Embarking on an Opportunity of a Lifetime!

So you’re probably wondering what I’ve been up to since I’ve been back. Well adjusting wasn’t too bad seeing as you can take the boy out of the city for a year, but not the city out of the boy! I love, and always have loved, Toronto and the fast paced action it has to offer. Ghana was definitely a nice break form it all and an eye opener to so many thing in my life, but what I will remember it for most is what it has led me to now that I’m back in Toronto. There is much to say but at this point I cannot say too much… however, I feel this video sort of captures what’s been going through my head… and well, becoming reality as we speak!

 

Top 30 Under 30

Here’s one of many long overdue posts… better late than never I guess!

Back in April I was bestowed with a great honour from my university! I was nominated as one of  Ryerson University’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30!!

I accepted the recognition on behalf of all the people who have gotten me to where I am today. My parents, sister, and family being the first most, as well as all those friends and supporters who never seem to give up on me. To the career mentor that took a chance on me with an internship; the selection panel that decided I should receive an Air Cadet flying scholarship; and the volunteer organization that believed I would make a difference in Africa. They say that we are all products of our past experiences, and although true, I also believe we are shaped by each and every person we meet throughout those experiences! I have been blessed to have so many positive influences in my life, and want to make it known that they are the reasons I was even considered for this honour!

Now reading the profiles of the other recipients I stand among, I do realize I am certainly not as deserving of this award at this point and have a lot to live up to. However, receiving this sort of feels like Obama’s recent acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize award; it’s not that we’ve achieved anything great yet, but it’s awarded as a way to “give momentum to a set of causes.”

As Obama said in a press release,

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.
This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

Similarly, I accept this award on behalf of all those mentioned above as well as those who support what I do and are ready to join me in changing the world. A task bigger then any of us individually, but more than possible when we stick together… work together… and hold onto hope, forever!

 

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment
you can choose to make everything new. Right now.”
                                                                                                ~ Anonymous

The Paradox

Written By: Carissa Vados

As kids in a developed country such as Canada, we are taught to dream. Dream big, use our imaginations, paint a thousand pictures of what it is we want to be when we grow up. A doctor, lawyer, teacher, business owner… the possibilities are endless. I even knew a kid who wanted to become a house. We dream so big sometimes we don’t even understand when we’re out of scope. Our parents, grandparents, teachers and role models not only allow but encourage us to think big, aim high, go for everything we want. Our struggle becomes finding our passion amongst all of the possibilities handed to us. How many times have you heard of a Canadian University graduate say soon after receiving their degree “I have no idea what I want to do with my life.” So we travel, we work odd jobs, we volunteer, until we find out what really drives us. And then we figure out a way to go after that. The common thread in our reality, from dreamer kid to exploratory young adult to successful individual is the abundance of possibilities.

The reality is different for the citizens of developing countries. They are taught to dream, yes, but realistic dreams. They are encouraged to get an education, but taught to deal with disappointment when it ends after secondary school due to lack of resources. A loose analogy is that they are sometimes the best soccer player at the match but they’re restricted to being in the crowd because they do not own cleats. They may have a passion but they are lacking in possibilities. Lacking in opportunities. And these opportunities do not necessarily take the form of coins and bills; they are often a lack of inspiring role models, solid family structures, successful private sector entrepreneurs, technologies that can connect them to the world, engaging and practical education curriculums, good governance that promotes security and growth, proper health care infrastructure, and peaceful conflict resolution.

The emerging youth in Africa make up over half the current population. By sheer numbers alone they will inevitably drive the greatest changes over the next few decades. We need to recognize this as a massive amount of potential and ensure that we are all connected in sharing opportunities. Our world depends on us recognizing, in the words of Obama as he addressed the Ghanaian parliament this July; that we now live in a world that consists of far more connections than boundaries.

This is realization we need to make: we need to walk off the soccer pitch after tripping over our own feet for the fifth time, hand the cleats to the young star lacking in proper footwear but brimming with potential and smile knowing that the team will now be more successful and we can now move onto finding where our own real talent and passion lies.

