ACIC would like to continue our intern follow up by featuring Maya Irwin who in Canada was working with New Brunswick Environmental Network (NBEN) and in Costa Rica, Maya has been working with the International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN). For more information on these organizations, and to read Maya's original blog, please click here.
Let's see what Maya has to say about her internship so far!
Every time I embark on a new international adventure, I am always struck with the futility of trying to prepare for such an experience. As humans we constantly try to predict what the future holds, which leads to worry and expectations. This is especially prevalent in anticipation of some big and uncertain change. We do this despite the fact that it adds nothing to our experience, and in fact may only take away.
My time so far in Costa Rica has taught me that letting go of expectations is the only way to truly appreciate a new experience. When I first applied for this internship the proposed location was Londres (literally London) Costa Rica, a tiny town near the Pacific coast that most Ticos (read: Costa Ricans) have never heard of. Indeed, when we first arrived we spent a little under two weeks living the quiet life in this beautiful part of the country, taking in the sounds, smells and sights of nature all around us. We knew this would soon be coming to an end, however, since the Board of Directors of the International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN) had recently decided that a move to the capital of San José would help us promote our work and grow as an organization.
Living and working in the city was not what I expected when I started out on this journey, but I can’t say that I am disappointed. There are so many opportunities to learn and meet new people and I feel very lucky to be here. There is beauty and wisdom to be gained from all situations, even if it may be hard to imagine at the start.
The time has already gone by so quickly and I think the internship will continue to fly by. Now that we (and the organization!) are more settled, I hope that we can begin to really contribute to the growth of the IAFN. I have only high hopes for the future of this internship!
If you would like to know more about the work of the International Analog Forestry Network and the work we do to restore ecosystem stability and biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods, please visit our site: http://www.analogforestrynetwork.org/en/
Thank you Maya! We can't wait for your return to Canada! See you soon.
This initiative was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) | Ce projet a été entrepris grâce à l’aide financière du Gouvernement du Canada par l’entremise d’Affaires étrangères, Commerce et Développement Canada (MAECD).