Week 10
As I finish my final week at the United States Institute of Peace, I can’t help but reflect on the experience I’ve gained throughout the summer. Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the privilege of diving into research on United Nations Police activities within key peacekeeping missions. I went into the research with next to no knowledge about the conflicts in the DRC, the CAR, or South Sudan, and I’ve come away with a greater understanding about their current situations (as well as their past histories of colonization and atrocity).
Beyond the research, I had the opportunity to attend various conferences on topics of great interest to me, including conflict mitigation, human rights, and sexual and gender-based violence. I can’t thank the Atrocity Prevention team enough for checking in with me and allowing me the chance to sit in for these conferences; the team was always looking to keep me engaged and interested, and I appreciate their efforts.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the guidance I received throughout my time at USIP. My supervisor had been both kind and insightful, and I’m grateful for the mentorship she provided. I extend my best wishes to her as she continues the project, and I wish her the best of luck as she moves into on-site research, where I know she’ll continue to make a meaningful impact. I'm grateful for the Atrocity Prevention team's work, and I’m thankful for the support they extended and for the collaborative environment they fostered.
As I conclude my internship, I’m leaving with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within peacekeeping efforts and a profound sense of gratitude for the experience. This internship has been an invaluable chapter in my professional journey, and I look forward to carrying these lessons forward.