Let’s end this era where we show pictures of poverty and paint landscapes of helplessness to try and get people to care and start a legacy where caring come from pursuing opportunities that release the potential in each other.

“The world doesn’t need more salty water. It needs more inspiration.”

Do Your Best & Forget The Rest…

I’M BACK!!! And this time indefinitely!

As I touched down on November 15th in Toronto, I had to pinch myself; despite all that had    happened,  did I really just complete my full placement? Three months ago it was all a nightmare, but three days ago it was the beginning of a dream. Decked out in my favourite smock - which drew a lot of attention, especially from Chicago’s security – I greeted my parents and headed home, but this time on much different terms. Leaving Ghana was not the end of a journey, but only the beginning of new experiences.. another chapter.

Leaving Ghana was a bittersweet experience; leaving people who made you feel like one of their own wasn’t easy, but at the same time remembering all the great people I have to come back to in Canada was exciting. After my going away party at Soul Train night club – which might I add was OFF THE HEEZY!! – I began doing my rounds of visiting everyone, telling them “This is not goodbye, it’s just see you later.” Even though I would not be seeing any of them for a while, for some reason I knew we had developed a connection that even distance can’t get in the way of. It was a connection of different cultures co-operating, blindness to the colour of our skin, understanding we all face struggles in life, and seeing there’s much more potential to us all than meets the eye. It’s these connections that keep me going, and not the differences we tend to focus on.

Ghana taught me a lot… and I mean A LOT! However, the most important lesson I learnt was to, do your best and forget the rest! A one year placement is not going to get rid of poverty, I get it.. but is that a reason to turn a blind eye. In life we are challenged over and over and over again, and all that life ever asks of us is to give it our all. We may not have control over life, but we always are in control of living. If you want something, you have to go and get it… and you have to be ready to give it all you got!

A few weeks ago I did just that; I applied for GAP Adventures ‘Coolest Travel Intern’ position, which was a worldwide search for adventurous people addicted to travel. Honoured by making the top 11 candidates, a couple of days ago I found out I did not get selected as an intern. For those of you who think this must have brought me down… think again! There were many reasons I applied for the position, and receiving it was just one of them.

As much as I wanted the job, what motivated me in my pursuit of it was to lead by example in making a bold statement to NEVER WASTE AN OPPORTUNITY! I had nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Coming from Ghana, where opportunities are far and few between, not applying would have been more negative than all the positives of going overseas. When people think ‘Change the World’ they think they have to on a global scale…. go to Africa, fly to the moon… but what we tend to overlook is that it’s each and every opportunity we embrace that creates the world we live in… that sets the path of history. As we enter a new year I challenge you all to think about what you want in life, and what you need to do to get it. I want you to go beyond material goals like money and fancy cars. I want you to think of the legacy you want to leave behind, and commit to embracing each and every opportunity that presents itself in helping you create it! I want you to try, and if you fail, try again, try harder, fail bigger, and in the end prove that potential you’ve been destined to reach! Just do your best, and forget the rest!

 

“There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding

and that lost by not trying.”
                                                      ~ Francis Bacon, Sr.

Don’t Stop Till You Get The Job!!

Dear friends, family, and soon-2-be friends,

I am in utter awe of the support I’ve been receiving for my recent pushes for the position of GAP Adventures COOLEST TRAVEL INTERN!! For those of you who don’t know, Gap Adventures has been a world leader and innovator in sustainable adventure travel since 1990. They invite people to explore a world of tours infused with inspiration and excitement that will take you off the beaten track into the real heart of the destination. Their approach to travel provides small groups and independent travellers the rare opportunity to connect with nature and local cultures. To sum it up… it’s my DREAM COMPANY to work for!

As I sit here in a tiny internet cafe, I am humbled and inspired at how close we really are in helping each other achieve our dreams. From Canada, Ghana, to even Japan people have poured in their votes for the next Coolest Travel Intern… best of all, the votes weren’t even required! It just goes to show the power of a statement I made exactly 1 year and 1 day ago… YES WE CAN… Change this world… make a difference… live our dreams!

Once again THANK YOU ALL!!

