From Geneva to Lausanne, to Martigny, I finally got on the Mont-Blanc Express towards Chamonix in France. The spectacular view through the Alps was unbelievable. After a chaotic week, it felt as though I was escaping in a sublime winter wonderland. Once I arrived in Chamonix, my lovely godmother, Giuseppina, picked me up and we went to her chalet in Courmayeur where I spent less than 24 hours, but loved every second of it. It was a perfect weekend getaway. I wouldn't have traded it for the world. As I arrived late Sunday evening back to Geneva, I felt calm, relaxed and ready to take on another busy week. Crossing borders is an adventure I will always be ready to make if the final destination is great.

Never enough coffee

Coffee has become more of an essential substance to my everyday life. I am currently taking class, interning at IMGG and following up with a few projects of my own. Although it may come accross as a disturbing addiction, I believe that I sip this dearest dark liquid for the pleasure of its taste and delicious aroma. To all the coffee lovers out there, I am with you 101%. I enjoy waking up in the morning to its bold and poignant smell or even going to have an espresso with my colleagues during a break.Well, I am off to the café-bar at Chateau de Penthe where our office is located. And that was my pro-coffee blurb. Enjoy!

Shared visions, powerful energy

In the midst of working hard on projects for the institute, I have found time to get to know my colleagues. The two young ladies I work with are Giz, from Turkey and Julie, from South Korea. Both are such exquisite individuals. Giz has her masters in international security and Julie just finished at La Sorbonne in Paris. It is interesting to see where everybody is coming from. I can see that the co-president of our organization, Shireen, really took the time to have such a diverse and dynamic team. It is nice to be working with people that share the same visions and life aspirations. In some way, it even gives me hope that if we think the way we do about the world, others feel the same way. I believe it is quite a promising future that lies ahead. The synergy I work with everyday is exciting.

Geneva is a power centre for major plans for the international community. It is nice to make my way through the Palais de nations, where people work hard to contribute globally. Well, I am off to rest, early morning, as usual. Auf Wiederluege as my Swiss-German friends would say.

There is no 9 to 5 in the NGO world

As I take a quick break from my work, I realize after working over the weekend on an upcoming conference we are hosting with Webster University Geneva, there is truly no set time for my work schedule in Geneva. As you plan events that involve both universities and the international community, it is imperative to have full days of planning, logistic work, financial budgeting and meetings. With a background in international relations, I have to pick up on business and project management skills I have not acquired during my undergrad. While it may seem like a tight schedule, it is nice to have other interns in the office working on the many projects to come. Giz, an intern from Turkey, has finally arrived. She has her masters in International Security so it is interesting to see what she brings to the team. Everyone has different backgrounds making it a very dynamic and diverse team.

Well, I have to go back to work on the Media Trends Conference planning. Stay tuned for more advertisement and information on the conference.

A Sea of hopes and needs

As I finish my first week in Geneva, I think about all the great things that have happened so far. I have started to work with an institute I believe will accomplish tremendous work this next year with its innovating ideas and ability to attract a diverse clientele. The 9 other interns working with the institute will be coming in on Monday morning, which I assume will be where all the fun will truly begin.

Today was excited as I got the chance to sit on a panel to select a professor for the program I will be doing my masters in starting this fall. Although I cannot say the candidate’s name, I can say that she was one of the most dynamic individuals I have ever met. Her knowledge and experience about business, the film industry, media agencies and so forth packaged with her willingness to build a precedent for the program was innovative and refreshing. Geneva is a city with so much untouched potential. I am excited to be part of the creativity. While it can be rough at times, it is very rewarding. More news to come, that is for sure.

Where there is a will, there is a way

Today was a fantastic day. Getting up early this morning, I walked to the United Nations to get on bus V torwards Webster University in Geneva. As I arrived on campus, I had a burst of excitement and satisfaction. It felt great to be back on a campus. Little did I know, I would be offered a chance to apply for my masters for the upcoming fall. As I met with the head of the Communications and Media Department, we exchanged biographies about who we were, why we were here and what we were all about. She was quite impressive with her ability to jungle all her projects, teach classes and be the head of a department. I will attending the institution in the fall and starting my masters. Fantastic, I found my home for the next two years starting August. It feels good knowing that dreams and aspirations can truly transform into reality with 2 ingredients, courage and willingness. Courage to follow your dream and willingness to pursue it when it is offered to you. Well I am off to an art exhibit in Carouge.

Demi-tarrif

Today was my first day going back to Geneva on the train from Frigbourg. Payed my demi-tarif (half-price) ticket and watched the country landscape turn into the city. What is truly amaying about this sight is that the Alps follow you along the way. Besides my small turn into the wrong neighborhood earlier this evening (I am ok mom), people here are so nice. I had some time to wander the streets and look at some of Geneva's best sightseeing. The weather was mild but with a stop at café, I was able to warm up with a nice espresso and brioche. Tomorrow, I get the chance to look at the University of Geneva, Haute école internationale and Webster University in Geneva for a masters program. I think I might find a winner after all in this city of humanitarians and hope.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Besides having my jet lagged evil twin playing a number on me today by waking me up at 2 in the afternoon, I have been able to soak in the abundance of chocolate, cheese and beautiful sightseeing  in the picturesque villages of Switzerland. Although I do not speak German, I am still able to get away with French. Luckily I have my cousin Melina, that speaks German, so as long as she is by my side, getting around is easy. Well tomorrow is another day in Fribourg. Tuesday, I will heading back to Geneva!! Off to bed! I have an early start tomorrow.

Arrival to the Swiss Alps

First, I would like to say Happy New Year to my Berber brothers and sisters. Second, I would like to point out that I am in the Swiss Alps and there is really no other sight like it. The landscape is vast with beauty. Its crisp blue lake surrounding the lightly snow-covered mountains are welcoming. The lush gardens surrounding the city of Geneva are breathtaking. I know that I will be able to call this place home for a while. I am currently an hour out of Geneva in the small, but quaint, village of Fribourg. I am staying with my father’s good childhood friend and his endearing family. I am sure a few days on the countryside will prepare me for my busy city life to come. I cannot believe that I am here but I know I am about to embark on an amazing journey here. I think it will be an unpredictable adventure that will unfold into a beautiful story. Well I am off to visit the small village and its most exciting attractions in the city of 4000 or so..

Preparing for the big departure

I can't believe it's almost here. I am waiting for my visa, my ticket is booked, my apartment is set and the anticipation is pushing me to remain organized and calm in a time of chaos and doubt. I believe that remaining cool and calm are as essential as saying goodbye to my family and friends for a while as they will be there forever and your mental state can slip as fast as a light switch.

I am sure these next 7 days will be full of excitement and anxiety but I am sure everything will fall into place as it always does. It is all a question of patience. I am sure that is not the only answer or logic, but for now I will go with this one.

Signing off for now,
Z