What went well?

I arrived in Castel Volturno, a little town in the South of Italy. It has a large African community, majorly Nigerian immigrants who came into Italy and settled in. I got to work at the Emergency clinic here and I began my interviews with immigrant women, trying to learn about their experience moving to Italy and accessing healthcare. These women are english speaking so it has been much easier than my experiences in Milan. However this is a completely different environment with a very different way of life.

What could have been done differently?

Honestly, I don't think there is anything I could have done to prepare for this. There isn't alot of information about this city online. It is definitely very fascinating seeing how different life can be for people within the same country.

What did I learn about myself while working with others

I think one thing that struck out to me is that I am privledged. As an immigrant myself, an international student living in Canada. I have never experienced some of the difficulties these women have. A lot of them escaped by staying in the cargo part of ships, or even going through the desert. A large population of them are asylum seekers who have experienced a lot in their home country. It was definitely a very emotional experience for me, especially hearing their stories. I do wish I had been more emotionally prepared, I had no idea their stories would be so touching and sad.

What did you learn about leadership?

I learnt that you can never know everything. Especially when you get to a new environment. I also learnt how to be conscious, making sure I don't come across as looking down on people. I am here to help but not to pity, people don't like pity, they don't want you feeling sorry for them and they don't want to feel like a charity case.

What do I want to develop and focus on next?

Honestly just continuing my interviews. I have learnt alot from talking to these women, it's been very emotional but I have also really learnt alot.