The answers:
I am doing a MA in international development policy with a specialization in Peace and Conflict Resolution at Duke University in Durham North Carolina. It is a 2 year program. Part of that is an internship. I was selected to do it in Geneva (very competitive). The internship is 3 months, so I will be going back in August for my final year.
I am a project assistant with the Geneva Forum which is a joint initiative of the UNIDIR (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research), QUNO (Quaker United Nations Office, Geneva) and PSIS (Programme for Strategic and International Security Studies University of Geneva). My main responsibilities are research on disarmament and small arms issues, organizing of meetings and seminars, outreach, promoting implementation of arms control and disarmament agreement, interaction with government missions to the United Nations, international organizations, NGOs etc.
I am an officer in the National Army of Suriname and work at the Ministry of Defense as International Relations Staff at the Defense Strategic Planning and Education office. After my education I hope to further develop myself in (International) Defense management, planning and policy and also give my strength to Sranan
My boyfriend had no problem with it. He is also natural with braids so that works fine
How did I wear my hair? After I cut it: first in extensions (2 months) and then twists. After a month I let it down and just wore 4 beautiful owma braids (the Americans liked it) and after two weeks of rest I put twists in it again
Well in Suriname people asked me why I cut my beautiful long hair and that I will never keep it up (I like my hair up). In the US people thought it was strange, but many people wear their hair natural. The question was often asked why I don't comb my hair like so and so (ladies with relaxed hair). People also touched it and were often surprised that it is so soft and long (you know our hair shrinks)
So far positive reactions, the negative ones are so few that they disappear into nothing. In the US and Suriname I think that many people still find smooth hair the norm of civilized, but I have to say that the number of people who find natural nice is also growing. It is important that your hair is neat, smooth or frizzy. If it is neat, everyone finds it beautiful. Stewardesses in the US walk around in nappies and anyone who is a serious CNN watcher will notice that two reporters have their hair in braids all the time (even if it is extensions, that was unheard of a few years ago)
The US is nice, study hard but it pays off. What I definitely miss from Sranan: my family, friends, the food. Social life. In the US you are on your own and making friends is not that easy. Just adapt and keep remembering that you are there for a higher purpose.
Geneva (social) is terribly boring at the moment, but we are only here and still have to find our way. In the summer it is buzzing with activities so that promises something. Furthermore it is a terribly expensive city, but as a true Srananman and student you know how to get by.
As for my hair, I am quite happy. I don't know how long I will keep it like this, but I love it, it looks good, grows and is healthy: that is the most important thing for your Crown in Glory: shiny, healthy, beautiful and you.