Why Ghanaians Think Ryan Coelho = Coolest Travel Intern…

So I’m in the Top 11… but that still doesn’t make me the COOLEST TRAVEL INTERN! To be the best, you have to show why you ARE the best… and sometimes that means taking risks, and hoping they pay off!

Bruce, YOU are the inspiration for letting us applicants/candidates tap into our deep creative geniuses and take these risks… it’s YOUR reasons for getting fired from two fast food jobs and then creating the WORLD’S LARGEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANY that give us entrepreneurs hope… It’s why I’ve learnt that in life their are no mistakes, only lessons learnt! In my world everything has a reason behind it and I hope that in a very soon time I’ll be able to explain to you why… Those were MORE than just tweets ;)!

You know what Canada thinks, but let’s see why Ghanaians think RYAN COELHO = COOLEST TRAVEL INTERN!!!

TOP 11

He received applications from all around the world… from hot sands of South America to the beautiful waters of Australia… it was for a once in a lifetime chance to become GAP Adventures COOLEST TRAVEL INTERN… a worldwide contest initiated by GAP’s CEO himself, Bruce Poon Tip… the list is now down to the TOP 11…

AND I’M ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who helped support me in this initiative! I WON’T let you down!!!

 

Finalists for the Coolest Travel Intern

November 3, 2009 · 3 Comments

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

First let me thank everyone for your patience.  Originally we had a deadline of October 15th and I was hoping to have the Coolest Travel Intern ready to go for November 1st.  That was a bit ambitious on my part given the number of applications submitted, and the fact that I was determined to review every one of them myself.   Presently, I am on a flight coming back from Peru and my little space is covered with resumes, letters, cards and collages from some amazing people who have all expressed interest in this position.   Originally, I mentioned the idea of a Coolest Travel Intern on Twitter because I just needed some help with a few things, but that mention ended up going around the world and found its way into print in many countries.  It was very interesting to see.

I didn’t expect to receive applications from so many great candidates. It never occurred to me that this process was going to be so difficult! My blood pressure started to rise with one outstanding application after another, seeing the passion people put into them.  I am a sucker for passion, and I feel very lucky to have heard some of the most wonderful stories about people’s dedication to travel, changing lives, and world-class service.  These are the elements that make Gap Adventures great. Ultimately, it was about being the right fit for what I need right now from this position.  I need hard-working, self-starting, do-it-all, superstars! Is that too much to ask?  If you are going to hang at Basecamp, you had better be smart, tough and ready to go because we don’t suffer fools gladly around here!
The bad news is I have to make a decision and have narrowed the field down to 11.  The good news: I don’t think I can take just one “coolest” travel intern.   I think there will have to be two “cool” travel interns, because you can’t be the coolest if there is more than one!  You can both come here and we’ll set up a cage match and the last person standing will get the title of Coolest!

Over the last few weeks of travelling around like a mad man, everyone has been asking me about the Coolest Travel Intern.  Most people ask questions about what they will be doing, and what happens if they are not good. Am I going to make them do horrible, disgusting things just for fun?  Even when I was at Google, one of the Googlers asked me what the Coolest Travel Intern will really do.  My answer was, “they will do anything and everything that needs to get done!”  I then realized that I have no idea what this job is going to do.  What I do know is that despite all the work that needs to get done, we’re a fun bunch here at Basecamp.  Just be real, be passionate, love changing people’s lives and you’ll get along famously with all the Gappers here in da haus.

So, without further ado, please welcome our hot 11 and final list:

Dawn Lacuesta
Natalie Taylor
Ryan Coelho
Tina Hung
Brittany Tanner
Taylor Hess
Gavin Allan
Jonathan Spencer
Jules Torti
Meghan Groff
Kerri Minns

You will all be contacted shortly by HR for some form of interview.  From that interview, the Cool Travel Interns will be selected.  There will be no additional interviews or requirements except you might have to submit your best guacamole recipe for inspection, as the Coolest Travel Intern will have take part in our famous “Guac-Off” interoffice guacamole competition.  And you better beat Marketing because they are so hot right now!
We are fairly flexible with the start time, but the sooner the better.  There is no question: the person has to start before GapStock 2009, which is set for the weekend of Nov 21st.  If for some reason you can’t start by then, please inform us immediately as you will not be eligible for the position.  Also, don’t forget the Rock Star party and mandatory costume.  Panicking at the last minute and throwing together your best Anne Murray costume will not end well.

