The blog entry below is part of a series written by current Clinton School students working abroad on their International Public Service Projects. This blog was written by current Clinton School student Haylee Fletcher. The original blog entry can be read here.
Life seems to have a tendency to throw curve balls in our direction from time to time, and over the past several years, I’ve learned that it takes a lot of courage, grace, and resolve to overcome these trials, enabling us to walk away stronger, resilient, and more knowledgeable. Through the Clinton School of Public Service, I’ve learned that partnerships, sustainability, and mindfulness are important characteristics. I’ve also learned that often, things do not go as planned; in those moments, we need strength in order to navigate through the unknown. I’ve learned to be considerate, flexible, and understanding during those times. Furthermore, I’ve come to understand that a careful review of the context and environment is important; moreover, that willingness to adapt is crucial. I am incredibly fortunate to attend such a unique graduate program. The Clinton School has provided countless opportunities for personal growth. I’ve been challenged, but I know that I have grown from each opportunity, struggle, and triumph – and for that, I am grateful. I’ve learned that even in the most difficult, dysfunctional, and seemingly grim situations, I have to look for the hidden opportunities that reside in the rubble and try to find a way to move forward from there – placing one foot in front of the other.
My motto for the past couple of years seems to be, change is inevitable. Last year through the Clinton School, I participated in a yearlong, team-based project in Little Rock, Arkansas. At the end of a challenging, and rewarding year, everyone was asked to develop a reflection piece based on the experience, the curriculum, and lessons learned as a public servant; I titled the piece, Inevitable Change. This summer, I have traveled to South Africa for 10 weeks to be a part of an international social change issue, revolving around a solid, well-researched project description.
Originally, I was asked to create a volunteer program plan for the organization that has essentially been run by volunteers for decades. However, after learning about the current state of affairs, and the significant challenges that the organization is facing, I knew my project needed to drastically change. While the main stakeholders have remained the same (the volunteers), the scope, focus, and direction of my time in Johannesburg shifted. For now, my focus will be to save a dying project by developing recommendations and next steps (based on volunteer feedback, input, and guidance) around reinventing, and redeveloping the organization.
While the changes have been substantial, I know that my experiences at the Clinton School thus far have equipped me and I have been able to mold and transform with the project along the way. This flexibility has enabled me to not loose hope, motivation, or determination. Given the extensive challenges and subsequent opportunities, I am dedicated to working as hard as I can in order to create the best deliverable possible in the time that remains.
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