Week 4: Full Circle Moments

This week I continued my work drafting legal memos in support of asylum applications — work that I’m growing more comfortable and confident in. But the highlight of the week came at the very end, during GAIN’s annual staff and board retreat.

On Friday, all staff and board members gathered offsite to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. Having previously worked in financial services, I’ve attended a fair number of board meetings; however, usually with a very structured agenda, and where I played the quiet role of observer. I remember being in rooms where influential leaders in finance discussed risk strategy and oversight with clinical precision. So attending this retreat offered a new, and honestly refreshing, perspective on board governance.

What stood out to me most was the heart behind it all. It was moving to see people not just show up, but speak up, to share hopes, concerns, and ideas because they care so deeply about GAIN’s mission. While the retreat reminded me of my past professional life, it also underscored the new path I’m building. I felt a quiet kind of gratitude, for being in a space where I wasn’t just observing, but participating in something meaningful.

It was also sobering to hear the honest discussion about the long-term sustainability of the organization. But even in those difficult conversations, there was so much care. We ended the day by writing letters to ourselves and the organization for a time capsule to be opened in 2028. I don’t know where I’ll be then, and I may not be a part of GAIN’s day-to-day journey, but it brings me joy to know I left a small imprint during my time here.