Thoughts (warning: long)

I had a good moment two weekends ago on a walk one Friday night, reflecting on where I am in my life right now. Although some time has passed since then, I still wanted to share some thoughts with you all.

So it’s been 6 months since I started my post-grad life in DC. I think I’ve been doing well. Have definitely had my up and down moments, but for most part I’m really content and fulfilled being here, doing what I’ve been doing.

The past few weeks might have been the most exciting, what with applying for PiLA, the World Bank job, starting at Forest Trends and getting hired for the consultancy at BIC. (Update: I did not get an interview for the Bank position. But I was surprisingly unaffected by the news. A little sad, yes, but I think it lasted for 5 minutes. More below for why.)

Like I’ve told some of you, I’d never tried so hard for a job application as I did for the WB one—reached out to all the contacts I could think of, even trying to pull strings with people at 3-4 degrees of separation. Since it seemed to me like quite the perfect position, I did not want to give the opportunity anything less than everything.

And well, I think a reason why I was not extremely disappointed is because the process in itself was quite rewarding: first, knowing that it was all me (hey, my contacts are of pretty impressive caliber! and it was a great excuse to touch base with them), and second, I was very encouraged by the lavish support that I received from professors, mentors, colleagues, people I really respect— they were heartily supportive of me and my endeavor.

And then the offer from two colleagues at BIC to work on the consultancy project was them saying that they believe in my ability to do it, and that they want to support me in my career development. And I’ve heard this many times over the months, where multiple people have given me referrals for jobs and suggested prominent people that’d be good for me to meet with, etc.

I think that can be considered an achievement in itself, albeit small. I find that everyday I strive to be more excellent at what I do, to expand my network, to meet individuals who can inspire me, to push myself to achieve more.

And DC is not a hard place for that to happen (my goal for the year was to have at least one informational interview a week. I’ve had about four so far and collected many business cards from networking events to follow up on, so I’m on track)!

I’m blessed to be surrounded by brilliant, intriguing people and to be in a place where I am challenged everyday to be better: sharper and smarter; wittier; fitter; more ambitious; more cultured; more socially conscious.

I love the field I’m in. I know this because I am energized everyday by what I do. I want to read and absorb more, have more conversations with colleagues, be exposed to the good, bad and ugly of the trade.

But my ambitions aren’t just lofty nor does my idealism just point me down the path of least resistance. I’m pretty sure I ground my next steps in realistic but bold goals that I get to after countless conversations and a good amount of time reflecting (and dreaming). I sometimes make myself do uncomfortable things (e.g. stepping into a conversation between 3 senior people, thereby awkwardly putting myself on the spot but also putting myself out there) because it’s the fire that refines you.

If I get to go, I know that Peru will actually be quite tough, which to be honest already intimidates me a fair bit. No more handholding or DC-style efficiency. It won’t be comfortable, but instead demand that I be enterprising, self-directed, and resourceful—if I want to get the most of out it. So it’s a good kind of challenging because it will force me to be all these things and more (yeah, life will be tough indeed, swinging on hammocks and eating fresh tropical fruit all day).

So I should be hearing back and interviewing for the fellowship in the next two weeks. It sounds quite positive: a 3/6 chance; the DC director has played me up (to the Peru office, who makes the ultimate decision); I negotiated for the experience to be tailored to my interests (I will be able to work on REDD/policy side of things). Only downside is the $ (scant).

I'm liking my current work at Forest Trends/Ecosystem Marketplace, albeit it’s somewhat different from what I am used to. While I was a rights and policy advocate before, I’m now an environmental journalist (in broad terms). I do miss strategizing with Latin American partners and trying to influence policy makers, but I’m enjoying pitching ideas, gathering intel, and developing stories.

In other news, lately the lines between ‘networking’ and ‘dating’ have seemed to blur a little. But I’ve been going on normal dates too. Well, a girl’s gotta eat, right? And what better when the company shares my enthusiasm for (insert Celine’s ideals). I had to eat last summer too when I was here in DC, but it’s funny to think how different the people I’ve gone out with this time are. I’ve diversified a lot culturally, and now keep it to just extremely intelligent, driven people who are well exposed internationally.

This segment of social life has definitely been an interesting part of DC living, and a common topic of conversation in my house. Somehow amongst us 7 single ladies, I’m the “date expert” (my roommates actually ask me for advice). Hilarious.