With some fantastic stories to share over a few drinks, and memories to last lifetimes, I have no regrets about any choices I’ve made. Do you ever fear for your safety? Threats are very real and are something I fully accept as part of the life I lead. I don’t consider my approach too blasé or dismissive, yet I do think international media representations of the countries in which I’ve worked, such as Yemen, Sudan and now Afghanistan, can be misleading. Insecurity is not omnipresent and proximity and exposure are two different things. Targeted attacks against humanitarian aid workers are infrequent, and it’s very much wrong place, wrong time. It’s important to understand that daily life continues unabated – you still go to the markets, drive through the city and see friends (albeit in an armored vehicle). Do you think you will continue in these sorts of roles? As long as I embrace new challenges and continue to find the career opportunities exciting, I see no
is the one thing I will miss the least when I leave Afghanistan. One of the upsides of living in a non- family/hardship duty station is that we get Rest and Recuperation – so every six to eight weeks I’m traveling to see friends and explore new countries. Is it a difficult way of life? You have good days, and bad, and those that fall everywhere at the same time! Each country I’ve worked in is different and being able to see the immediate impact of my work on communities afflicted by poverty, food insecurity and conflict is immensely rewarding. All in all, the number of good days far outweigh the bad. Why do you enjoy it? I’m very privileged to be able to live, work and travel in these beautiful countries that unfortunately most people will only ever see as another tragic headline on the evening news. I have a strong network of friends that have spread around the globe, and amazing colleagues who work to alleviate human suffering as best they can.
reason why not. I’ll probably look for less explosive contexts as I get older – and start prioritising stints in New York or Dakar over Baghdad and Goma. There is a reputation among humanitarian workers that we inevitably become conflict adrenaline junkies. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, I’d like to see some greener pastures every now and then. How has your work changed you? I’m grateful. I firmly believe that my work has an immediate and profound impact on the most vulnerable communities and I feel privileged to be allowed to serve. I also have more grey hairs that I ascribe to too much shelling and gunfire rather than ageing! I’ve found that distance from those you love becomes harder, particularly as I’ve spent most of the past decade in far flung non-family duty stations, and so I appreciate more the moments, however fleeting, with friends and loved ones. Do you think you will return to live in NZ? Not in the immediate term. New Zealand will always be home, and family and friends will ensure I come back frequently, but my current work is not exactly required in NZ! What are the benefits of going to university overseas? You have the chance to study at fantastic institutions. The facilities and financial support are world class and the opportunities are limitless. I sincerely believe that both Princeton and Oxford opened doors and helped position me to enter the fields in which I currently work. Sam is currently living in Damascus, Syria.
Christ’s College Canterbury
96
Made with FlippingBook HTML5