The experience from the MIP program is inspiring me to build and follow the biggest dreams ever

When Paul Romer and William Nordhaus were announced that they are awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics for 2018, I was on my way to the MIP interview. I remember pointing out during the interview the vital role that economist can play on raising awareness regarding emerging issues like climate change and technological innovations. One year and so after, during the Annual Meeting of the American Economic Association, I was standing in front of several Nobel Laurates, this time, understanding better the impact their work has in the society.

Romer (2018), Nordhaus (2018) and Akerlof (2001), are not the only Nobel Prize winners I met by far. One month after the winners of 2019 were announced, my host university, Vanderbilt, invited Esther Duflo in an open lecture to talk about her work, and her last book co-authored with the other Nobel laureate Ahbijit V. Banerjee. When the extreme polarization and inequality are rising more than ever – their work becomes fundamental – inspiring us as the new generation of development economists.

Being part of this experience inspires and motivates me to believe that my ideas and thoughts are equally worthy to those of economists who have made an impact in the world. Also, these events made me aware of the responsibility I have to work harder in understanding the most core issues of our time, especially in my country, Albania. MIP program is allowing me to leverage lots of resources, gaining new insights, and embracing new perspectives.

Sonila Hasaj