Five days have passed since I returned from Peru. Tufts University is buzzing with activity. The majority of students are very busy preparing for their upcoming final exams in the fall. Most rooms are full as people study, and it's hard to miss most of them grabbing a nice, hot cup of coffee to at least stimulate their cognitive function.
It's bitterly cold outside. It's the first time in my life that I've ever experienced winter or felt its sting. Kenya is on the equator, so there are no winter and summer seasons there.
My fall semester classes are already over, so I had a good amount of free time. I have already been informed that I will be working with Tisch college by Jessye Crowe-Rothstein, programs manager, and her colleague Sheri. I was unsure of the precise scope of the work, though. I was incredibly curious to learn what work the Tisch college had in store for me while I was in Peru.
My first task was working with Joslin Regalado, a student outreach coordinator at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. At ten O’clock in the morning, I showed up at Barnum, where she had her office. She was there with her friends, and they were all ecstatic to see me. We crossed the hall to her office, grabbed a few supplies from her desk, and then we made our way outside to the Campus Center.
In commemoration of their success in the fall, Tisch College held a giveaway event. Before Joslin gave me her Canon Camera, I had no idea what exactly I was supposed to be doing. "Taking nice pictures for the students is your job for the day," was the instruction. I felt uneasy. I've never used a camera; instead, I've always taken pictures with my phone.
Joslin was seated at her table surrounded by a group of cheery students. She gives me a look that tells me it's time to start working. I had no idea how I would pull this off. I rolled the camera in my hands while attempting to decipher some labels and words. I even considered using Google, but I ran out of time. My greatest asset has always been my confidence.
Furthermore, I was at least able to maintain my composure thanks to Joslin's pleasant smile and laughter. In front of the banner, the group formed a line. Everyone smiled brightly and looked directly into the camera. I also grinned while fumbling with my camera and took a few quick snaps, feeling a little perplexed.
"How did they turn out?" Joslin inquired as she approached me while grinning. I replied with a smile and the request to look them up. I handed her the camera, and when she checked it out, she realized the lad hadn't taken a single picture. Lol!
My head was racing. It must be thinking, "What now?"
She demonstrated how to take the pictures the second time while holding the camera in her hands. The situation was the same as before. I continued to shoot, but no pictures appeared. I finally realized I was not taking the timer into account. This marked the pivotal moment. By the end of the day, I had mostly decent photos, including a few of the Tisch College administration. It was a new skill that was picked up on the job, an unexpectedly acquired new skill.
Our lives are filled with learning opportunities at every turn. To learn is a choice. Decide to explore so you can learn more about your abilities.