Despite Frustration at KSG, Graduates Should Give Back
Indunil Ranaviraja
Issue date: 5/18/06 Section: Op-Ed
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Some of us had it all planned. We knew that we wanted to make a difference in our world. So in our quest to learn, grow and contribute, we worked hard, got good grades, impressed our supervisors and colleagues, delivered results, and with our good intentions and aspirations, arrived at KSG. It was not as planned for others. Our MPA/ID colleague Idrissa Kanu was fighting for his life in Sierra Leone. His greatest hope: survival. His aspiration: to never again allow Sierra Leone to experience devastation and untold human suffering.
From all walks of life, and from different parts of the globe, one common value drew each and everyone of us to KSG: we have chosen careers dedicated to the welfare of the world citizenry - be it in the public, private, or non-profit sector.
Given the largesse of Harvard University and the contribution that KSG makes to the public sector, it is not surprising that we expected KSG to be more than well-equipped to facilitate the nurturing of future global leaders. However, we quickly learned that KSG was resource-constrained. Not quite believing what we saw, we were soon confronted with the reality that something was amiss as we scrambled to find seats in over-subscribed classes that seemed tailor-made to our professional needs but remained beyond our reach.
As individuals who have made a career dedication to ameliorating the lives of others, we did not expect nor desire to lean against marble walls while sipping coffee, or to go yachting in the Caribbean during long weekends! But we fully expected that the administration, faculty and staff would have the resources to deliver on their intentions and commitment to educate us.
Through initiatives undertaken as part of KSSG or championing causes as concerned 'citizens', we have worked individually and collectively with like-minded administrators, faculty and staff to help bring about the changes we wish to see at our beloved KSG. But much remains to be done. And KSG needs our continued engagement. As alumnae, let us not forget that we should also improve this institution. Let KSG serve as a hallmark of excellence not just because it bares the Harvard name but because it provides excellent professional education and turns out excellent graduates who are poised to meet, greet and beat the many challenges that will surely come their way.
From all walks of life, and from different parts of the globe, one common value drew each and everyone of us to KSG: we have chosen careers dedicated to the welfare of the world citizenry - be it in the public, private, or non-profit sector.
Given the largesse of Harvard University and the contribution that KSG makes to the public sector, it is not surprising that we expected KSG to be more than well-equipped to facilitate the nurturing of future global leaders. However, we quickly learned that KSG was resource-constrained. Not quite believing what we saw, we were soon confronted with the reality that something was amiss as we scrambled to find seats in over-subscribed classes that seemed tailor-made to our professional needs but remained beyond our reach.
As individuals who have made a career dedication to ameliorating the lives of others, we did not expect nor desire to lean against marble walls while sipping coffee, or to go yachting in the Caribbean during long weekends! But we fully expected that the administration, faculty and staff would have the resources to deliver on their intentions and commitment to educate us.
Through initiatives undertaken as part of KSSG or championing causes as concerned 'citizens', we have worked individually and collectively with like-minded administrators, faculty and staff to help bring about the changes we wish to see at our beloved KSG. But much remains to be done. And KSG needs our continued engagement. As alumnae, let us not forget that we should also improve this institution. Let KSG serve as a hallmark of excellence not just because it bares the Harvard name but because it provides excellent professional education and turns out excellent graduates who are poised to meet, greet and beat the many challenges that will surely come their way.
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