Hello everyone,

My name is Oluwatunmise Fadare, and welcome to my blog! I also go by Tumi “too-me,” so feel free to refer to me either way. I am a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh, College of Business Administration, majoring in Business Information Systems with a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This summer, I will be interning at PwC in the Pittsburgh, PA office after my study abroad experience. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, I am a proud Ravens fan.

I am currently in South Africa as a student in the Pitt in South Africa program. This program is not part of the Pitt Business portfolio but rather falls under the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. I chose this program because I want to understand cultures outside of my own. Growing up in the United States has exposed me to a variety of cultures, but only through the lens of the Western world. I aspire to become a product manager post-graduation, a role that requires interacting with and leading a diverse group of individuals. This personal and professional goal led me to seek experiences beyond the familiar and gain a broader perspective on life from the other side of the world.

My primary goal for this program is to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for cultures outside my own. I aim to build strong connections with the local people I meet and maintain genuine friendships despite the 4,000-mile distance. Additionally, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of Apartheid and its lasting impact on South Africa, drawing parallels to the effects of Jim Crow laws in the United States.

According to the Clifton Strengths assessment, my top five strengths are command, deliberative, connectedness, competition, and input. I believe all these strengths will be useful at different times, but connectedness and input will be particularly beneficial. Connectedness allows me to see the links between everything around me, which will aid in my analysis of Apartheid and its impact on contemporary South Africa. Input drives my desire to collect information and build relationships, which I can leverage by being intentional in my studies and genuine in my daily interactions.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my journey. I look forward to sharing my experiences in South Africa with you all.