International Development
Where It All Started
I have always been fascinated with the way things work “behind the scenes.” As a youngster, I would bombard my parents with questions about why one thing or another happened, and how those things came to be. Although they tried to explain the complexities involved with how the television projected images, or how the airplane stayed in flight, my curiosity remained. My moment of enlightenment and deeper understanding of how “forces” or “exchanges” play out behind the scenes occurred when I studied economics in high school. I was (and still remain) intrigued by how the various prices of goods and services in the market are not just dictated by some financial authority, but are also the result of individual and market choices. After this discovery, I felt like I actually had a part to play in the economy of my country, and indeed in the circumstances of my life. Studying economics in college was definitely a wonderful experience; but finding my voice as an “economist” didn’t come until my senior year after I was exposed to Gender Economics through a summer program, and during a seminar on Economic Development when I realized that there was an alternative to mainstream economics, by way of Heterodox Economics.
My Passion: Making A Positive Difference
I had always known that I wanted to make a positive difference in people’s life, in whatever capacity I could. I believe International Development is the avenue through which I can best channel that passion. The fact that International Development is so diverse and cuts across public health, education, women’s empowerment, poverty reduction, agriculture and a whole range of initiatives is one of the things that draws me to the industry. I am a fervent believer in the power that citizens have towards effecting change, and I want to be a part of that movement; whether its doing the fieldwork and assessing a community’s needs; designing programs that can benefit a society; or teaching people about the challenges and potentials they face in different areas, I want to experience as much of the industry as possible.
My Key Interest Areas
- Water Access - it wasn’t until recently that I realised that paying water bills for taps that never flowed was actually not “okay”
- HIV/AIDS (Public Health)- working as a peer counsellor in high school made me realize the importance of HIV/AIDS education as well as sensitisation on other public health issues
- Education & Leadership - particularly with regards to empowering young girls
- Information Access - I believe that one of the key reasons that many developing countries are stuck is because people don’t have access to relevant information
- Emerging & Extractive Industries - my studies in development have taught me that a good foundation is essential for the success of an industry. Hence I’m interested in helping build & develop the frameworks upon which new industries are based
