As I sit here, reflecting on my recent family trip to Jamaica, I can't help but smile. The memories are so vivid; it's like I'm still there. The sun on my skin, the rhythm of the music, the laughter of the locals - it all blends into this beautiful, colorful mosaic in my mind.
But more than just a holiday, this trip was a journey of discovery, both personal and professional. It all started with a simple phrase I kept hearing everywhere we went: "One Love." At first, it might seem like a catchy slogan, something to put on t-shirts and postcards. But as I spent more time on the island, I began to understand that it's so much more than that.
"One Love" is a way of life in Jamaica. It's about unity, compassion, and respect for all people. It's about celebrating our differences while recognizing our shared humanity. As someone who deeply values freedom, passion, and human connection, I felt an instant kinship with this philosophy. It reminds me of the famous poem by Persian poet Saadi Shirazi from his Gulistan.
"Human Beings are members of a whole
In creation of one essence and soul
If one member is inflicted with pain
Other members uneasy will remain
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you can not pertain"
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "But Mohz, didn't you stay in a fancy resort the whole time?" Nope, not this family! We were determined to experience the real Jamaica. We wanted to meet the people, hear their stories, and understand their way of life. And boy, did we have some unforgettable encounters.
One of the highlights was our visit to the Rastafari Indigenous Village. The picture below is me with my family and King Toto, who makes Nyabinghi drums by hand and is one of the few people left preserving this cultural tradition.
Spending time in the village was like deep diving into another world. We learned about the Rastafari way of life, their profound respect for nature, and their commitment to spiritual growth. It was amazing. I came out feeling like a new woman, both physically and spiritually.
Fun fact, in Farsi (or Persian language), Rasta means "a wise person who is on the path to salvation. This individual understands their journey and strives for truth and perfection. It highlights the importance of freedom in one’s spirit and the effort towards greater liberation. The passage conveys that such a person, with their beautiful spirit, impacts their behavior and appearance, creating a lively and free personality. It emphasizes the pursuit of freedom and goodness while avoiding evil, a quest shared by all humans."
But what struck me was how the village prioritized genuine human connection. First Man, our contact at the village, explained that they prefer intimate, one-on-one experiences because they allow for deeper, more meaningful interactions. It resonated with me because it's precisely what I strive for in my work with AI - using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection.
Our last stop was the Takuma Boutique Hotel, a small, unassuming place with a big heart. The owner, Delroy Allen, is a true inspiration. Despite growing up humble with five siblings and a single mother, he never let his circumstances define him. With hard work and unwavering determination, he went from being a ball boy at the local tennis courts to a professional Tennis player and now the proud owner of Takuma.
People at Takuma giving us the most amazing and authentic experience
But Delroy's vision goes beyond just running a successful hotel. He wants to use Takuma as a platform to empower the youth in his community. His dream is to inspire kids through tennis and show them that no matter where they come from, they can shape their destinies. How amazing is that?
What fascinated me even more was the story behind the hotel's name. Delroy told me he had a vivid dream about his ancestor, Takuma, urging him to build a legacy. This dream catalyzed Delroy's transformation of his old family house into the boutique hotel we see today. This story moved me as I saw how Delroy was guided by his deep connection to his roots and desire to create something meaningful.
That night, I had a dream of my own. In the dream, I was again back in a classroom as a student. There was a sense of stress and confusion in the air. Some students seemed to know the homework, but others, me included, were left in the dark. I felt lost and discouraged. But then, someone approached me and said, "Why don't you work with the students who know the assignment? Collaborate with them."
When I woke up, the message was clear. I knew I had to reach out to Delroy to see how I could use my skills in AI to support his cause.
As an AI enthusiast, my mind immediately started buzzing with ideas. I thought, "How can I use my knowledge to help amplify Delroy's story and mission?" I envisioned using excellent tools like generative AI and automated marketing to help him reach more people without breaking the bank on a big marketing team.
But here's the thing - I knew I couldn't do it alone. Collaboration is the heart of everything I do. That's why I was thrilled when Mohammad Tahmid, a brilliant person from Bangladesh, reached out to me for internship at AI Alchemy Hub. Mohammad is going to start his own AI-powered marketing company, and when I told him about Delroy's story, he did not hesitate to jump to help.
Let me tell you, Mohammad has been an absolute rockstar. He's been working his magic on SEO, creating unique content and videos using AI, and exploring innovative marketing strategies. His passion and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. He is also working on automating the whole process end to end so that small business owners like Delroy can get advantage of AI-driven marketing without any prior technical knowlege or a budget, all they need is a passion for impact!
I love the AI community, the spirit of collaboration and the desire to use our skills and AI to empower change. That's why I'm such a big believer in pro bono projects for budding AI professionals. Not only do you gain invaluable experience, but you also get to make a real difference in people's lives. We're showing that AI isn't just about making things more efficient or profitable, but about deeply human goals like spreading hope, driving positive change, and helping people realize their full potential. This is why, at a recent career evening at Tekna Big Data where I was invited to speak about my own path in Data Science and AI, I encouraged to start with pro bono projects if the barrier to enter to job market feels high. It is a great place to gain experience as well as making an impact by helping amazing entreprenures out there.
I kept thinking about Bob Marley and his legacy throughout our time in Jamaica. His music and message of love, unity, and empowerment remain on the island. In a way, he embodies the same values that drive Delroy, First Man, Mohammad, and so many of the incredible people we met.
As I reflect on this trip and our work with Takuma, I feel a deep gratitude and purpose. The connections we've made, the stories we've heard, and the love we've felt - all reinforced my belief in the power of human connection and the potential of AI to drive positive change.
I've returned home with a renewed commitment to using my AI superpowers for good. I want to help amazing people like Delroy and First Man share their stories and make an even more significant impact. When we combine the power of the human spirit with the magic of cutting-edge tech, we can create a ripple effect of change that knows no bounds.
Jamaica has given us much more than a tan and some cool braids. It's given me a deeper understanding of unity, a greater appreciation for diversity, and a clearer vision of the kind of world I want to help build. As I continue with AI Alchemy Hub, I carry these lessons and inspirations close to my heart.
So, my friend, I invite you to seek out your meaningful connections. Open your heart to the stories and wisdom of others. Whether you're an AI wizard like me or in any other field, remember that your most significant power to make a difference lies in the depth of your human connections.
Let's all embrace that "One Love" spirit a little more. Let's use our unique gifts to lift each other and brighten the world. Ultimately, that's all about coming together, celebrating our shared humanity, and creating positive change, one connection at a time.
Until our paths cross again, Jamaica. One Love.