In the early stages of 2020, every person around the globe was petrified of the emergence of a new contagious disease. No one fully understood the science behind it or its origins, but the pandemic stirred leaders and STEM professional across manufacturing and medical industries to collectively find medical solutions. Through decisive leadership and out-of-the-box thinking from optimistic leaders and STEM professionals, there is tremendous hope for 2021 with the availability of various vaccines; however the question still looms on what else can be done to solve this global challenge. My answer to this question is that there is a missing ingredient. Due to social issues which have emerged from the pandemic, this missing ingredient is needed more than ever. The key point I’m trying to convey is that although the vaccine is able to provide a scientific solution that raises one’s biological immunity against COVID-19, a contrasting solution is needed to raise people’s spirits across our global community. Like the lesson conveyed in Shelly Madden’s article, “Art And Science Are Not Separate, They Are Beautifully Intertwined”, I strongly believe that this missing ingredient is Art. It is with this perspective that the Trilogy project was conceptualized.
The purpose of this blog entry is to not only explain the meaning of the Trilogy project, but to also provide deeper insights and personal reasons why I decided to create the Trilogy. In essence, the Trilogy was intended to be a communication channel which ultimately shared the message of #ItBeginsWithMe while telling my personal story. The core message behind #ItBeginsWithMe is that positive change on a macro-scale, can only be achieved through individual actions on a micro-scale. If everyone within a community were to embrace this pivotal mindset utilizing their resources, gifts or unique stories to help others, that community would be transmogrified. To lead by example in the spirit of #ItBeginsWithMe, I would like to share the roots of my personal story which ultimately shaped the Trilogy Project. Through the symbolism of the number 31, the Trilogy was influenced by 31 Personal Reasons.
With that said, let’s get started in sharing the 31 Reasons Why.
The Trilogy Project was launched:
Because of an inspiring and unforgettable miracle I witnessed at age 10 on St. John’s Road in Spanish Town, Jamaica.
Because of the impact & role my alma mater (St. John’s Primary School) played in witnessing that miracle 20 years ago. On that day, St. John’s Primary hosted Sir Howard Cooke (6th Governor General of Jamaica) who ultimately encouraged my schoolmates to never forget our school’s motto “Excellence”
Because I decided to take an unusual journey home after the Governor General’s visit, which planted me in the back seat of an overcrowded taxi. While I sat in the back of the car, I glimpsed an unforgettable sight of a boy standing in the hot Jamaican sun near a traffic intersection several meters away.
Because of who the young boy was at the intersection. He was a classmate and friend named Paro. I was able to identify Paro immediately in the distance because he distinguishably had 1 remaining leg and 1 single crutch due to the devastating shackles of extreme poverty.
Because of the lesson I learned that day regarding privilege and responsibility when I witnessed my classmate and friend Paro begging each passing motorist on St. John’s Road with his single leg and single crutch. Due to extreme poverty, this was Paro’s social and financial reality at a young age.
Because Paro’s single outstretched hand was rejected by my driver.
Because Paro saw me & responded with 4 powerfully inspiring words; despite the rejection.
Because Paro’s words were more precious than gold which made a tremendous impact on me at 10 years old.
Because Paro’s words sparked a perpetually puzzling life mission in me for which I knew education was a guiding principle.
Because Paro passed away tragically 2 years after our taxi encounter.
Because Paros words challenged me to “not let the world dampen my dreams” regardless of inevitable and discouraging failures.
Because Paro’s words continued to inspire me as I left Jamaica to attend college at MIT in Cambridge MA, whose infinite corridor provided life lessons of the mind & hand using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Education.
Because of the life mantra entitled “My Prayer” which I wrote as personal encouragement to keep on climbing the steps of life no matter how challenging the steps are.
Because of the belief that every man & woman has a responsibility to give back a tenth of what they’ve received to serve others in hope of a better world.
Because my life’s journey took an unexpected turn that led me to Tyler, TX: my home away from home.
Because of the shared dedication from my wife and our colorful family who collectively echo the parallel alignment between diversity and beauty.
Because of the core lessons I learned at Georgetown McDonough School of Business which focused on principled leadership and social responsibility through the Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI).
Because my ever-evolving life journey remains steadfast and intertwined with Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of transforming our global neighborhood into a global brother/sisterhood.
Because of the shared vision and encouragement received from great friends and dreamers from all corners of the globe.
Because one person cannot do it alone; but with friends united through a foundation and mission, there is a path to create sustainable positive change for the Paros of future generations.
Because of the commitment from companies like Clark Construction Group & Emerson which dually demonstrate the value of STEM and corporate social responsibility in the pursuit of creating a better and more sustainable world.
Because of the inspiring words from the 6th President of the United States – John Quincy Adams which convey that political affiliation is NOT a prerequisite for being a leader.
Because of the critical need to preserve the “delicate balance” expressed by Mufasa which is best explained by Martin Luther King Jr’s poetic words: “Power without love is reckless; and love without power is anemic.”
Because we are all connected. Example of this stems from the fact that my homeland Jamaica shares the same motto as America: “Out of Many, One People” and “E pluribus unum”
Because Jamaica’s legacy is a constant inspiration to me and many across the world while America’s legacy hinges on freedom and making dreams come true
Because I’ve witnessed my mom using her talent to teach and mold thousands of young dreamers throughout Jamaica for over 4 decades.
Because my hope is to inspire & empower 31X young dreamers across the globe through educational mentorship and scholarships
Because my hope is to forge 31x corporate social partnerships between industry and non-profit leaders and friends who identify with our mission throughout the STEAM spectrum
Because I made a pledge early in my life to take a leap of faith no later than age 31 to bring Paro’s vision to reality
Because the most important lessons are ones taught by Jah through real life stories
Because the miraculous seed which blossomed into the Trilogy project, was planted by Paro at exactly: 31 St. John’s Road in Spanish Town Jamaica
One Love,
Tarick