I think that is about it.  I want to keep this simple from here on out.  You will be contacted shortly so give it your best shot. May the best person win.  I look forward to having you here at Basecamp and within shouting distance of my office!  Oh if you poor souls only knew what you were in for! Are you sure you still want the job!?

Peace.
Bruce

http://gapadventures.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/finalists-for-the-coolest-travel-intern/

 

It’s TIME TO TAKE IT TO A WHOLE. NUVAH. LEVEL!!!!

‘Invest In OpporTOONIEty’ Investors Have Their Say!

Earlier today, excitement was at an all time high as I finally unveiled the ‘Invest In OpporTOONIEty’  Investment Choices to all those who invested in the initiative. Investors were presented with 3 potential investment choices, and were asked to give their thoughts on whether they were worth investing in. They are challenged to justify why they think the choices are/are not worth investing in, as well as to state whether they believe any one investment should be focused on more than another.

Want to be part of the action!? It’s not too late to invest!
Investments will continue to be accepted until November 15th, the date of my return to Canada. Once again, all investments go towards the cost of my ticket in returning to Ghana, as well as towards one of the opportunities listed below or for opportunities that may arise in the future. To invest online, click here, or check this blog post for more information.

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‘Invest In OpporTOONIEty’ Investment Choices

Investment Choice #1

Anticipated Investment:   500 GHS ($365 CAD) 

Frustrated by the lack of resources and support from the district in assisting rural poor with necessary water and sanitation facilities, Faustina, a good friend of mine here in Bongo, decided to start up her own NGO called the Bongo Development Organisation (BONDO).

BONDO’s aims are to encourage, co-ordinate, facilitate and cater for the general development of rural dwellers and urban poor through Non-Governmental programs including:

• Provision of safe, clean drinking water through the provision of hand-dug wells and sanitation facilities (household latrines)
• Education on health issues related to the use and maintenance of those of facilities
• Education of rural dwellers and urban poor on forestation and related environmental issues
• Exchange programs between basic schools in Bongo and the UK
• The support of needy students
• Undertaking of any project or programs that are incidental to the general development of the district’s rural dwellers and urban poor.

With my firm belief in ‘Think Opportunity, Not Charity’, I challenged Faustina on the idea of giving communities latrines. However, she provided a strong case stating that struggling communities are not going to invest their funds into something they don’t really believe they need. They will continue to defecate in the fields, thus causing the persistence of diseases such as typhoid and cholera.

During a recent video interview with Faustina (soon to be posted!), I learnt that another big problem in the district is fluoride in the water. This fluoride cause’s individual’s teeth to turn brown and weaken, causing major psychological issues, especially for young girls. Faustina hopes to use her organisation to attract experts in this field to share ideas or technologies that can help this detrimental situation. 

I am very proud of Faustina for who she is and all that she is doing. Running this NGO while working for the Water & Sanitation division at the same time is no easy feat. Her willingness to go beyond herself in helping others is what impresses me the most; but what drives her is bringing to life a dream of seeing a better future for Bongo. Check out the First Project Report! *Interview with Faustina coming soon!*

You can learn more about BONDO by checking out the ‘soon 2 be pages’ of www.bondotrust.net

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Investment Choice #2

Anticipated Investment:   300 GHS ($220 CAD) 

You might recall that one of the initiatives I was working on, known as the ‘Proving Potential Investment Fund’, aimed to support individuals who had the potential to be leaders in their community. It hoped to create motivation for these individuals by providing coaching support; opportunities to brainstorm ideas; and, when necessary, ‘pay it forward’ loans. However, since this initiative was very personal and was based on the relationships I built with the people here, I recognized it is not a very sustainable idea.

