Charity looking forward to further exploring possibilities

It’s very surprising to realize I’ve been back from Cape Town almost six months. I got back in time to walk at graduation and have since received my physical degree (which is supposedly symbolic as a compilation of all my work from undergrad) in the mail (WOOOHOO!!!!). It feels good to have closed that chapter. I’m not one to hold onto things once they’re done so I was ready to take on the challenge of finding my first post graduate adventure. Following a summer of traveling to some new spots in the U.S. and reconnecting with family and friends, that turned out to be interning in the Senate.

My experiences in the Senate have been interesting and informative and I’ve appreciated being able to get an up close and in person look into how U.S. politics really functions. I’ve had the opportunity to attend some incredible hearings and briefings on topics around foreign affairs, housing, and high maternal mortality in the U.S. It’s particularly interesting to be here during an election year, especially with such a contentious presidential election happening. I’m still committed to being involved with politics and social justice issues within the U.S. but following Cape Town, I also realized that I wanted to explore opportunities in the international development field, with a regional focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Being in Cape Town opened the door for me to consider a completely different career path from what I originally envisioned. I really like the idea of being able to use the knowledge base I’ve gained as an Africana Studies major as a more central part of my career rather than a supplement. I also like the opportunity that this particular field presents to be engaged in more on the ground/in the field type work. Once my internship wraps up, I’m planning to transition into a position focused more within the international development field, so that I can gain that experience and discern if this is the right career move for me.

Time is seriously flying by. The holiday season is upon us and a new year is in sight. I’m hopeful that I’ll continue to utilize and grow from the knowledge I’ve learned and that my passion to make a difference in the world will be tested, empowered and realized in this upcoming year especially with so many potential opportunities and adventures on the horizon. As always, I look forward to moving forward and seeing what lies ahead.