SophiaBoutilier's Blog

Sunscreen

“If I could offer you one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.”
- from, “The Sunscreen Song”.
The Sunscreen Song, a spoken word poem put to music that was popular at graduation ceremonies in the late 90s is full of advice that may or may not appeal to the listener. Personally, I love it. I often listen to it as I cool down from a run, pretending I don’t hear the line “be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone”. My mention of sunscreen here is not, as one might think, because it’s ten thousand degrees in Mombasa right now, but because it reminds the listener of the simple and obvious things in our lives that have the power to bring about enormous benefits in the present and the future. Sunscreen is one of these things. Making friends with the young Canadians in my Fellowship programme, known as IDMs, is another.
Of all the things an IDM has to be grateful for, bug bites, sweat stains and stomach pains ranking lower on the scale, the least publicised benefits may be the most significant. Surely, I have gained professional skills, practiced fieldwork, integrated in a new office environment, acquired Kiswahili vocabulary, tested my strengths and weaknesses, and, it’s hoped, contributed to the functioning of my organisation. These are wonderful things. And, as much as I have worked hard, I am lucky for all of them. These are the kinds of opportunities and experiences one might find on the programme’s website, or though talking to alumni. Wonderful as these are, there is yet another.
But first, a word of caution to the next generation of IDMs. It’s not all easy! Indeed, the challenges are as formidable as the successes. They are also as valuable.
Such challenges will present themselves differently based on placement and personality, it can be sure. Because of their specificity, I’ll leave them for the next round to discover on their own. And so (thank you Randy Weekes for this phrase), back to the secret benefit of the placement, friendships with other IDMs.
It seems quaint, I realise, to highlight as extraordinary something that seems so provincial as a bond forged between fellow Canadians. Nevertheless, these friendships aren’t to suggest that friends made overseas are any less extraordinary; but they are perhaps, more expected.
My experience getting to know some of the other IDMs, current and former, has brought me not only countless laughs, but invaluable introspection, support and growth. From the start (although I spent the night before the management seminar in tears, not knowing how I’d been misplaced into a pool of such amazing – and intimidating – individuals) they were terrific. Whether we were writing proposals or rap songs, reading reports or InStyle, crunching numbers or Canadian imported chocolate (a treasure overseas!), we shared a very special wavelength.
Passing the same screening process meant that we entered as equals. There was no need to prove why we were there, or what we’d done prior to arrival. This in itself was and is quite unusual. Most social situations precipitate an environment in which each fights for position. Freedom from competition allowed us to be ourselves, flaws and all. The result: true friendships.
What is most wonderful is that we are all very different.
From here in Kenya, on days when the world seems to crash down around me, it is rebuilt by the wisdom, empathy and jokes of fellow IDMs. Perhaps it’s unfair that, on top of all the other benefits to be reaped, I have been afforded yet another. But I am also comforted and inspired that these exceptional people are out in the world, and always an email away. Sharing and comparing the endless challenges and surprises, we have all learned, grown and changed. We share a bond now, because we have done it together.

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