We’re in Stamford: Othello Herbert

What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?

In my current role as a Trek Director at buildOn, I engage in a mission to dismantle the deep-seated barriers of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations. Our primary focus is on mobilizing U.S. students to revitalize communities and extend our impact globally. We achieve this by building schools in underserved regions.

Through our efforts, we have pioneered the construction of 2,609 schools across eight developing countries. This has had a significant impact, benefiting over 341,633 students and setting new standards in global educational outreach. Our initiatives have also mobilized millions of volunteers’ workdays, leading to transformative changes in educational landscapes worldwide. From Burkina Faso to Guatemala, we have been able to address critical educational needs.

What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?

My journey with Chicago Scholars was truly a grand adventure that transformed me in ways I could never have imagined. It was like stepping into a vibrant tapestry, with each academic challenge serving as a thread that tested my mettle and stretched my intellect. But it was not just about academics. The invaluable mentoring I received was like a warm, guiding light that helped me navigate the complex mazes of college and the vast world beyond.

And let us not forget about the community engagement. Being part of Chicago Scholars felt like being part of a bustling village, where every individual played a role in a larger story. We worked together to uplift, support, and inspire one another. This dynamic trifecta of academics, mentoring, and community did not just prepare me for the next chapters of my life; it also instilled in me a deep-seated resilience and a passion to contribute meaningfully wherever my journey took me.

Chicago Scholars was more than just an experience; it was a pivotal chapter in the epic tale of my life.

How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?

Once, I imagined myself embarking on a journey across a vast ocean, where the waves represented the challenges, I would face, and the stars served as my guiding light. But before Chicago Scholars came into my life, I felt adrift and uncertain. Then, as if by magic, everything changed. I was given a compass, a sturdy ship, and a crew of the wisest navigators for which one could hope.

This compass, provided by the supportive network of Chicago Scholars, became my guiding force. It never failed to point me in the right direction whenever I felt lost or overwhelmed. With this newfound guidance, I set sail on a robust and reliable ship, built from the diverse opportunities I was exposed to.

Each plank of this ship represented a valuable lesson, and each sail presented a chance to explore new horizons. These experiences were not simply academic passages, but rather voyages into the professional world that awaited me beyond the classroom.

And oh, the crew! They were not only mentors but also peers who played a significant role in shaping my journey. They instilled in me the resilience and confidence I needed to navigate through the toughest storms. With their guidance, I learned to navigate with assurance, not just floating but sailing triumphantly across the challenging seas of life.

Thanks to Chicago Scholars, I now stand tall as the captain of my own ship. I chart my course with confidence and resilience, ready to conquer new challenges and seize new opportunities. This program transformed me from a wayward sailor into a master navigator of my own destiny.

What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?

If only I could turn back time to the moment when I was accepted into Chicago Scholars, I would whisper to my younger self: “Embrace the adventure that awaits you! Every opportunity and challenge you encounter is a golden ticket to your own transformation. Seize them with both hands and let them shape you into the person you aspire to be.”

And now, to all the courageous individuals currently navigating the waters of Chicago Scholars, I present to you a treasure map: actively seek out the abundant resources at your disposal. This program is like a lighthouse, guiding you towards paths you may have never discovered on your own. Connect with your peers, learn from your mentors, and build bridges with those who are on this journey alongside you. These connections hold the key to unopened doors, leading you to realms waiting to be explored.

So, to all the current Scholars, chart your course, utilize every tool you have, and get ready for a journey that will not only take you to new academic and professional heights but will also shape you into the leaders of tomorrow.

What does being from Chicago mean to you now?

Ah, to be from Chicago! It’s like being a knight of old, born from a land of steel and broad shoulders, where the winds themselves are steeped in tales of resilience and the waters of Lake Michigan whisper stories of diversity and innovation. To say I’m from Chicago is to say I carry with me the spirit of a city that never bends before the storm, a city that thrives on its mosaic of cultures, each thread woven into the vibrant tapestry that is our community.

Being from Chicago means that wherever I roam, I bring with me a work ethic forged in the fires of industry, a cultural heritage as rich and varied as the city’s famed architecture, and a sense of community as deep and enduring as the skyscrapers that kiss our skyline. It’s a badge of honor, a mantle of responsibility, and a passport to a world that respects the grit and grace of those who can call themselves true Chicagoans.

So, when I say I am from Chicago, it is with a heart swelling with pride, ready to face any challenge with the cunning and courage that my city has taught me. It’s a declaration that no matter where I go, I bring a piece of Chicago with me, always.

What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?

Imagine if you will, a beacon of hope and transformation nestled in the heart of a city as storied as Chicago. This beacon, known as Chicago Scholars, is not just an institution but a crucible where potential is forged into excellence. I wish people understood the profound impact this program has on young souls, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college or come from backgrounds too often overlooked. Chicago Scholars is a gardener, tending to the seeds of tomorrow’s leaders, nurturing them with care, knowledge, and opportunities.

Now, let’s talk about the city itself—Chicago. Beyond the headlines and the hustle, lies a city vibrant with culture and bursting with innovation. It’s a city where jazz flows as freely as the conversations on the L trains, where the pizzas are deep, and the architectural marvels stretch towards the heavens. Chicago is a tapestry woven from neighborhoods, each with its own story and each contributing to the strong sense of community that defines us. It’s not just a place; it’s a living, breathing entity that embodies resilience and warmth.

So, when I speak of Chicago and Chicago Scholars, I speak of a symphony of human endeavor and spirit, a place where every challenge is met with a community ready to rise, and every individual is seen as a promise of a brighter tomorrow. This, I wish everyone knew.