Hello! I was on the move again this year.
In July, I moved back to Vancouver from San Francisco, concluding a 3 year American sojourn that I can only describe as life-changing. This experience has solidified my love for public health, cultural food adventures and road trips with Lady Gaga blasting from the radio.
In April, my friend and I traveled across Louisiana just in time to experience the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans. It's a city where history, architecture, art, music and rambunctious indulgence intersect. From there we traveled to elegant plantations and quiet marshlands, munching on French Creole and Cajun food all along the way. Life's To-Do List: Eat southern crawfish boil - check!
In May, my brother and I went camping in Yosemite National Park. The majestic cliffs and waterfalls took my breath away. It was a special trip for two other reasons. First, I set up a tent all by myself for the first time ever. Second, I crossed off another item on my Life's To-Do List: See giant sequoia trees in person - check! Giant sequoias are the largest living things on earth (by mass) and can live to over 3000 years old. I'm even tinier than usual next to these giants! (see people in picture for scale)
In September, I visited Tofino on Vancouver Island. It's the surfing capital of Canada and although I don't swim and couldn't see without my glasses, my friends still convinced me to go boogie boarding on a chilly morning. On this occasion I'm glad I succumbed to peer pressure because it was fun! Next time I'll be able to see better now that I got laser eye surgery done.
As for what I've been doing on a regular basis, I interned at One World Children's Fund in San Francisco before my move. I had a blast working with the most talented and passionate community of people to support children around the world who lack life's basic necessities. I learned much about non-profit development and international programming.
Currently in Vancouver, I work for Provincial Health Services Authority. I am a Project Coordinator for province-wide knowledge exchange networks to support mental health and substance use services in British Columbia. I spend a lot of time thinking about collaboration across sectors, supporting communities of practice and applying developmental evaluation.
Overall, it's been a year of change and as always, it's the people that made my year. Everywhere I go, I am surrounded by wonderfully supportive and inspiring people. This year in particular, I met new friends who embrace generosity, love, adventure, justice, resilience, learning and all the special treats in life's goody bag. I reconnected with old friends who remind me how far we've come. I also met people in fleeting who eagerly and openly shared their stories, enlightening me with their diverse perspectives. Thank you for sharing your time, thoughts and encouraging smiles from across the globe. Thank you for constantly enriching my life!
