Saving the World, One Awkward Encounter at a Time

Becoming a humanitarian wasn't a deliberate decision I made early on. Instead, I found myself gravitating towards this path as I sought to discover my true calling and the best way to utilize my skills. An internship with UNICEF Bangladesh became the starting point. UNICEF's presence in Bangladesh is quite prominent, thanks in part to the beloved Meena cartoon, which made the organization a household name.

This internship opened my eyes to the profound impact humanitarian work can have. Saving the world, one awkward encounter at a time, became not just a mantra but a lived reality as I navigated the challenges and rewards of this work in the refugee crisis in Cox's Bazar. My dynamic roles with UNICEF flew me eventually to UNHCR, which is more into the humanitarian crisis than the development nexus UNICEF was.

A typical day as a UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency protection actor is a blend of heartwarming and heart-wrenching experiences. It often involves field visits to refugee camps, where I meet incredible people and listen to their stories. These interactions are the cornerstone of my work, allowing me to understand their challenges and find ways to navigate them with the existing humanitarian support. While there are certainly days filled with rain and difficulties, I prefer to focus on the brighter parts of the job.

In three words, my role can be described as empathizer, communicator, and action taker. Each of these aspects is crucial in ensuring that we provide the best support possible to those in need. The ability to empathize with others, communicate their needs effectively, and take decisive action is what makes this work so impactful.

However, the most challenging part of my job is the feeling of helplessness that arises when resources and funding are limited. The growing crisis means that there’s so much more that needs to be done, but the constraints can be frustrating. Standing by, knowing there’s more to be done but unable to act due to these limitations, is incredibly difficult. It's in these moments that the weight of "saving the world" feels especially heavy.

Yet, there are moments that make all the challenges worthwhile. One of the most memorable day at work was when the Queen of Belgium visited the refugees. She spontaneously wanted to visit the houses and spent time in their homes, listened to their stories with genuine sympathy, and made them feel valued. My heart was full as I witnessed the profound impact of her visit on the refugees, and I felt immensely proud to be part of such meaningful work. These encounters remind me why I chose this path, despite its awkward and often challenging nature.

Success in this role requires a unique set of skills and qualities. Openness to challenges, a commitment to continuous learning, strong communication skills, tech savviness, empathy, and accountability are all essential. These attributes help navigate the complexities of humanitarian work and ensure that we make a positive impact. They enable us to tackle each awkward encounter with grace and resilience.

For those considering a career in humanitarian work, my advice is to be open to ups and downs and ready to learn anything. The possibilities in this field are endless, and each experience contributes to personal and professional growth.

In my spare time, I find solace by the beach. Sitting by the water, I gaze into the horizon and let the serenity encompass me. When facing the demanding challenges of humanitarian work, thinking about the difference I make in the lives of so many people refills my motivation and keeps me going.

This reflection, combined with the support and inspiration of my colleagues, helps me stay focused and driven in my mission to make the world a better place. Through every awkward encounter and every small triumph, I continue my journey of saving the world, one step at a time.

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