After an extremely busy week, this little getaway was exactly what I needed. In addition, the kitschy Americana that is characteristic of the Cape put me in the mood for the upcoming 4th of July festivities.
On Sunday evening, Rebecca and I met up with Jared, one of the 2006-07 Insight Fellows. He just finished his fellowship year and stopped through Boston on his way back from his final placement in Jordan. It was great to meet him and to get a chance to pick his brains about the fellowship. He talked about some of his best experiences, such as gorilla tracking in Uganda, some of the challenges, like trying to apply to graduate school while abroad, and some of his personal development, including his improved family relationships.
Jared then turned around what had become a Q&A session and began quizzing me and Rebecca about our thoughts thus far and our hopes and fears for the upcoming time abroad. He was a great listener and repeatedly acknowledged our opinions—a skill on which I called him out. He laughed and our chat evolved into what can only be described as a mini-coaching session. He tested us on some of our theoretical knowledge (what are the four P’s? what goes into the circle of value?) and shared what he thought were the most practical tools.
The hours we spent together were fun and invigorated me with a new perspective on the year ahead—perhaps a more accurate perspective since it came from someone who just completed the Fellowship. I only hope that I can emerge from this experience with the same ease with the skills and theory and the same eloquent insight as Jared seems to have gained.
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