What went well?

• We had the chance to analyze the cross-border implications of the "Linking the Irish Environment" report launched by the Environmental Justice Network Ireland (EJNI) on June 21, 2023, as well as preparing Centre staff for a panel at the launch seminar. Through this analysis, I learned a great deal about the actual impacts of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, Windsor Framework, Aarhus Convention, and other instruments of international law on shared transnational challenges. 

What could have gone differently?

• There were many civic society representatives from small organizations across Ireland and the UK, but I didn't get the chance to interact directly with enough of them before the seminar concluded. 

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

• Three of us interns divided the work of combing through the 128-page report, combining our insights on its various aspects in a final analysis document. I learned that I enjoy deep-diving and becoming conversant with the topics under my purview, so that I can best represent those points of view in the final product.  

What did I learn about leadership?

• The leadership of the Centre was extremely helpful in both delegating this task and giving us the opportunity to attend the launch, interact with participants, and absorb knowledge. I came to recognize just how critical it is to trust new/young employees to learn and grow, because it really helped my confidence and understanding of core issues. 

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

• I hope to observe the process of civic society/NGO engagement, grant management, and project design that make up the bulk of the behind-the-scenes work for cross-border engagement.