Telesha T. Mahadeo
2016 MCN Intern | Undergraduate University: Northeastern University | Place of Origin: New York City
"'Act locally, think globally.' I remember hearing this phrase the first time back in elementary school, and it has stuck with me ever since.
I am now in my fourth year at Northeastern University, dual majoring in International Affairs and Economics, with a minor in Spanish. Everything I have accomplished so far is based on my passion for helping others, putting smiles on the many faces I meet everyday, and positively changing the world around me in one way or another.
I grew up in New York City and developed an interest for leadership opportunities in the schools I have attended. At my high school, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, located in Queens, NY, I participated in the Model United Nations club, where I was introduced to the world of global politics and negotiation. The conferences I attended not only taught me the framework and process of creating resolutions in order to resolve international issues, but also sparked my passion for working with other student leaders toward achieving global development.
After graduating from high school, I decided to go to Northeastern, which has provided endless opportunities. The hardest part for me was choosing what to get actively involved in. Throughout the four years I’ve been there, I gravitated towards courses, events, and organizations that stimulated my passion for positively influencing the world around me. A few of my favorite courses were International Conflict and Negotiation, Economic Development, and History of Economic Thought. I participated in a women’s leadership program, called LEAD 360, where I learned more in depth about the issues that women face globally.
But one of the most incredible highlights of my life was attending the 5th Annual Millennium Campus Network Conference. It was held at my school that year, and I can honestly say that it was one of the most inspiring events I have ever attended. With its motivational speakers, vibrant energy, and an auditorium filled with people who are all there because of their passion for global development and desire to positively impact the world, the conference truly made an impact on my life by reminding me that we can all make a difference in our world.
MCN set realistic, sustainable goals for student leaders that wanted to make positive change in the world. A message that I took away from the conference was that we can each make a difference in the global world- all we need is burning passion, perseverance, and ethical & effective leadership skills -this is where MCN comes in- to start effecting positive change on a local scale- starting locally affects the world globally.
After attending this conference, I remained involved with MCN, and now I can proudly say that I am a part of the MCN team for this semester! MCN has not only broadened my perspectives on global development and leadership, but it has also taught me that working together and sharing innovative ideas with others are what stimulate personal growth and social progress. This summer, I look forward to participating in Northeastern's Dialogue of Civilizations program to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, where I will be exposed to the life of diplomacy and negotiation, in addition to researching some of the most pressing issues of world politics, including disarmament and international human rights. I am so thankful for these incredible opportunities, and cannot wait to see what the future will bring!"
*The "quotes" above have been edited for clarity and concision.