Let’s Go to our Senior CGS Programs Teamologist Yanal Yousef

Thanks Jon

I must say this past couple of months have been rather interesting.  Here is a quick description of my first month at CGS: Stroll in at around 9:30, check the “Daily Links” and then World Cup, World Cup, World Cup.  Rinse, Repeat, Dry.  In all seriousness, there was a little more to the day to day.  I would actually have to get here at 6am to make everyone coffee and I even had to butter some people’s bread.  Alright, that was all a lie (except the World Cup part).  Coming to work for CGS, you really will work and this whole notion of being an “intern” is kinda thrown out the window.  It took 7 weeks here for me to do my first typical intern monkey like work, and I simply had to print out 20 copies of a document and staple it.  No joke, you should expect to come and use whatever brain cells you have left. 

I guess I should pause and tell you a little about myself.  I was born in New Jersey, left to Saudi Arabia when I was 7 and then I was in high school in Egypt and Palestine (where I am originally from).  After which, I studied at the School of Management in Boston University.  Before coming to CGS, I just finished my first year in law school at Suffolk University in Boston; however, I am transferring to American University right here in DC.  I found my way to CGS by googling “nonprofit global internship” something or other.  And, I could not be happier, especially since I was lucky enough to join the wonderful team in the basement, the Programs team or as they are lovingly referred to as “The Brain”.

I worked directly with Fatema Abdul-Rasul, who will unfortunately be leaving CGS, and Scott Paul, who will fortunately be staying.  I was officially the Peace & Security, Health & Environment, and International Institutions Research Associate.  That essentially meant I worked on issues like the Darfur crisis, UN reform, Bolton’s nomination, and Urban Environmental Accords.  So yeah, you really will find something you truly enjoy working on.  Oh and when I say worked on, I mean like actually writing articles for the website and having input in the angle in which CGS approached a subject. By the way, I am actually working on an Op-Ed that may be published in one of the largest Arab newspapers.  Exciting stuff, huh?

Fatema & Scott:  The first thing someone told me about Scott & Fatema was how easy they were to work with.  That could not have been any truer.  I really never felt like an intern, but more like a Research Associate (inside joke).  My experience at CGS really was made great by working for these two.  Fatema, I’m so glad we had a chance to get so close and that I got to meet such a wonderful soul.  Scott, your passion and sincerity in your work truly amazed me.  I wish you both the best and we’ll definitely keep in touch. 

I was also fortunate to work alongside the other parts of the “Brain”.  Asma, Golzar, Natasha, Raj, Rich, and Scott H. have been extremely wonderful and like Scott and Fatema, viewed me as an equal.  I truly felt part of the Programs team.

I’ll leave you with these parting thoughts: Bring an open mind and an open mouth because your opinion will be valued and will be heard.  It truly is amazing to see a group of caring and brilliant people work so well together with such passion on issues that truly matter.  Remember, this isn’t Citizens for Interesting Theoretical Observations, its Citizens for Global Solutions.

Back to you Jon.

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