By Abiyomhi Joseph
As of January 2018 I became an intern at the CREATE Caribbean research institute. At first I thought that it was only limited to researching, only limited to the advanced or “nerds” of the school. I came quickly to realize that it wasn’t just that. My interest in the institute first sparked as the result of one of my friends telling me about a historical research trip. This fascinated me because I love history and believe we have to know where we are coming from to know where we are going. Also, I grew to understand that this institute is very much involved in the community and that is a large part of the person I am. In the first instance I also mistake the institution for a club but was corrected quickly by Dr. Esprit, the coordinator. To be accepted into the institute you first must do an interview where you are questioned about yourself. When I was told that I had to do an interview my mind ran and I wondered about all the possible questions that I could be asked. Approaching the interview my stomach left my body but still I remained calm and here I am today.
As the new guy, one would expect to feel out of place or try their best to ease in but as soon as I overcame my interview I was welcomed by Gael and Alina. They guided me to what I should and should not do and have aided me in the past weeks. As the weeks have passed by I have been involved in a lot of different projects including Carisealand and different topics which include environmental law etc. These past few weeks have been very packed and I have had the opportunity to meet and socialize with a lot of people through CREATE. So far my proudest moment was receiving my CREATE Caribbean shirt which means I am officially part of this institute.
After receiving my shirt the next achievement for me was getting a project to work on which is Public Health and Solid Waste Management. Apart from getting this topic I also have helped others in projects I am interested in as well, such as Environmental Law. My goal is to become an engineer and these projects give one a lot of insight into these topics. Growth is an important part of the human life cycle and being a part of CREATE has so far helped me to grow and develop in different areas of my life. This has been one of the most influential and active group of young people I have worked with and to grow in that kind of environment is the best. At CREATE the environment is open and allows constructive criticism which in turn brings only positive feedback and a charismatic atmosphere.
Being in CREATE has taught me a lot since I have been a part of it and I am proud to be a part of this institute and all the people who develop and shed a bright light on it. I hope to continue to work on bigger and better things so that we continue to grow and develop.
And that’s where I am.