In some ways you could say I came for mentorship. Not only to be trained to be a stronger advocate and resilient leader for those in my community back home but to continue to be inspired by leaders in the profession and challenged by new problems requiring equally new solutions. I came because I thought that working for policy change favoring members of poor communities would be “easier” with a powerful title and solid educational background. I have stayed because I hope that someday it will be worth it. It is alarming to see the person I was in August slowly slip away; my hope now is that I leave maintaining some semblance of the old me.

-- UchechiAmadi - 15 Jan 2009