Third Blog Post--Giving Thanks (Justine)

I’m writing this after eating a massive meal, with apple pie in my lap and Christmas ads in the background—as it is currently Thanksgiving! I got inspired to do my biweekly blog post tonight rather than tomorrow or Saturday, because spending the day giving thanks certainly got me thinking about how thankful I am for this fellowship, despite losing confidence earlier this week.

After my last blog post, I felt more lost than I was willing to admit—unsure of how to dive into my research fully and complete the first major component of this fellowship. As I struggled to reach contacts and hit dead ends, I realized the best way to get unstuck was to swallow my pride, contact my mentor, and make a plan.

With the help of my mentor, Anuja, I regained my footing (and my confidence in my selection as a CSW Fellow!) and developed a plan for the new few weeks to solidify my research and prepare to write my advocacy paper, to be completed by January 11^th. That date feels far off now, but I know it will sneak up quickly. Anuja helped me brainstorm some contacts, most of which I have gotten in contact with already, and also find virtue in asking for help! It was incredibly helpful to hear that I don’t have to be ashamed by asking for help.

For now, I am enjoying this break dedicated to giving thanks and relaxation. Over the next two weeks, I will be completing my semester finals and consolidating my research, so that I’ll be able to write my paper over winter break. After everything that’s transpired in the last few days, I have to say—I’m more than a little excited. Above all, I am thankful each and every day for the chance to complete this fellowship and travel to the United Nations in March.

Until next time,

Justine Schnitzler