Not Just Another Graduation
May 18, 2012
This week, Columbia University celebrated its 258th academic year, and I somehow managed to receive a degree from this institution. Congrats, my fellow Class of 2012! I’ve been through many graduations, but this one is somehow particularly emotional. Besides the fact this is likely my last graduation, I also realized that I am truly living the American Dream. My parents…
Read MoreThe African Ingenuity
March 31, 2012
I am not an African, but in the two years of my Peace Corps service in Cameroon, I had fallen in love with the African people. Like most naive twentysomethings who set out to go “change the world”, I was humbled by my time in Cameroon. The country changed me in more ways than one. I barely made a…
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Story of a Honduran Girl
March 29, 2012
During my time in Honduras, I made many new friends; one that made a great deal of impression on me was Marisol. She is my age and acted as our tour guide through the city of El Progreso during our very first day in the country. We talked about the same things that all 25-year-old girl talks about. Her English…
Read MoreHola Honduras!
March 26, 2012
2012 started off pretty rocky for me, and I was going through some annoying quarter-life crisis. I was desperately seeking something that would fuel my soul and lift me out of the funk. When I saw a service trip to Honduras being organized, I rather impulsively signed up. I didn’t really know anyone who was going on the trip. Besides…
Read MoreLove. Love. Love.
February 14, 2012
Last night, I found myself at Lenox Lounge, a jazz club in Harlem. It was a picture perfect New York experience. A down-to-earth space with incredible jazz musicians, a few audiences from the neighborhood that embody Harlem. The five piece jazz band played many classic tunes, sprinkled with a few ballads by Duke Ellington and the like to set the…
Read More90/10 Life Rule
February 11, 2012
4am. I was walking back from the 116th St. 1 train exit. I walked through the Columbia quad alone. Snow was falling. For the first time in a long time, I felt very happy. It was the same sensation I used to get daily when I went on runs in the hills of my Cameroonian village. I smiled, looked up…
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Zenning it out in 2012
January 10, 2012
10 days into 2012, and already, New Year’s Eve feels like a long time ago. These first 10 days of the year are probably rather indicative of what the rest of year will shape to be: a year full of surprises, changes, personal challenges that will require me to find my inner balance. In the past 18 months or so,…
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Year-in-Review: 2011
December 31, 2011
This is always my favorite post to write each year. A lot happens in a year, and I am always amazed at what all took place when I write this post. 2011 was a good year. My life faced new changes and challenges, and I walked away a stronger, and more experienced person than before. January: The new year kicked…
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LSE/Columbia SIPA Dual Degree MPA
December 30, 2011
I've been receiving emails regarding the GPPN Dual Degree program between the LSE and Columbia SIPA that I am pursuing. In the interest of sharing information, here's some key considerations...
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Christmas in New York
December 26, 2011
Merry Christmas!! Finally had time to take in the holiday season after weeks of finals projects, papers and exams. I didn’t get to enjoy as much of the Christmas spirit this year, but I still sneak in some pretty nice moments around the City. A trick for all: walking around New York City while listening to Christmas music on your…
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