Learnings & Reflections from my year at GISA

“You’ve just become GISA’s newest Communications Director. Congratulations are in order, as this is easily one of, if not IHEID’s most coveted spot on student government. You are at the helm of a tremendous communications operation, not to mention in the limelight on a fairly regular basis. Get used to everyone knowing your face (and name) around campus!"

Stunned, happy, overwhelmed, excited, nervous, responsible. All at once. It has been a year since I received a message like this, it's been a year of GISA indeed!

I am a believer of destiny. Twists and turns, chops and churns- they all get you to the right places, rather to the places you were meant to be in. Coming to the Institute was never a planned journey, but rather a spontaneous one. Working with the wonderful student association of the Graduate Institute has been a dream come true, but more than anything, a tremendous learning experience. At the end of my mandate, I am penning down five important lessons that GISA taught me. This is a treasure chest of learnings, reflections, memories, inspiration, and nostalgia, which I would carry throughout...

1. Learning by doing, listening and caring...

Being a constant ear to all student concerns was tiring, exhausting, but very satisfying. My job on the communications front was not merely responding to emails and messages, but empathising with the needs and problems of so many, putting myself in their shoes, understanding their context and finding solutions with them. The on-job learning was tremendous, but I came to realise that compassion, care and kindness come first, then- coordination and communication.

2. Co-existing & co-learning...

Working at GISA was never working in isolation. It was co-working, co-learning and co-exisiting with the other Board members. I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful, honest, motivated and inspiring people and drawing inspirations from their work at all times. Late night chats about coordinating events, uncountable voice notes on Whatsapp to seek advice, hearing each other out and bouncing ideas across the table, mini-meltdowns and huge celebrations, but most importantly, being there for each other, standing up for each other and never letting the other down! The flexibility and responsibility of a horizontal democracy, the absence of a hierarchy and constant betterment of our work are the true virtues of GISA.

3. The work-life balance & setting boundaries...

GISA is a 24/7 job. You are never really off, the inbox keeps buzzing, the notifications keep flowing, you get calls at odd hours and you are indeed responsible for every word you put out there. My key learning from this journey was to learn to set boundaries. To say no to your ownself. To take time out for self-care. To put away my devices and go out for a walk. To curb my temptations of replying to that "last email" immediately. To indeed have a work-life discipline in place, a schedule to follow and also to be "there"... It is hard for me, I must admit. For someone who has grown to be a workaholic over the years, although a voice in my head always keeps on reminding me to pause, breathe, relax and restart...

4. Solidarity in times of the pandemic...

What an unusual time to be! The pandemic was devastating and difficult for all of us, but the experience over the past few months has been nothing but incredible. I was a close witness to the phenomenal solidarity that the students demonstrated in the times when people felt helpless, alone and worried. The power of being together was magical, I saw people do selfless deeds, go out of their way to help the others, care, share, cook, reimagine life while there was little hope. I was witnessing the changes even closely as a part of the COVID Coordination Cell with the Direction at the Institute. Coordinating efforts, reassuring students, giving answers and directions was truly a humbling experience.

5. Adding creativity to the routine...

A student association is not said to be a professional setting. GISA is exceptional. It is professional and political, yet personal and comfortable. We operate on Statutes and ByLaws and have General Assemblies, but we also have lake-side picnics and taco parties. Adding creativity to the everyday chores was my favourite part of GISA. I believe in the power of storytelling, of colours and conversations. It was my pleasure to be able to bring it all to the outlook of GISA. It was a joy in giving greater visibility to the students, enhancing the diversity through expression and sparking dialogues amongst the community.

It's been a week and I already miss being a part of it all. I miss the people, the work, but more so, being a part of an energetic group of people. What is reassuring is the fact that we all have an invisible bond that will keep us binded together, no matter where we are. GISA is indeed a warm, happy memory which will never go away...