Isis

I was born and raised in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo where I lived until 2006. I left when I was 14 and moved to France where I started high school in a private boarding school for girls in Vaucresson (92). I graduated with my French Baccalaureat in French literature and while looking for colleges I came across the American University of Paris. Although French is my native language, I am also fluent in 3 Congolese dialects. I started learning English through my travels to South Africa while still living in Congo and in the UK where I had family in Manchester. I still have knowledge of basic Spanish and Italian, which I practice less these days.

When I found out there was an American University in Paris I was excited because my parents were not ready to let me move abroad at 17. Being the only girl and the youngest of the family has always been a challenge when it comes to this type of decision: I needed to find an alternative that would work for both my family and I. AUP allowed me to familiarize myself with a less “conventional” learning style than the French/European education system while staying in France.

I was looking for a diverse and multicultural environment that would guide me through my desire to study international politics. I felt that if I was able to adapt and embrace the particularity of such an environment, I would be able to fully engage in this field of study that requires so much versatility. Being exposed to so many cultures and beliefs definitely helped me structure my studies and career path and accomplish so much along the way.

I have always loved Paris: the city, the environment and, also because part of my family lived there. However, I did not really experience living there or understand its people until I moved in 2006. My time at AUP tremendously impacted my personal life and academic decisions. My experience within the AUP community (students, staff and professors) definitely enhanced my adaptation skills, which allowed me to gradually open myself up more to others. Academically and professionally, AUP gave me the confidence and necessary strength to aim for an even more challenging future. Being able to grow in such a secure, understanding and dynamic environment is unusual, especially in comparison to French institutions. With my master in Global Affairs – peacebuilding concentration from NYU, I definitely consolidated my academic knowledge.

When I made the move to New York, I was searching for an environment that was a continuation of the AUP community and that is what I found. I am currently interning at Amnesty International, one of the greatest NGOs working on the protection of Human Rights. This has so far allowed me to broaden my professional prospects and further my personal growth. Prior to this position, I interned for 3 months at my country’s mission to the United Nations and for Children of Bellevue, a non-profit that raises funds for pediatric programs at Bellevue Hospital in New York.

I believe that each one of us is able to accomplish fantastic things, as long as one is given the right amount of guidance. The means of action might be out of reach but with the necessary determination and the right support system anything is possible. This actually reminds of a quote from Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author whom I discovered in an English class taught by Mark Ennis during my second semester that has really helped me in moments of doubts: “Nothing of great worth comes easily.”