On May 22nd, the Oaxaca Community Foundation said goodbye to a trusted and talented volunteer. Laeticia Laruelle, 21, completed a three-month administrative assistant internship, visiting from the University Helmo Saint-Martin of her home city, Liége in Belgium. Leti, as many called her, worked closely with the development director, Michelle Ortega, on administrative tasks including correspondence and researching potential funders. She speaks five languages, and worked diligently to complete assigned tasks. Leti was an important addition to our growing team of volunteers. She is currently back in Belgium finishing her thesis and plans to work in the administrative and business field. “Leti was a great asset to the Foundation. She is efficient, professional, and has excellent communication and language skills,” says Ortega. In the following interview, Laetitia gives us a personal look on her time in Oaxaca.
“Sometimes young people are scared on their first job, but here my coworkers have helped me if I have trouble with anything. They don’t see me like a young kid, but like a real worker.”
Why did you decide to come to Oaxaca and to work for the Foundation?
My family in Belgium had an exchange student from Oaxaca for one year, so I visited her and stayed with her family in 2005, and again the following year. I liked Oaxaca so much that I decided to come back for the third time, and do my practicum here, even though I wasn’t obligated to do it in another country.
What did you do for the Foundation?
A little bit of everything. I wrote for the monthly newsletter, translated documents, researched potential funders, assisted with compiling proposals, and sent correspondence like emails, thank you letters and certificates to volunteers.
How do you think the Foundation has contributed to your life as a young person and the livelihoods of youth in general?
This is essentially the first, most important job in my life. Sometimes young people are scared on their first job, but here my coworkers have helped me if I have trouble with anything. They don’t see me like a young kid, but like a real worker.
What is your favorite part about working for the Foundation?
My co-workers, because they’re so friendly. I don’t wake up every day thinking; “Oh I have to go work!” I also like to assist others in the office with translations or detailed charts, and feel happy because I know that it will be less work for them.
What do you like most about living in Oaxaca?
The way the people think. The people here are really spontaneous; my friends here call me and say, “Let’s go for a coffee.” In Belgium, you have to set a date, and say like, “Let’s go in two weeks.”
Will you come back to Oaxaca someday?
As soon as possible!