Therefore, I would like to introduce you to the ‘Ghana – People’s Opportunity Fund’ (GPOF).  Developed by a former EWB long term volunteer, Nick Jimenez, the vision of the fund is to mobilize local entrepreneurs to trade in their communities and create wealth for their families that will be invested into their country. GPOF will encourage entrepreneurs to shift from informal business to the formal sector, in order to start supporting their government so Ghana can grow wholesomely.

GPOF is a fund created to provide credit to those who are not credit worthy.  Enabling local entrepreneurs to overcome their first and most challenging hurdle – capital -GPOF is aimed at releasing people’s creative power to realize their potential. By facilitating the start up of small businesses and income generation for Ghanaian people, Ghana can develop a stronger economy for its overall development. For the individual, accessing micro-credit will enable them to utilize their mind and physical labour to fullest potential, to provide for themselves and their families.

This initiative is strictly a pool of money available to EWB OVS, to invest in entrepreneurs they know personally. It is a resources for the OVS, and the people of Ghana. There is no pressure to deplete it, or to achieve a given amount of loans in a particular time period. It is solely to provide some financial resources to invest into the portion of the population that would otherwise not receive such credit.

Nick and Shamir who are currently sustaining this initiative have put a lot of thought and hard work into this idea. I am proud of them for continuing to push forward such an idea, despite the challenges associated with creating and maintaining a loan program.

For more information on the idea check out… GPOF Plan!

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Investment Choice #3

Anticipated Investment:   400 GHS ($300 CAD)

It has always been a dream of mine to start a global business that has the potential to connect the world. What was merely an ambitious fantasy during my youth, has now developed into a driven passion that I am determined to make work. Throughout my experiences here in Ghana I have discovered many people with tons of potential, yet few opportunities to prove this potential; hard workers ready to pull themselves out of poverty, but simply in need of a chance to do so. Based on the belief of ‘Breaking Borders & Building Opportunities,” the business idea aims to give creative and talented artisans and entrepreneurs the chance to find a larger market for their work and reach their full potential. It will also provide Canadian youth the opportunity to get involved in changing the business world’s focus from profits… to people.

My plans when I return will be to investigate potential market opportunities; work towards an MBA in marketing and international business; gain experience in the marketing industry; and explore ways to influence shipping and trade agreements. I have laid the foundation of the business here in Ghana by teaming up with my business partner, Daniel - a young man driven to create change, and some local tailors and artisans, including Jacob – my official smock tailor and embroider,  in trying to create unique products to market in Canada. They are all very excited to have the opportunity to share their talents with the world and be treated fairly and with dignity while doing so.

The plans for the anticipated investment are to place the money in a 2 year GIC, so that it will accumulate interest while the business is being established. I understand that this idea involves a lot of trust on the investor’s part in my actions, but I assure that should anything change 2 years from now, the money will be donated to EWB. As you have trusted me with the opportunity to come back to Ghana to finish my work, I hope this trust will continue in my efforts to revolutionize the business world and enter a new era of ‘Creating the New Cool!’  *Videos and Idea Concept/Business Plan Coming Soon!*

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How vs. Why

Over the past 12 months I’ve been very grateful to receive numerous humbling comments, such as, “Ryan you’re an inspiration!”… “You’re a Hero!”… “I’m proud of you!” … Too all those who have made these comments, Thank You! Please know I received them with great humility and do not take any of the statements for granted; they help motivate me when the times are tough – which have been many – and are a constant reminder of the responsibilities I’ve decided to undertake. However, there is one comment that, although simple in nature, I never quite knew how to respond to… “Ryan, How do you do it?” … Well over the past couple of months I’ve figured out my answer to this question…

How do I do it? Well the answer to this question is quite simple… you do it! Like they say, anything is possible when you put your mind to it! How do you finish your work in Ghana after coming home for health reasons… you buy a plane ticket; how do you make a magazine… you decide to make it; how do you apply for your dream job, you sit on a donkey and make a pitch! The How is the easy part… the fun part… because how you do it lies in how you choose to do it. The real question however should be Why do I do it?

