As this experience comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on not just the incredible work we’ve done with CEOLI, but also on the personal and professional growth that’s come from it. Looking back to my initial goals in Blog 1, I was excited to dive into nonprofit work, explore international business relationships, and learn the difference between service learning and community service. All of that happened — and so much more.
1. Key Lessons Learned
The most important lesson I’ve learned throughout this program is the power of intentional service. In our class, we explored how service learning is more than just doing good — it’s about mutual learning, accountability, and growth. The reading “What Should Be Learned Through Service Learning” made a strong point that service learning should equip students with both factual political knowledge and practical civic skills. That message stuck with me, especially as I applied what we learned in the classroom directly to our project work in Bolivia.
Instead of just helping, we learned how to help — by listening, asking questions, and centering CEOLI’s voice in our deliverables. That blend of academic context and real-world application gave this experience true depth. I came in unsure how to start my journey in nonprofit work, and now I leave with a foundation of knowledge, confidence, and a desire to keep growing.
2. Transferable Skill Developed
One major skill I’ve developed is cross-cultural communication. From overcoming language barriers to understanding CEOLI’s goals through translated conversations, this experience forced me to grow in how I express myself and interpret others. This skill is essential in supply chain management, where I’ll often collaborate across time zones, languages, and cultures. Being able to communicate clearly and empathetically in those settings is a professional superpower — and this project helped me build it.
3. The Role of Relationships
Relationships were at the heart of this project. Pitt’s long-standing connection with CEOLI opened doors for us to contribute in meaningful ways. That pre-established trust allowed us to jump into the work with purpose — from filming impactful video content to developing professional development resources. However, like any relationship, it had its challenges. The language barrier sometimes made it difficult to fully understand one another. But through consistency and commitment, we rebuilt trust, and by the end, I believe our work helped reinforce and strengthen that partnership. Relationships, especially in international service learning, aren’t a one-time thing — they grow through continued effort and accountability.
4. How I’ll Explain This Experience in a Job Interview
In a professional interview, I’ll explain this project as a consulting-style partnership where I collaborated with a nonprofit organization in Bolivia to improve both fundraising and internal development efforts. I’ll share how I led the development of a video marketing campaign and supported CEOLI’s staff training initiative through research and stakeholder feedback. I’ll highlight that this all took place while navigating cultural differences, limited resources, and a language gap — showing my adaptability, teamwork, and leadership. It’s an experience that showcases project management, communication, and impact-driven work — all key values in today’s global workplace.
5. Advice to Future Groups
Here are the top three things I’d share with future groups in this program:
- Listen First, Act Second
Before jumping into “solutions,” make sure you fully understand the community and the client’s needs. They’re the experts in their own work — your role is to support, not override. - Expect the Unexpected
Whether it’s tech issues, shifting priorities, or cultural misunderstandings, flexibility is crucial. Plans change, and that’s okay. Be ready to adjust and keep moving forward. - Master Communication
This is the most critical skill for this project. Our team’s success depended on how well we could communicate not only with CEOLI but with each other. As emphasized in “Principles of Effective Project Team Management,” effective teams rely on members who listen actively, speak clearly, and resolve misunderstandings quickly. Communication is also deeply tied to civic education, as explained in “What Should Be Learned Through Service Learning” — it’s through discussion, reflection, and dialogue that meaningful learning and action happen. Whether it’s coordinating across time zones, understanding cultural nuances, or giving honest peer feedback, communication can make or break your project.
6. Final Thoughts
This experience reminded me that life is bigger than me. Before Bolivia, I was in a cycle of stress and deadlines. But being in a different place, surrounded by new faces and perspectives, made me slow down and breathe. I stopped moving on autopilot. I started feeling again — and now, I’m moving through life with more intention, more gratitude, and more clarity.
If I had to sum it all up in one word again? Still: immersed. Not just in another country — but in growth, in meaning, and in purpose
Hope you enjoyed all I had to say about this wonderful trip as much as I enjoyed writing to you all about it
Kelis <3