My experience over the past six months living and working with Garifuna communities on the north coast of Honduras has been nothing short of amazing. While I was working within the leadership component of the ‘Women’s Integral Empowerment Program,’ my responsibilities ranged from assessing and improving programs to facilitating community projects.  The opportunity has been invaluable to my personal, social and professional development.

This privilege has taught me to appreciate the intricacies of societies, cultures and religions.  The exposure to and exchange of new ideas, perspectives and solutions has left me encouraged and motivated to pursue a career in international development.  By sharing these experiences and cherishing the uniqueness of communities worldwide, I believe we all have the capacity to promote greater acceptance, peace and solidarity. I believe that development is a two-way process and I can only hope that I have given back as much as I have been given.