Welcome to my blog, where we’re limin’ and sharing vibes! Big up yourself for passing through!
By this introduction alone, you may sense that I’ll soon be embarking on a study abroad journey in the Caribbean, specifically in the beautiful country of Trinidad. This warm and inviting tone reflects the typical , localTrinidadian hospitality. I invite you to join me on this adventure as I embrace the Trinidadian experience and engage in lifelong learning!
My name is Oluwatunmise Fadare, though most people call me Tumi. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, my ethnic roots trace back to Nigeria (Yoruba). As the eldest of three siblings, I am currently a junior majoring in Business Information Systems, complemented by a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Beyond the academic space, I serve as the President of the Roberto Clemente Multicultural Business Association. Last summer, I had the privilege of interning with RSM in their IT Risk Management department, contributing to the automation and digitization of employee security details and accounting processes.
As part of my academic journey, I am thrilled to be enrolled in the Global Service Learning class, offering me the opportunity to travel to Matura, Trinidad, during the spring break of 2024. There are two primary reasons why I eagerly chose to be a part of this transformative experience.
The first reason centers around the invaluable opportunity to learn from a community outside of my own. Cultivating an inclusive and diverse mindset is crucial for personal and professional growth. As the current president of a Pitt Business student organization, I understand the necessity of such a mindset. Leading a team of twelve executive board members and a larger group of general members requires me to embrace diversity in thought and background. Looking ahead professionally, as I aspire to become a product manager post-graduation, collaborating with individuals from various backgrounds is essential to bringing a product to life successfully.
My second motivation for participating in this opportunity is rooted in the ethos of lifelong service learning. While I’ve always been passionate about giving back to communities through service-based opportunities, this class has illuminated the effectiveness of continuous service learning over a one-and-done approach. Over the initial weeks of this class, we have delved into key details about the differences between volunteering and service learning. We’ve learned about the added benefit of service learning and how it provides the opportunity to learn through explicit goals, allowing us to see how these goals intersect and affect the community we are serving as a whole. I believe this experience will not only enhance my academic skills but also contribute significantly to my personal growth.
Collaborating not only with the community in Trinidad but also with my classmates to bring our project to fruition will undoubtedly shape my perspective on the power of service. This collaborative effort involves partnering with both Amazaide and a local Trinidadian nonprofit called Nature Seekers. Amazaide acts as the intermediary group connecting us to Nature Seekers, while Nature Seekers plays a vital role in protecting the local turtle population from hunters. The conservation efforts of Nature Seekers, in turn, attract tourists and stimulate the area’s economy. Our mission is twofold: advising Nature Seekers on streamlining their financial record-keeping through digitalization and enhancing their social media presence. The lasting impact of our project aims to set Nature Seekers on a path to long-term prosperity beyond the conclusion of the class.
I am also eager to learn how to become a consultant through this class. So far, we have examined various articles to learn about the skills of becoming a consultant. I have learned about the necessary skills needed to effectively deliver a project, such as always putting the goals of your client first and not spending more than you have. Learning skills like this and also creating a professional Scope of Work will greatly aid me in the future as I am becoming a professional consultant even before graduating.
As I prepare for this enriching experience, I am eager to delve into the vibrant culture of Trinidad, learn from its people, and contribute meaningfully to the community. Join me on this journey of exploration, cultural exchange, and service as I document my experiences in this blog. Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and reflections as I navigate through the unique blend of academia and service in the heart of the Caribbean!