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Mary Nyangasi-Onyango: Reflections on Two Years at WHO Global Cancer Program in Geneva
Photo: kesho-kenya.org

Mary Nyangasi-Onyango: Reflections on Two Years at WHO Global Cancer Program in Geneva

Mary Nyangasi-Onyango, Technical Lead at WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Today, exactly two years ago, I reported to work at the WHO Global Cancer Program in Geneva. It is arguably the boldest move I ever made in my professional life!

It’s amazing how time flies.. As I reflect, what an experience it has been literally in all spheres..physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually! Adjusting to everything new and unfamiliar…first the weather. I arrived with the snow!

Then it was my first time at the organization, Geneva was a new place, with new people, new language, new cultures away from familiarity.

I had to learn survival tactics fast and quick since giving up was not an option:

  1. Always keep time. In Switzerland it’s better to arrive a few minutes earlier than a minute late..is highly valued and even the buses, trains and trams arrive by the minute..
  2. Learn some French. The moment you step out of work, everything is in French.. even schools. Google Translate has worked quite well but still you need to be able to speak to your caretaker!
  3. Housing is not as straightforward as in Kenya. It’s not all about ability to pay.. you have to submit a dossier and be vetted to rent a house..
  4. Pay your bills as soon as they arrive… the penalties for any delays are heavy and you don’t want to find yourself in the non-pursuite list!
  5. Identify an Asian shop nearby…it’s where you can find those chapatis when you crave them.
  6. Learn to do it yourself. Here, you literally DIY everything from the packaging in the supermarket to furniture assembly and childcare, it’s DIY all the way! I had many firsts especially in furniture.
  7. Create a community for yourself. Otherwise it can get really lonely..
  8. Planning is key: here everything is planned, it’s not as spontaneous! The weather must permit. Even social events are planned way way in advance.
  9. Prepare to pay your bills when invited for an outing.
  10. Public schools are very strict and absence or lateness in class is not condoned. Infact, you may be required to pay a fine for unexplained absences.

All in all so very grateful to family, colleagues and friends who have always checked in.. your support and encouragement is why we are where we are!”

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