Week Fifteen: Three Month Check In

Hey everyone — we’re officially a little over the three-month mark, and while I know I’m slightly overdue on a check-in, it feels like the right time to pause, reflect, and share how things have been going.

Honestly, it’s been a mix of everything I expected, a little bit more, and a whole lot of challenge — the good kind. Settling into life in a new country is never a seamless process, even when you’re well-supported (and I am, thanks to CRuSO International and the Protected Areas Trust team). But there are still moments when I miss the small comforts of home.  The easy access to food, I love, the pace I’m used to, and just the little conveniences that come from living in a very privileged part of the world.

What’s shifted for me, though, is perspective. I feel incredibly grateful for the life I’ve had, and even more aware of how those comforts were built, not just by luck, but through the hard work and sacrifices of my parents. Now, being on my own in a new environment, I’m learning a different kind of independence and resilience. And in many ways, I’m also developing a deeper empathy. This isn’t immigration, but there’s something about starting fresh in a different country — figuring out the systems, adapting to new ways of doing things — that opens up your understanding of what so many people go through when they move for a better life.

At the same time, it’s also a really exciting moment to be here. You can feel the energy, whether it’s in the conversations about development and infrastructure or in the push for better systems across sectors. There’s real momentum. And in the conservation world, we hope to match that same pace: to ensure that protected areas, biodiversity, and sustainability efforts aren’t left behind as other industries move forward.

One of the most rewarding parts of this placement is being able to ask tough questions about communication, capacity building, and how we can design strategies that actually serve the people and ecosystems they’re meant to support. I’m working alongside incredible partners, both local and international, who are open to change and hungry for new ideas. Sure, we all face systemic and organizational challenges, but if I can simplify a process, contribute a framework, or help spark a new way of thinking, then that’s the kind of impact I want to be making.

And I feel it already — in workshops where someone says, “I didn’t think of that,” or in conversations where we get to rethink how communication can be a pillar, not just an afterthought. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with people from Peru, Jamaica, and Grenada, and each interaction adds another layer of learning. Whether it’s in how they approach the work, or in how we can better support smaller organizations, it’s all feeding into a bigger vision of what’s possible — and how we can get there together.

This has also been a time of personal growth. I don’t think I’d even recognize my former self — the way I think, problem-solve, and approach challenges is evolving every day. I feel more focused on education, sustainability, and empowerment than ever before. And I’m excited about that. I’m ready to keep building, learning, and contributing in the best ways I can.

The Good, The Challenge, and What’s Next

🤠 The Good:
The people — plain and simple. Whether it’s at conventions, community meetings, or collaborative sessions, I’ve felt incredibly supported and energized by the people I’m working with. That kind of motivation keeps you going.

😱 The Challenge:
The rainy season is officially here! From longer bus rides to wet shoes and navigating puddles, it’s been a bit of an adjustment. Pro tip: bring slippers for the commute and swap into dry shoes at the office.

😎 What’s Next:
We’re working on organizing trips to some of our secondary project areas, and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to get out in the field soon. Fingers crossed for final confirmations!