Week 1: Introduction to MakeSense and MerTerre

Week one of my Central LiA Project with MakeSense has been a whirlwind, but in the best way possible. This project, focused on Preserving Sea Biodiversity in Marseille with MerTerre, is already shaping up to be a game-changer. For those unfamiliar, MakeSense is a global network that connects passionate young people with social impact projects, and it’s all about turning our skills into meaningful contributions. I’ve been paired with MerTerre, a French NGO dedicated to marine conservation in the Mediterranean Sea. Their work is so crucial in tracking biodiversity, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and advocating for policy changes.

Working under the guidance of Teo Juričev, MerTerre’s Data and Collaborative Platforms Project Manager, has been eye-opening. Teo’s knowledge of the organization’s inner workings and his role in data management have already been incredibly helpful as I’ve started getting involved. I’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with my mentors, Emma Lempereur and Jade Thiebaut from MakeSense, who have given me a solid foundation to build on. Emma’s insights into how MakeSense operates and Jade’s guidance on the strategic aspects of the project have made my first week feel not only exciting but also purposeful.

Of course, I’m lucky to be working with Isabelle Poitou, MerTerre’s Director, whose vision for marine conservation is inspiring. Her leadership really helps me understand how important our work is and how our actions fit into a larger, global movement for environmental change.

What went well?

This first week has felt like a lot of momentum. I’ve been able to dive straight into understanding MerTerre’s initiatives, specifically their focus on marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean. I’ve started getting involved with data collection, which has been really engaging, and I’m seeing firsthand the importance of accurate, reliable information for conservation efforts. Teo has been great at showing me the ropes and explaining how the data is gathered and analyzed, and I’ve already started contributing to some of the systems they use.

The collaboration with Emma and Jade has been fantastic, too. Emma has been really helpful in showing me how to leverage MakeSense’s network, and Jade’s approach to managing the project has taught me a lot about strategic planning and leadership. I’ve felt like a real part of the team right from the start.

What could have been done differently?

Looking back, I think I could have done a better job of setting more concrete goals for myself during the first few days. While the team was incredibly supportive, I found myself taking in a lot of information and trying to understand where I could best contribute. In hindsight, having a clearer idea of specific tasks and milestones would have helped me stay focused and make the most of my time. I also recognize, though, that part of the experience is figuring things out as you go, especially in such a dynamic project like this.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

What surprised me most about this week was how naturally I fell into a role where I could support the team while still pushing myself to contribute my own ideas. I’m definitely someone who values collaboration, and I think I did a good job of balancing listening and speaking up when I had insights. I noticed that I’m someone who thrives when I’m given the space to contribute while also learning from those around me. It’s been a lot about absorbing the team’s knowledge and finding where my skills best fit.

What did I learn about leadership?

One of the key leadership lessons I’ve learned this week is that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being able to guide the team and empower others. Isabelle’s approach has really driven this point home, she’s not just a director; she’s a mentor, and her ability to make sure everyone feels involved and valued is something I want to emulate. Teo has also shown me the importance of staying organized and focused while managing complex data and collaborative platforms. Watching both of them in action has taught me that leadership is about building strong, supportive relationships and ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

In the next few weeks, I want to focus on taking more initiative in organizing tasks and contributing to the development of the data systems we’re working on. I’ve started to see where I can add value in terms of organizing data flows and making sure information is easily accessible to the team. I also want to develop my leadership skills by taking on more responsibility and helping coordinate tasks within the group. I think I’ve learned a lot about the importance of communication, and I want to focus on continuing to strengthen my ability to lead by supporting others and ensuring we stay on track with our goals.