The first weeks

My first week as an Insight Fellow was a blur of orientation meetings, office organization and logistics, setting up my apartment, and settling into life in Boston. It was a busy week of ‘idea lists,’ ‘wish lists,’ lots of preliminary research, and long lunch hours spent getting to know my colleagues.

And then the second week began and the initial honeymoon period waned. The real substantive work started, with my first group and individual coaching sessions, and an introductory fundraising meeting. It was exhausting but exhilarating, overwhelming but exciting. I dove right in, not quite knowing how well I could swim. I managed to keep my head above water and found a good pace, as I gradually realized how much I had to do over the summer. In just three months, I have to structure my fellowship year, secure placements abroad, kick off a serious fundraising drive, and learn a whole new skill set in negotiation, mediation, and effective communication.

That list represents just the first of the fellowship’s three main goals. Additionally, I have to make some humanitarian contribution to the community as well as pursue self-reflection and personal development. However, the pursuit of these other goals has been hindered because, of course, I managed to severely sprain my ankle the day before starting the fellowship. Being on crutches has put off most of the activities on my summer wish list, not to mention the basic challenge of mobility—it certainly does not help that I am living in a fifth floor walk-up apartment! It was a bit demoralizing at first, as though the first weeks of the fellowship were not challenging enough. I felt like Seabiscuit, a racehorse with, quite literally, an unfairly high handicap. However, my coworkers, roommates, friends, and fellow Fellows have been wonderfully supportive and patient. In fact, everyone, from strangers on the street to cab drivers, has been incredibly friendly and helpful. I am almost tempted to keep my crutches for a bit longer just so I can continue getting preferential treatment!

Also, another advantage of my limited mobility has been the time I have been able to spend with myself, reflecting on the past year and the year ahead, thinking about my personal and professional life goals, and beginning to focus on the personal development aspect of the fellowship. I have spent a lot of time on my roof deck, admiring the beautiful view of Boston, Cambridge, and the Charles River, while quietly absorbed in thought.

However, after two weeks, I am impatient to really get this summer started beyond my apartment and the office. I want to explore Boston, sail on the river, practice yoga, take chess lessons, start learning Arabic, go to museums etc… But I cannot force my recovery, because I need to be in good shape for this year. As Seisei (a fellow Fellow) said, I have used up all my bad luck for the fellowship year, so hopefully it should all be uphill from here!