My Entrepreneurship Story

Reflecting upon a time in my life in which I had been exposed to entrepreneurship, I surprised myself with the experience that came to mind. Although I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, I was raised in the U.S. since I was a child.  I have always been immersed in American culture, however recently I have made every effort to broaden my understanding and maintain my connection with my extended family, my culture, and my country of origin.   A few years ago, I planned a trip to visit Colombia in which I would not only visit my family, including relatives I had never met, but to independently visit remote regions of the country that I had never known. 

It was around the time of this trip that I had befriended someone who was down on his luck.  Originally, he had a call center job from which he had been fired for poor performance.  Later, he found a job in a fast food restaurant but was soon let go due to excessive absences.  He lamented his unemployment and the unfair treatment he received from his employers.  He worried that he would lose his internet over the fact that there just weren’t any good jobs around. 

Soon after, it was time for my trip to Colombia.  I was thrilled to reunite with friends and family and I was looking forward to seeing all of what this amazing country had to offer in both its beauty and its hardship.  While on a remote trip to an impoverished region, I encountered a true entrepreneur.  He was a young boy, approximately 11 years old, and willing to do whatever it took to improve his situation.  He got on the bus.  His hair was messy and his sweater, tattered.  One could only guess the last time he had a warm shower or a good meal.  Yet with the utmost determination, he announced to everyone on the bus, “Excuse me all, for your enjoyment on this bus ride, I would like to sing you a song!”  He filled his lungs and belted out a song he had probably sung a thousand times before and this would certainly not be his last.  

He sang endlessly, it seemed.  When the bus approached its next stop, he abruptly said, “If you enjoyed the song or if you have a big heart which I know you do, please feel free to give a coin!   I also have delicious chiclets gum, and handmade bracelets and even lovely necklaces to impress your beloved!”  In truth, the bracelets and necklaces were strings that were knotted and braided together.  He clutched a handful of them in every color imaginable and spoke of them as though they were authentic, artisan craftwork. 

I thought of my friend back in the states and the privileges he was afforded.  He had the opportunity to retain gainful employment in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment which would allow him to meet his needs.  Through his own actions, he made the choice to let that go.  Now here was a child who seemingly had nothing and from this nothing, he created something of worth or value to someone in some way.   Even if all he had to offer was his voice, then he would put his voice to use.  If all he could gather was string, then he would put string to use.  Was this some sort of beggar?  Absolutely not!  This was an entrepreneur.  This was someone who saw opportunity where others did not.  This was someone who was resourceful and used his initiative to take risks in the hopes of becoming prosperous in some way.  Although it must have been extraordinarily difficult for him, he was defining his moment rather than letting his moment define him. 

I believe it is observations such as this, which led me to choose entrepreneurship as my minor.  I realized it was not enough to try to be successful in any given career but rather to be an innovator within that field.  To be someone that would look at any problem and consider a unique and new approach to a solution. Most importantly, I wish to leave every situation better than how I found it.  Doing this does take a little courage and practice and I believe this course will offer just that.