July 2021 Newsletter
Hello Friends,
As you see by now, my newsletters are more of an annual thing instead of my original semi-annual plan. A lot has happened since you last heard from me. I use to write ridiculously long letters and at times overshare unnecessary content but I’d like to think I’ve improved...Lol. Here’s my once a year update:
School Life:
I wrote in my last newsletter that I planned to graduate Spring 2021. This did not happen, unfortunately. When I made that statement, I knew it would be a challenging tight squeeze but that it was doable. With the pandemic changing academia and just about everything else, it became overwhelming for me and I fell short of the goals I set for myself. My own disappointment is one of the reasons I delayed sending this update. The pandemic is still teaching me a lot about adjusting to online learning and while juggling other stressors.
Thankfully, God remains faithful through the people and resources I’m surrounded by. During these last couple months, my international advisor and my academic advisor both helped me adjust my overwhelming schedule to something more manageable while keeping my goals in check. In addition to this, it has been immensely helpful to have had Chris Mammoliti from Lifeline and my host families (past and present) who are always there for me when I need it.
In spite of the changes caused by the pandemic, I found solace in a few of my classes. For this past academic year, some of the most impactful classes were Latin American Politics, Labor Economics, Public Finance, and Research and Evaluations. All of the classes I mentioned required a lot of writing and research (which I love) and provided a basis for me to connect the unit topics to my interest in nonprofit and the economic needs of Haiti. I loved that each of these classes studied human behavior, institutional patterns over long periods of time, and understanding different ways to achieve desirable future goals, whether it's for the individual or a group of people. At Washburn, seniors have the option of connecting with a mentor as they rein in all they learned from previous classes toward their Washburn Transformational Experience Research. I hope to share it with you after it is completed at the end of the year.
Nonacademic Life:
Lockdowns started after my first semester at Washburn so I don’t feel like I’ve gotten the complete Washburn experience. Before COVID, I worked on campus as an office assistant in the Vice President’s office. With the pandemic, work discontinued for almost a year but I recently returned to my desk job as restrictions have lifted. As a part of my studies, my degree requires me to complete an internship with the local government or a pre-approved nonprofit organization. Over the past two months, I worked as an intern for the Public Works and Utilities Division for the City of Topeka. I have been fascinated by the organizational structure and city planning of America (or any developed nation) and it was neat to have the chance to join the department and see the ins and outs of their daily operations. If you have visited Haiti, it goes without saying it could use a good sewage system. I spent the better second half of the internship touring and assisting the utilities manager at the Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant in Topeka. I won’t bore you with all I learned but here are my biggest takeaways --there’s heavy engineering work involved in creating and maintaining a sewage system, stormwater smells, and keeping with the EPA’s guidelines is a pain. :)
Personal Life:
In all honesty, this hasn’t been my best year. It has been a rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and a mixture of the two. As an international student, I’m responsible for making sure my semester tuition is paid in full (done through your thoughtful and generous donations) and by remaining in status (by keeping good grades and refraining from illegal activities, which isn’t hard most days… just kidding). In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainties, God is patiently teaching me to trust Him as my biggest safety net while also releasing an idol of being in control. I’m thankful again for my community, mentor(s), therapy, and even the hardest days because I’m trusting it’s all part of the bigger story.
Some might know this but I spent a decent amount of my childhood in Orlando, Florida. I left in 2009 and I haven’t been back since. This July changed all that and I got to visit the city and see familiar faces while attending the funeral of a close friend. With COVID and the unrest in Haiti, I haven’t been able to visit home like I would like so this trip to Florida felt like home in many ways.
Another event I’m looking forward to is a road trip to Dallas, Texas with some church friends to go listen to my favorite Bible Teacher, Jackie Hill Perry, speak on the topic of God’s glory and Holiness.
I haven’t shared much about my family, but many have asked, especially with the most recent chain of events. They are doing well, all things considered. Their situation isn’t much different than the average Haitian – pressing forward although hope is in short supply. The situation in Haiti has been hard to grasp, especially over the last 3 years. It is difficult for all parties– Haitians living in Haiti, Haitians living abroad, and anyone that cares and holds the beloved island close to their heart. Prayers are always needed.
Post-Graduation:
As I near the end of my studies, I do have a few different ideas of what I want to pursue but I’m praying for God to guide my path and bring greater clarity. Since last year I have submitted a few resumes to different organizations I would love to work for while developing an ambitious project of my own. I plan to share more in a more appropriate time, like the next or last newsletter. Due to the pandemic and its domino effect, I’m unsure what or how my post-graduation training will look like.
My graduation is pushed back for another term but there is an end in sight. I’m sure like me, you all want to see an end and celebrate this milestone accomplish with me. I also can’t wait for this to take place and am looking forward to celebrating with you all. Even though I will wrap up my Public Administration degree this fall, the plan (for now) is host a graduation party last weekend of April. Details will be confirmed as the date nears.
I say this with each newsletter because it’s always on my heart– I’m thankful for you and the investment you made in my dreams. The generosity and grace I have received these past five years is beyond what I expected or thought possible; Even as I enter into this next term, your donations help pay for my tuition and health expenses while I work to cover personal and living expenses. Thank you for the ongoing donations. Thank you for believing in me. I can see the finish line.
With Sincere Gratitude,
Gemima Joseph