Half way there (?!?!)

Well, almost halfway there, anyways.. After work tomorrow, I will be more or less halfway done with my work at Sanigest. Only five full weeks left! I cannot believe how fast time is going by. Some of my other Fellows are nearing the ends of their trips now, which is totally unreal!! Again, time never ceases to amaze me.

This week at work, like every other week, has had its ups and downs. I was feeling pretty good Monday and Tuesday, but yesterday I was assigned a pretty big project and it is giving me quite a run for my money. It goes back to the Malawi project. We got a bunch of databases with some information about Malawi, and I was asked to organize them. Doesn't sound too bad, right? Well, you're wrong if you think that. The databases are soooooooo huge (at best 20,000X400) and it is all written in a code specific to the organization that created the database. In order to merge the lists and get something somewhat useful out of the data, I have to use this program called STATA. I think as far as programs go, it is pretty easy to use, but given the short timeline that I have been given, it has NOT been easy, whatsoever. I took a Computer Science class, so I know the general idea behind programs, but no way am I an expert. Unfortunately, this sort of data manipulation calls for someone who knows what they are doing (hint hint, not me!). I am trying my best to learn how to manipulate the data, but it is HARD. Lots of YouTube, lots of Google. I worked through my lunch today trying to make sense of the data and the program, and I need to do some more tonight. They want it by tomorrow, which is kind of scary, but I'm trying the best I can! Unfortunately, the full-time analysts and consultants at my branch of the firm have their hands full with other things, so the brunt of the task falls on me. So. I say my prayers, and keep on keeping on.

Sidenote, despite the difficulties, it is really cool to be using such a program! It's a very marketable skill and there is just something so sweet about typing in a command after 50 or so tries and having it work. It's the little things in life!

This weekend I am headed to Manuel Antonio, a pretty popular Costa Rican destination. I am very excited! More about that on Monday. :)

Here is Manuel Antonio! Not to far from San Jose, only about 4 hours or so. 

As it is more or less the halfway point, I think it is a good time to stop and reflect on what has passed, how I feel about it, and how I feel I have grown as a person. Of course, I can't talk about everything, so I will try to keep it short and simple. Mostly because I need to get back to that darn project.

1. I am very proud of myself for handling everything that I have handled. Which is a lot. I'm the youngest Fellow, and I definitely always felt the youngest, so coming into the trip I was really worried about how I would be able to handle everything. It's been a trip of many "firsts": first time being abroad alone, first time cooking consistently for myself, first internship, first time dealing with prolonged homesickness... And I could go on. It's all happened at once, and, much to my surprise, I've dealt with everything quite well. No big mental breakdowns and I haven't thrown in the towel. Through the challenges, I've stuck it out. And I am proud of myself for that.
2. I told myself I would start living in the moment before I left for the trip, and I think putting myself in that mind-set pre-trip was great. Yes, I still look forward to the weekends, but I am more conscious of my overall attitude about what I am doing, right as I am doing it. It's hard and I still find myself wishing certain times would pass faster, but my improved efforts to "live in the moment" have definitely paid off!
3. I am so grateful for the blessing that Xavier University has been to me. This opportunity would not have been possible without my Xavier family & the opportunities that have been given to me there. When I step back onto campus in August, I might just fall to the ground and start kissing it (I'm only 90% joking...). I will be so grateful for a safe return--even more grateful for this opportunity to grow & become more of the person I am meant to be.  
4. Being a Brueggeman Fellow is HARD. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we have one thing in common: we have to learn to deal with ourselves, on the good days and bad days. To really throw yourself in the fire of seeking self-awareness is truly a daunting thing. I am proud to be a Fellow and I am so proud of all the Fellows, both past and present. We are awesome!

Anyways, that's all I really have time for right now. I need to work on this project! :P Until next time!

amdg.