Interview of Tremaine Kwasikpui
By Chris Towle
University: Western Carolina University – Masters of Entrepreneurship
Employer: Roanoke-Chowan Community College
Position: Student Activities Coordinator/Recruiter
Areas of expertise: Leadership, mentoring, customer service, and public speaking.
What background information can you provide that would help us better understand who you are?
Tremaine received his Bachelors degree at Elizabeth City State University, majoring in business. He has always enjoyed and been interested in all things business. He has always played a very active role in his community.
From our previous class together, I know that you are very involved with the community. What inspired this involvement? I know that your father was a judge in the area in which you grow up. Was there anyone else who inspired you when you were younger to get involved with the community?
Tremaine’s father was a very large factor in his inspiration for being involved within the community. He enjoyed seeing the difference that can be made in other peoples lives, and seeing that positive change occur. Tremaine was also very influenced by his godfather who was the mayor of the town he is from. They both instilled that hard working ethic, passion for people and making a difference. This motivated him to become involved in civic groups and other activities within the community early on.
What do you find most challenging about your current job position? What do you find most rewarding?
Tremaine finds the politics of his job to be challenging. Making people understand the difference that can be made and working through certain loop holes that can cause challenges. Another challenge is working in a small town with limited resources.
Tremaine finds it very rewarding to see people make a positive change in their lives. Whether it is helping someone get his or her first job or getting accepted into a certain program, he finds this to be extremely rewarding. Tremaine also enjoys the traveling aspect of his job. He has the opportunity to travel to conferences for work, and enjoys meeting new people and traveling to new locations.
What are some of the things that motivate you most in life?
Tremaine has an internal drive to never be satisfied. He is constantly pushing himself to be better and is fearful of becoming complacent. Family is another motivating factor. Tremaine recently got engaged, he works hard to provide for himself and family, hoping to leave a legacy behind.
What has made you want to pursue the ME program at Western Carolina University?
Tremaine was interested in pursuing his Masters degree; felt that it would help set him apart from others. After researching several Masters programs he came across the ME program at Western Carolina. The program really appealed to him and thought it would be a good fit for what he wanted to accomplish.
What do you hope to most get out of the ME program?
Tremaine hopes to gain a lot of knowledge on all aspects of business and how to utilize them in the real world.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
Tremaine very much enjoys traveling. He hopes to be able to travel out of the country more in the near future. Recently, he has gotten involved writing reviews on trip advisor as he travels to new locations. Tremaine also enjoys sports. He enjoys playing basketball with friends when he has a chance.
Is there anything else you would like to add that would give our fellow classmates and myself a better understanding of who you are?
Tremaine is very excited about this class and looks forward to connect with more people.
