This past Friday was a Christmas / goodbye party for the interns, where I received a few gifts and a card signed with the kind sentiments of the attorneys on my team. I gave a small halting speech, thanking them for nurturing my legal career and trying to express what an honor it was to work here. Around the time that all eyes were on me, reality started to sink in. This is really wrapping up...
And so, as much as I tried to resist it, today was my last day at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. I cannot believe how fast this past half year has gone. From conversations I've had with attorneys at the court, I don't think this is the last I will see of the Tribunal, and I hope I will be breaking into international criminal law within the next few years.
It was a bittersweet day. I said goodbye to my office, to my teammates, and tonight I will have drinks with my friends one last time. I managed to keep my United Nations ID card, so I have a fantastic memento. As much as I've adored my work, my amazing friends, and my cozy flat, I'm so very much looking forward to getting home to the states, hugging my parents and romping with the dogs. Without making this sound like an acceptance speech, I have to thank my sweet supportive parents for everything they have given me. They supported me financially and emotionally throughout my time here, and I am incredibly grateful for that. They are pretty much getting a J.D. along with me for all of the tears and stress-induced hair pulling they have put up with, and I am especially thankful I could talk to them after the rough days of testimony. Ich liebe euch beide!
Well, it's back to packing I go. I fly to Boston early Wednesday morning, via Dublin, then continue on to Phoenix on Thursday. Think good thoughts, as I hate to fly!
On that note, thank you dear friends for reading this blog - I have loved sharing this experience with you. It warmed my heart to get your comments, emails, and letters. I am sending you my love, and I will hopefully share all of my stories with you personally in the months to come!
All my love,
ELF
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Thank you so much for all of the stories, pictures and experiences on this blog - what a great idea! I'm so glad that your experience was as instructive and meaningful as it turned out to be. I'm even happier our chatsky sessions can resume once you're back and settled & I hope the Arizona sun is a warm one this Christmas as you celebrate the holidays with your family. Liquor up on the plane. :)
ReplyDelete*hugs*