My friends have repeatedly told me that I
wouldn't be a great blogger because my writing is too formal. Against their
advice and my better judgement I've decided to keep a blog about my experiences
while working abroad in Belfast this summer. It is important to mention that
this is my first time abroad and as a result, these blog posts will include my
reflections and observations related to being out of the US for the first time.
So far so good, huh?
I just finished my first year in the Conflict
Resolution program at Georgetown and it has been nothing but a positive
experience so far! Prior to starting in the CR program, I graduated from NYU
with a degree in political science. Also, while at NYU I was a resident
assistant. It was at the intersection of learning about international politics
and mediating and facilitating conversations between/ among undergraduate
residents that didn't always live in the land of friendship and harmony that
brought me to the CR program.
Within the program I am focusing primarily on
the environment and conflict, specifically conflict related to water, but I
also have an interest in capacity building and post conflict reconstruction. During my first year I didn't focus
much on capacity building and post conflict reconstruction,
which is why I am excited to share my observations and reflections related to
my experience at Co-operation Ireland over the next 10 weeks.
Co-operation Ireland is an “all-island peace-building charity that,
since 1979, has worked to encourage and promote interaction, dialogue and
practical collaboration within Northern Ireland and between Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland.” I have been extremely lucky to connect with
Co-operation Ireland and to have the chance to help out on its United Nations
International Day of Peace project. In my next post I will write about the
peace project that I have been assigned to as well as what my first full week
in Belfast was like.
Until next week!
