Chapter Forty Seven: Making the plans

We are almost at the end of the journey, and I have been feeling a deep sense of appreciation for everyone who has taken the time to talk with me along the way. Some conversations were intentional and scheduled, others happened casually when I mentioned a project, and suddenly we were talking through what we had built together. Those moments have meant a lot to me. They help me better understand the impact I have had, but they also make this process of wrapping up feel more real and more emotional in a good way.

There is something different about saying goodbye when you know you are leaving the city entirely. When you are staying in the same place, it is easy to assume you will see people again. You can grab coffee, catch up at an event, or run into each other by chance. Moving back to Toronto changes that. I do not know when I will see many of these people again, and while there are video calls, messages, and WhatsApp, it is not the same. That has made me want to slow down and really enjoy the time I still have here. The food, the familiar routines, the small daily interactions, and the feeling of being part of something larger than myself.

This year was not easy. Guyana is not a simple place to navigate, professionally or personally, and figuring out how to make things work took effort, patience, and a lot of learning. There were moments where things felt unclear or challenging, but looking back now, I am proud of myself for sticking with it. I am proud of the work I have done, the growth I have experienced, and the way I have shown up for the people and organizations I have worked alongside.

This week felt especially meaningful because strategy was at the center of so many conversations. Many teams are finalizing plans for the year ahead and shifting from big ideas into more tactical execution. One of the highlights was supporting the Protected Areas Commission during a brainstorming and strategy session as part of their 2026 planning. Being in a room where about half the people were familiar faces from the past year made it feel grounded and personal. Seeing new faces was just as important, reminding me that communication touches every part of an organization, even when it is not obvious.

We guided the group through an exercise inspired by Shark Tank, encouraging them to think as big as possible. If resources were unlimited, what could communications do for the organization? From there, we pulled those ideas back into reality and asked what might actually be achievable. That balance between aspiration and feasibility felt especially important in a government context. Big ideas are not useless just because they feel ambitious. Sometimes they help you find a realistic middle ground you would not have seen otherwise.

Advocating for communications has been a consistent theme throughout this year. Celebrating biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the people doing the work matters. If organizations here do not tell their own stories, it is unlikely anyone else will do it for them. Being able to support that shift in thinking has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.

As I prepare to leave, I am still thinking about how I can support from afar. I want to help teams continue thinking strategically, applying what we have learned, and turning ideas into action. Watching that progress continue, even from a distance, will mean a lot to me.

The Good
Making time to visit favourite food spots, trying new ones I missed, and soaking in the everyday moments before leaving.

The Challenge
Starting to pack, staying organized, and slowly emptying the fridge while everything still feels in motion.

What’s Next
Writing thank you cards to the people who made this year meaningful and memorable.