Audrey Quinn, MEDA Trust intern in Nicaragua

MEDA Trust intern Audrey Quinn speaks with Arly Mejia, a long-time MiCredito client who makes and sells mirrors in a small shop next to his home and in a larger factory outside Managua.

In September, seven MEDA interns arrived at their placements and were introduced to a new country they will call home for the next five months.

I am fortunate to be one of those interns. My internship is in Managua, Nicaragua, working as field coordinator for MEDA Trust and MiCredito. Much of my work involves going out into the field to interview MiCredito clients and writing stories for the MEDA Trust website.

Though I cannot speak for all the interns, I hope that I can provide a glimpse into what life is like for some of us.

Having the opportunity to work in a foreign country is an exciting and fortunate experience, but it also comes with its own challenges.

My first month in Nicaragua has been a rollercoaster of thoughts, feelings and emotions.
With each new mini-victory comes another challenge. One day I figure out how to store water for the times when there is no running water, and the next day, I have to learn how to best manage my time when there is a power failure at the office.

It is not only professional skills that I am learning, but also incredibly valuable life lessons. Though I will complain about the inconveniences that I face living in a developing country, I have never been more grateful for what it is that I do have.

I also hope to use this opportunity to answer any questions that MEDA members have.
Please feel free to e-mail me at meda@meda.org.

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