“Peter, what would you like to share with the rest of the team?” My computer echoes these words as I suddenly recover from the blank stare I’ve had on my computer screen for the last couple of minutes. I quickly drop both of my hands that had all along cupped my chin. I smile shyly at my computer screen, and half-confused, I try to find the unmute button. It obviously takes me an extra second to do so as I buy time to quickly arrange my thoughts on how to answer our customary check-in question. I master some courage and share the best memory I had growing up in response to today’s question. Even as I talk to the attendees of this Zoom meeting, I feel like there is a bright spotlight shining on me. I wonder whether they can see the thin stream of sweat trickling down my face. While sharing my answer to the 89 faces before my screen, I feel like my words are not coming out confidently as I want them to. There is this inner voice constantly whispering to me that I am not as fluent as those smiling on my screen. Perhaps, we are just the same and it is just that I am overthinking. “That is all from my end. Thank you” I sign off as I immediately mute myself hoping that she does not follow up with a question.
That is just but one of the moments that highlight the social anxiety I had during the first few days interning at diiVe. I started off the diiVe internship with a timid nature and a fear that tamed my tongue and thoughts. Six weeks after that check-in question, I cannot help but give myself a pat on the back for the growth and improvement in self-confidence that I have experienced while interning at diiVe. I can now smile at the person on the other end of the call and not merely at my screen. I am now able to express myself authentically and more fluently and with an aura of composure.
This has not happened through magic. Without a doubt, I credit this improvement to the diiVe community. Whether through the weekly community events or the random-pairing check-in groups, I have found comfort, safety, and support from my fellow interns, the project mentors, and the senior diiVe staff. I have been supported in learning how to believe in myself, appreciate that I am unique, and be patient with my growth.
Besides the improvement in self-confidence, I can attribute diiVe to my immense professional growth. Having been exposed to significant concepts such as The Fourth Industrial Revolution, The Future of Work, and The World’s New Gold, among others, I have continued to get a clear sense of what I want to pursue as a career. The skills I have equipped myself with go beyond the consulting profession. Following from diiVe’s slogan, I have learned how to ‘define my future’.
By Peter Wanjiru, intern at diiVe (Summer 2022)
Peter is a rising sophomore at Harvard College. He studies Economics and Computer Science. He is deeply passionate about economic development in Africa.
