When Jordyn and I traveled to West Africa last winter, we were very excited to meet the WMF Scholars in Senegal and Ghana. It was a struggle not speaking French, and fortunately, we had the very generous and patient support, guidance, and translation skills of WMF Scholar Jean-François Touré. I recently caught up with him and asked him to tell the WMF community a little bit about himself:
Jean, where are you from and what did you study in school?
I am from Senegal and I have Bachelor In Business Administration. And I am recently graduated in Finance.
What kind of volunteer activity and community service do you enjoy?
I did a lot of volunteer activities and community services with the Senegal YMCA. I Have been volunteering through the Y for 7 years now. I participated up to 5 International camps of reconstruction and reforestation all over My Home country and Gambia. As a conscious youth, I have been involved in fighting against Infections and dizzies such as HIV, Malaria. I have also worked with kids for couple years trough the YMCA patronage program implemented in order to build strong Kids.
What was your most memorable experience in college?
My most memorable experience in College is my graduation day and International fair day at college. The main raison is, that day was a mix of happiness and a little sadness. I was so happy to be graduated but at the same time I was also sad of being conscious that it is a goodbye day with friends after 4 years of studying and interacting together. I was like am I going to see them again before my days ends? For some I we will see each other , but other, Never again until my life ends. Can you just imagine that confusing mixture of those opposite emotions?
What are you doing in the United States now?
I am doing a training program of 18 months at The YMCA of the Rockies. My training plan concerns Human resources Management. I have been here for 6 months now improving my English, getting new skills and I really realize that time is going so fast and am having a very good experience.
International Dinner at YMCA Rockies (Colorado, USA)
Independence Day (July 4th) Parade
Jean in his office
Jean with Senegalese flag
Jean- You look great at your desk in Colorado. Don’t get to used to it. They need you back in Senegal. Glad things are going well. Tom Wells
Thank you for your comment Tom. Thank you also for your advice. I appreciate it. Also thanks a lot for all you are doing for the Youth and Kids With ought any regards to their origins..!!!!
I’m a Ridgewood YMCA Board Member and was impressed with your Blog.I spent many years in business in the Human Resource
area.I’ts a great field in itself but is usefull in any area of business you may choose.
Maybe some time we can have a discussion.Keep up the good work.
Bob Dill
Jean – i wish u a blissful stay and all the best in your endeavors but you surely have a story to tell we the up-coming ones especially about the course you’re pursuing now.
Hi Scholars!! I hope you all are doing well. I am doing super fine. Everything is fine with me after 17 months in the US. My family and friends are very happy to see me back among them (Senegal). I gathered great experience through work and friendship. From now I am so so proud to have tones of good friends all across the World. What a blessing I have in God. Good luck for all scholars who have already started their academic year.
Thanks,