Why do I do it? Well this has been a question that has tested me time and time again. I was never quite sure of why I decided to give up a potential well paying job to volunteer overseas for a year, but for some reason knew I had to. Had I not come to Ghana my eye would still be perfect and there would be a lot less anxiety seeing floating dots everyday; if I decided to stay home after my return, I’d probably have a job by now and not have to worry about getting bit by malaria; and had I taken the easy way through, life would be… well a lot easier! But as I sit here, 12 months later, I ask myself, “Should I be taking the easy route?” Isn’t it why my grandfather stared down the barrel of a gun as he was kicked out of his home in Uganda? Isn’t it why my grandmother slaved away as a maid – even past her retirement – just to keep our family going? Isn’t it why my dad faced the blistering cold shoveling snow from train tracks all night? Isn’t it why my mom gave up her job, and possibly passions, so that she could raise us right?

On the face of the question, the answer is probably YES. After all the past generations have done to give me an easier life, I should embrace and enjoy it. However, in my opinion this is the greatest downfall of our generation. All to often, instead of looking at the opportunities we’ve been given, we settle for what’s status quo. Parents sometimes encourage this by comparing ‘straight A’s, being a doctor or engineer despite our dreams to be otherwise, or lots of money’ to ‘success.’ We are constantly bombarded with thoughts of ‘settling down’ or ‘stability’ before we’ve even discovered who we are and what we’re made of. 
But the way I see it, by taking the easy way out we haven’t made past generations proud, instead we’re taking for granted all that they’ve done for us. Why? Because we’ve failed to reach our full potential.

After being asked by someone close to me “what drives you?” I finally figured out why I do what I do…

I do it because I see the potential that lies in myself and others, and know I have the capability of reaching this potential, while creating opportunities for others to do so as well.

For a year I’ve challenged you, as well as myself, to change. I’ve thrown opportunities galore out to you; many of which you may have acknowledged yet ignored. I’ve faced opportunities myself, many I would have never dreamed of doing a year ago; but also let some slip away. I’m not here to preach on what’s right or wrong, what was done or not done; I’m here to get you to think back on this year and figure out why you let opportunities go wasted. Once you’re able to do that, you’re able to notice what’s holding you back. And once you know what’s holding you back, you can finally figure out what drives you forward. If I were to choose one secret in life to share with you, it’s that motivation is the driving force in life; if you don’t have it, you go nowhere. But once you know what gets you going – even if there’s no destination in sight – you’ve discovered a purpose, and nothing can stop someone with a purpose in life.

So once again I thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me, but please don’t ever forget to believe in yourself; I can’t do this alone, but we can do this together!

Making A Magazine

Three weeks ago an idea was thrown on paper… a week later the idea was approved for funding by EWB’s Innovation Fund… and last week that idea began to materialize! The idea was 3-fold, with one of the aspects being to create a magazine to highlight all the hard work being done by Agriculture Extension Staff & farmer groups here in Ghana!!

         

Last Thursday Meghan, a fellow EWB volunteer and photo-extraordinaire, came to Bongo to begin photographing the AEAs involved in the Agriculture As A Business Program.

As Meghan got them to work the camera, I handed out questionnaires which will be used to put together the AEA’s profile for the magazine! It was a successful day with almost all Bongo AEAs and staff involved photographed, and the photography session moving to other districts in the coming weeks!

So where do you come in!? Well this task is bigger than the both of us. WE NEED YOUR TALENTS!!!

We’re looking for people to help create this magazine which will be distributed throughout the agriculture sector here in Ghana, as well as used to inform Canadians of the work being done here!!!

Right now we’re looking for ANYONE who is interested in helping!

Especially people who are familiar with the following ,

• Profile Editing (Taking AEA and farmer group information and condensing them into exciting profiles for the magazine!)
• Magazine layout and design (e.g. Adobe In-design)
• Graphic Design
• Magazine content ideas

If you are familiar with the above or have any ideas, please email me at ryancjc@gmail.com !! Or even better, join the discussion group…

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Remember, it’s the small steps in history that have created the world today! Let’s continue these small steps to the create the future we want to see tomorrow!!