My WISER Experience
I first learned about WISER from Sherryl’s AIDS & Emerging class in the spring of my first year at Duke. That class inspired my desire to pursue the Global Health major, which had an experiential learning component that I decided to fulfill with a summer in Muhuru Bay through DukeEngage. I spent the summer of 2018 in Muhuru Bay working primarily on sexual & reproductive health (SRH) projects in addition to non-clinical support at Tagache Clinic, teaching in primary schools, and supporting a community-based HIV intervention program that was established through Dr. Eve Puffer’s research in the years prior. There are many fond memories from my summer there, but one that stands out is co-teaching at Kumoni with Lilllian: it was certainly challenging managing a large classroom, but it was great taking on the challenge together, seeing the students learn over time, learning more about the community outside of WISER, and getting closer with the students. Reflecting on the entire summer, I appreciated the calmness of living in Muhuru Bay and enjoyed the opportunity to disconnect from social media and life back at home.
After WISER
In the years that followed my summer in Muhuru Bay, my focus shifted a bit more toward academics and starting my professional career. I had my sights set on consulting since high school, so that’s where I focused my professional energies, but my academic passions remained in Global/Public health, and WISER kept a special place in my heart. I had plans to return as the WISER DukeEngage Site Coordinator in 2020 before starting my job, but the program was canceled that summer due to COVID. Since graduating from Duke, I’ve been working in consulting at Bain & Company in Atlanta, GA. I’ve done a few projects that have touched my global health learnings, but I’m a generalist consultant that has worked across industries and business challenges. My interest in returning to WISER remained strong, and Bain has a few different opportunities for short-term leave, so I was finally able to take on the Site Coordinator role this past summer. It was great to be back! The WISER campus has grown and while all the students I met back in 2018 had since moved on, most of the amazing teachers and staff are still there and Muhuru Bay still has its same charm. We had a great summer pursuing ~20 projects at WISER and in the community. Our group’s reflection presentation also won “Best Representation of Cultural Immersion” and “Best Overall” in the DukeEngage Fall Reunion.
I’m now settled back into my job in Atlanta, but I plan to continue staying involved with WISER. The leadership transitions resulted in a vacancy in the Treasurer role on the Board, and after thoughtful consideration, I was selected to fill it starting this fall. I’m excited to take on this role and to help manage this alumni newsletter and group!
Are you a WISER DukeEngage Alumni who’s ready to re-engage? Email Nick at [email protected].
