Intern Spotlight: Temilola Afolabi

This is the first in a series of spotlights on our summer 2017 student interns.  Learning Life’s students this summer are assisting with research, curriculum development,  outreach, and family and youth events for our Citizen Diplomacy Initiative (CDI).  Temilola Afolabi, interviewed below, is helping with our events, research on U.S. racial inequality, curriculum on world geography, human rights, youth activism and the United Nations, among other things.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Baltimore County, Maryland.

I am a sophomore at the University of Maryland-College Park. I plan to major in international relations, with a minor in international development and conflict management.

In my free time I enjoy taking photos of my friends and family.  I love the freedom of expression that photography gives and use my camera regularly to document cultural events on campus.  I also enjoy keeping up on current events, especially those dealing with international relations.

Is there a life experience you have had that has particularly shaped you as a person thus far?  If so, what is it, and how has it shaped you?  

Joining the University of Maryland’s African Student Association (ASA) my freshman year significantly impacted my life thus far.  I grew up in a predominantly white community, therefore, I was not exposed to much cultural diversity.  ASA exposed me to a new community of diverse students, forging new friendships, and deepening my cultural awareness.

What are your career plans?

After I graduate from UMD, I plan on working with the Peace Corps for a couple of years, and ultimately work for the military doing counterterrorism.

Why did you choose to intern with Learning Life?

One of the things I plan on doing in my future career is working with children and liberated child soldiers in developing countries. Because Learning Life works with lower-income families in different parts of the world, I knew it would be a great first step in gaining experience in the field of international relations.

What is the most beautiful place you have seen on Earth, and why is it so beautiful?

I have yet to travel outside the USA, but the most beautiful place I’ve been to in the United States is Bellingham, Washington.  There was one specific port that overlooked the bay and the scene of evergreen trees lining the water with low-hanging clouds was one of the most majestic scenes I’ve ever seen.