educational and community development work in the bahamasWhat type of job are you looking for? I would like to work at a job that makes a positive contribution to the people and communities of the Bahamas. I am interested in becoming involved in community enhancement projects (eg. community centre or school set-up and operations, resource managemment projects, etc.) or in working with at-risk populations to assist in creating opportunities and developing necessary skills. What nationality are you? I am Canadian. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? I am a native speaker of English and am able to read and engage in conversational French. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? I am looking to work in the Bahamas, largely because my partner has opportunities there but also because I am interested in the social and cultural development of this diverse and advancing region. What countries have you worked in? I have only worked in Canada. What countries do you have a visa to work in? I currently hold no work visas but do not anticipate any difficulty in obtaining visas. What field do you currently work in? I am a writer and editor. I also sing and provide illustrations and graphic design to various groups and individuals on a contract basis. What fields have you worked in before? I have a degree in social anthropology and have worked in this field with non-government organizations and as a post-secondary assistant educator. I also have experience working in a government office as an administrative assistant, preparing legal and academic documents for review and in the organization and mainteneance of small community health and social centres. As well, I have a wealth of experience in the service industry and am a trained cook, restoration worker, and retail manager. What qualifications do you hold? I completed high school with honours and received my B.A. Honours in anthropology and archaeology. I have also attended law school but was unable to complete this programme due to financial restraints and the birth of my first child. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I believe that there is value in both formal and informal or experience based training. While formal education can give one the tools and confidence necessary to succeed and develop in a given field, real world experience allows the application of these skills in a dynamic way, to real and changing situatons and challenges in a manner that formal education cannot. A good formal education is one that prepares the successful student to become a lifelong learner, constantly adapting skills to suit new and unforseen circumstances. Describe the benefits of working with others Working with others allows for the sharing of ideas, cooperative problem solving and it can give participants the chance to see projects or challenges from multiple perspectives. A Team of people can bring a more diverse and flexible set of skills and experiences to a job than can a single person, often allowing for a broader and more holistic approach to the work. As well, working with others allows for the possibility that each member of a group might learn new ways of applying their exsisting skills and knowledge, thereby becoming a stronger individual and more valuable member of the group. Describe the benefits of working alone Working alone allows a person to take control of a project or situation, creating a space in which that person can best channel their skills and experience. It also has its own set of challenges as it requires a level of commitment and an inquisitiveness that might be overlooked in a group situation where responsibility can be delegated or certain aspects of a project might be addressed by someone else. With control, the lone worker can see a project or job through from inception to completion which can increase the efficiency or effectiveness of a plan. For the individual, it allows for growth and self-reliance. What was your worst working experience? My worst working experience was when I worked in the restoration industry. My job then was to sort through the personal effects of those who had experienced fire or flood, cleaning and restoring what I could and destroying or separating those items that could not be properly cleaned or restored. It was a difficult job both physically (it was often dirty, toxic, or just chaotic) and emotionally, as many of the articles I assessed and restored were very personal or had great sentimental value to their owners. There was also the administrative end of the job, dealing with insurance companies and contractors, which could be unpleasant and difficult. I left this job because the pay was not nearly equivalent to the work and long hours. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? To always be open to new ideas and experiences and to listen to what both my superiors and my peers have to offer. I never stop learning. The skills I have accumulated over the years have allowed me to become involved in many areas of work, always with the goal of bettering the lives of others. Often I have found that my greatest contribution to a project has been through something unexpected, an act or a word that I may not have forseen but that came about as a result of allowing myself to be open and a vehicle for action rather that focussing on my own narrow set of goals. What unique skills do you have? I am an excellent writer and researcher, able to sift through information and sythesize it in a readable and comprehensive manner. I can write informally, journalistically, academically, and have even been trained in writing legal briefs and documents. As well, I am a strong speaker and educator with a good sense of how to communicate with different audience-types in different environments. I have strong organizational skills and am able to work on details while keeping 'the big picture' in mind. As well, I am a singer and an artist skilled at getting others to open up and become involved. I'm a strong leader but welcome the opportunity to work as part of a team. I'm also very capable physically and am not afraaid to 'get my hands dirty'. As a mother, I have learned patience and practical skills that are broadly applicable and more specifically, I have learned to balance the needs of a group against those of an individual within that group. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? I would really like to work with at-risk youth, developing their social skills and giving them the tools that they need to be self-reliant and to learn from their circumstances in order to grow. Ideally, I would be able to do this through teaching creative writing and expression (poetry, performance, graphic media, etc.) as I believe that this is a powerful means of empowering those who feel powerless, to give tham a voice and a presence in the world that can act as a springboard for greatness. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? My 'field' is rather diverse in itself but what I am always working towards is the development of small communities and neighbourhoods through the empowering of the individuals involved. As the global village expands, I believe that it is ever more important to have strong local communities that can support their members in times of need and in times of opportunity. It is rewarding both professionally and personally to see how small projects can have a big impact on their participants and even those around. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? Administrative or bureaucratic work. Often it can be difficult to obtain funding, permissions, locations etc. for the startup of projects and this can involve meetings and sessions that, though necessary, often feel as though they are unnecessary delays in getting real work done. What is your life like currrently and why are you looking to relocate? I live on a small acreage in rural Nova Scotia with my two school-aged children and my common-law partner of 12 years. I have been a stay-at-home mother for the last 7 years as we decided that the financial and carreer sacrifices involved in such a choice were far outweighed by the benefits to our children and family. It is a decision that we have never regretted. However, we have often discussed relocating overseas in order to broaden our lives and those of our children and aslo because we believe we have something to offer outside of Canada. My partner has recently made some contacts and found some opportunities in The Bahamas and it would be wonderful if we could all make a contribution to these islands that have already given us so much. How can potential employers contact you? I can be contacted most readily by email: oliviafinley@live.com | 
