IDAHO, USA — “You’re from Idaho, kid. Have a plan B, C and D. Working for the United Nations doesn’t happen.”
Some may have heeded this “advice” from a university adviser, dialing back their aspirations until they were deemed “realistic” by the outside world — but when Kaylee Kosareff was laughed off by her adviser, it only strengthened her resolve.
“Making it to the U.N. was a healthy mix of determination to prove him wrong, and Hermione-level studying with a stacked schedule, extra credits, internships, non-stop networking, an open mind and willingness to put myself into uncomfortable situations,” Kosareff said.
Kosareff, a North Idaho native who currently works for the U.N. in Switzerland, also attributes her incredible journey to “dumb luck” — though it seems luck had little to do with it compared to a lifetime of hard work and exceptional aspirations.
Kosareff graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 2010 before going on to the University of Idaho, where she majored in international studies and had dual minors in French and political science. She also earned a certificate in elementary education.
Her first job brought her to the U.S. Embassy in London, but after having a change of heart about going into politics, Kosareff returned to school and earned her master's degree in humanitarian intervention and international development. This steered Kosareff in the direction of humanitarian work in Amman, Jordan — her first “field” job. There, Kosareff worked in Syrian refugee camps with victims of forced marriage and trafficking, which laid the foundation for her future work with the U.N.
To read the full story, visit our news partner, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
