Friday of last week marked my 100th day living in Uganda. I am finding it very hard to believe that I am already one third of the way to completing my fellowship. I have taken time to reflect upon the last three months and think about my potential for the next six months.
Since listening to the 8th Generation Minerva fellows speak in my Sociology of Medicine class my first year at Union, I have known that I wanted to apply to the Minerva Fellowship. The application process was difficult, but mustering up the courage to physically come to Uganda was an entirely different, more complicated obstacle. I doubted myself for the entirety of Spring Term. Am I adaptable enough to live in a rural village for nine months? Will I make friends? Will this be fulfilling to me and guide me toward my future aspirations? I am proud and happy to say that after three months of living in Ddegeya, I can answer all of these questions with a resounding “YES”.
In three short months, I have learned more about myself, my priorities, and my potential than I ever thought possible. As a psuedo-extrovert, I try to present myself as an individual that seeks constant social interaction. Generally, I am someone that craves alone time. In Ddegeya, however, I have this feeling far less than I do back in the United States. I am not sure if the relaxed pace of life has allowed me to appreciate the value of socialization, but I think I am slowly making the transition from being a psuedo-extrovert, to a true extrovert. I still need my time to read and be alone, but if given the option to spend time with others or to spend time alone, I would choose the former, always.
Although many common-held socio-political beliefs are different from my own, I have found more cross-cultural similarities than differences. Acknowledging this and learning more about where I am living, the people, and their traditions, has been vital to the expansion of my emotional intelligence and becoming a global citizen. I have worked hard both in and outside of the clinic to learn as much as possible.
Overall, volunteering with Engeye has reignited my passion for global health and development, so much so that I made the decision to apply to graduate school. Next year, I will be heading to the London School of Economics to pursue a Masters in Health and International Development. I am proud of myself for coming to Uganda, proud of the work that I have done thus far, and proud to be a member of a community filled with hard-working, welcoming, and passionate individuals.
For any Union seniors that are interested in applying to the Minerva Fellowship, do it. It was the best decision that I have made for myself, possibly ever. It is my hope that the next six months are filled with as many laughs and as much joy as the first three. All in all, so far, so good.
Daily Dose of Ddegeya 
Great post, Amy. I always look forward to reading them.
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Very excited for you , and always proud of you!
Love, Mom
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You GO GIRL! Your words and actions are powerful and inspiring Amy!! Your courage is immense. I am so thrilled for you, your adventure and your future plans. It’s all pretty amazing. May you continue to grow and shine. Sending you heartfelt wishes!! Xoxo…🙏🏼🙏🏼😘
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Love this!! Congratulations amy- keep shooting for the stars you boss lady! So happy for you that you are having an amazing and impactful time. Miss you xoxo💕
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Amy, this one brought a tear from Auntie Lin Lin, words cannot express how proud and in awe of you we are!! Your going to make your mark in this world for sure!! May the remaining time you have there be as for filling and rewarding as your first 3 months have been!! We love you and can’t wait to read you next blog!!❤️
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Congrats, Amy! My niece goes to Edinburgh. Maybe I need to visit… Miss you terribly at the Kenney Center!!
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Amy, this is simply amazing and not surprising. We all knew you were destined for great things!
I’m imcredibly impressed and can not wait to witness what comes next.
Ps- I look forward to a vacation in Scotland!
Keep up the good work! ❤️
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Amy, you are an amazing woman!
I worked with your Dad for 10 years and always loved hearing about you accomplishments.
I look forward to hearing many more!
All the best to you! You deserve it
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Amy,
I love hearing about your progress! I worked with your Dad for 10 years and always loved hearing about you accomplishments.
I look forward to hearing many more!
All the best to you! You deserve it!!!
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Hi Amy! I have one word to describe you and that is “AMAZING.”
I worked with your Dad for 10 years and always enjoyed listening to your many, many, accomplishments.
Congratulations on your acceptance to Grad school.
All the best to you! You deserve it!!!
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Amy, congratulations on acceptance to grad school. I love following your adventures, and especially your growth as a citizen of the world. Hope the next months will be as amazing as the first three. Thank you for sharing your experience. Love you and very proud of you!
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Great Job Amy! We are very proud of you! 💞 You are amazing! ❤️💙💚🎉👍🙏🏻🎈
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I love reading these! There is another Suttonite where you are planning to go! I will touch base with your mom about her. Keep up the great work!
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