Catching Up...

That's my spot. Now shall we catch up?

A few weeks managed to escape me but for good reason. It feels as though I've been doing everything and nothing at the same time. That may sound questionable, it's not.

When I refer to nothing, I mean I've had time to relax despite working arduously with school and work. Balance is different here. There's time to live rather than merely work. In the process, I'm learning lessons I thought I knew, but realize the difference experience makes.

Summer courses are coming to an end as quickly as they began. Ironically, I'm enrolled in U.S. Foreign Policy. Attaining a realistic perspective of the United States is the best thing anyone can do- specifically Americans- more specifically Americans who are ignorant of the truths in front of them.

A few things worth noting. The USA cycles through the same debates it's had since 1776-stagnant in its ideologies. And though no country is perfect (except apparently Canada, eh), France is arguably the freest country in the world.

The french enjoy their #wine, #cheese, and #liberties.

Also, pretty certain God prefers Switzerland. See below for proof or order some #Swisschocolate.

View from a ski station in Valais, CH

Moving forward from politics, opinion, and controversy, I've felt very at home here.

Like-minded with the people I encounter, and constantly in love with the ambiance around me. Even with industrialization, it feels like living in the fairytales I read as a child. The architecture and culture consume me and I find myself wanting more. Granted, I have to pay $30 for Peanut Butter M&Ms, but I have the finest chocolatiers on Earth at my disposal so I can cut my losses.

Because I'm writing this as a brief update and to get back on a normal writing schedule, I don't want to make it too long. However, there was something that happened a few weeks ago I found quite humbling.

I'm working for the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a United Nations-affiliated organization. It's located in the Palais des Nations, which is the headquarters of the United Nations for those who don't know. A career at the UN was something I regarded as prestigious. Growing up, I always thought about how wonderful it would be to work there and what that would mean.

Driving through Geneva early one evening, it was still light with the sun beginning to set behind the mountains. We drove past the famous exterior that's so often captured in pictures with flags of participant nations flying together in unison on the lawn, welcoming those who visit, and representing the very nature of the organization's establishment.

My first visit to Geneva in November 2019.

I looked at the building as I always do when I pass, but this time Drew turned to me from the driver's seat and said, "Hey, that's where you work now."

It hit me rather hard at that moment. He was right. I work there. I could have dreamed of that being true in the past, but to be able to say working at the Palais des Nations is part of my reality- it was a relief, it was motivating, and it felt right. For the first time in years, I felt a deep sense of pride I had been so longing to find again.

I had loathed my previous job. I put in so much effort to escape it and change my situation. Then I distracted myself with superficial and meaningless activities because I needed to survive.

Now I can say I work for the UN.

I don't know what the future holds, this may only be a chapter. But I can put this on my resume, I can say I did it, I can say I earned it, and I can say with certainty I enjoy my work.

That's it for now... stand by.