With my group’s time in this class, we have been able to learn much about Trinidad, Nature Seekers, each other, and ourselves. The key lessons that I have learned throughout the experience is how we are all the same kind of people. As humans, we are all connected by the same drives, emotions, and pain in our relationships and life. Even if there are differences in how we interpret and internalize these emotions, they all stem from similar feelings and experiences. This remained prevalent throughout my conversations as I got to know the faces behind the scenes at Nature Seekers, especially during our time on the beach.
In the end, although we have varied cultural upbringings and understandings, this did not hinder our human connection and understanding of each other. This reminds me of the uncomfortable reading we read in class that described the uncomfortable situations that arose due to a misalignment in perspectives and understanding. I do not think we particularly experienced this in Trinidad, but it is still something to call attention to and consider when looking back on the trip and our interactions with Nature Seekers throughout the whole process. It would be great if our group could hear any feedback or hear into the minds of Nature Seekers as to how our visit impacted them since we have consistently been speaking on how our visit impacted us.
A key lesson I learned was also the fact that one’s community is truly what you make it to be. In Trinidad, everyone welcomed us with open arms and friendliness. Their level of interactions and engagement with us was impressive in itself. It was clear that those at Nature Seekers, Fondes Amandes, and those at other excursions were truly proud and passionate about their work and sharing it with us. This is something that I originally did not anticipate, but it truly stuck with me and will continue to remind me of the community I can build back home.
In my previous blogs, I anticipated that the idea of Island time would be a challenging factor; however, this was not much of a challenge for the most part. There were a few moments where this was slightly prevalent, but not in any way that was frustrating or an issue. Patience was simply needed. Our group itself also had some grace in our timing due to our hectic schedules, we were given extra time to rest when needed and adjustments in the schedule. Everyone was just as flexible and understanding with us as we were with them.
A transferable skill that I developed during this course is for sure the adaptability and communication that was required from the trip. This was evident most through our group’s somewhat chaotic travel experience with some items out of our control such as delays, on flight incidents, my own lost luggage, and our miscommunication with Nature Seekers on housing aspects. Within this first travel day, both the group and myself were able to adapt and move on no matter what the circumstances and face the issues with a clear mind. This skill is important to my future professional life because not everything can be predicted and some situations are inevitable, so it is vital that we are able to adapt and move on with a positive mindset in the professional world. One unfortunate aspect of one’s day should not destroy the entire day, and it is a growth experience to learn from the incident for the future. This is valuable to also being adaptable in general. For example, a client may suddenly give feedback on an aspect that requires quick changes, and being able to provide that and work through that without any hesitation is crucial.
The importance of relationships in conducting work of this nature is that the relationships translate to every piece of work and how this information is perceived. The strengths of Pitt’s existing relationship with the in-country client is that we have a ten year commitment to working with Nature Seekers, this is great in the way that Nature Seekers can rely on Pitt and expect students to return for subsequent years. This also allows our deliverables to be much more informed from previous groups with their research and guidance. With this experience, it was clear in our interactions that Nature Seekers was familiar with us, and Pitt was familiar with them and how they operated. Continuing with the project helped the relationship in that Nature Seekers and the University of Pittsburgh both continue to have and grow trust in one another through experiences both in-country and virtually. Our familiarity with Nature Seekers also allows us to dive deeper into the core issues they are facing, and what we can do to improve them.
I would explain this project in a professional interview as a semester-long opportunity where a group and I consulted with an abroad non-profit client in Trinidad in order to improve their website and integrate an online booking system. I would also explain the experience of visiting the client for a week in order to gain more knowledge on them as an organization and also culturally. I would pitch this experience by explaining the deliverables and presentation as well as any long lasting impacts that we may see in the future. If applicable, it would also make sense to expand on the need for the booking system and how the group’s deliverables are to assist with these needs and issues. It would be important to highlight the skills gained and the lessons learned throughout the trip in-country specifically. This could aid in interviews to use as experience for situations that others may not have been able to experience in such depth.
As for the three most important things the future groups need to know. First off, I think it is crucial to go into the experience with realistic and flexible expectations. With this, adaptability is vital. As All People Be Happy mentioned, we are very focused on the “OK, good” mentality. Within the trip and throughout communication with the in-country client, not everything can be predicted as I mentioned earlier on, so it is essential to remain flexible and adaptable in any situation. To keep positive and moving is very important, especially since this experience is so unique and time in the country is limited.
Another important aspect future groups should keep in mind is that those with Nature Seekers are truly there to help you learn more about Trinidad and their organization, so future groups are to absorb as much information as possible. Groups should truly be engaged and interactive in every moment, as time with the client and Trinidad is once again limited.
Although this is in line with my other points of what is important, I truly think it is important that students are aware of how limited their time is in Trinidad and how they must value it. There will not be another chance to connect with the client and people the same way again, so truly dig deep in your conversations and learn more about those in Trinidad. Not only for the client and their minds, but it is essential to speak with those from the community as well. This is not only for the academic aspect, but also for students to gain more cultural experience and understanding.
Throughout my trip I was able to learn a lot about so many different aspects of Trinidad, its people, alongside the business aspects. It truly has been an interesting experience that I will be able to look back on with a new depth, and the lessons I have learned will translate into my future.