Muffadal Saylawala

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Graduating summa cum laude from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Muffadal earned dual degrees in Finance and Accountancy, then worked as a consultant and auditor to large banks. But it wasn’t long before Muffadal decided to shift gears and advance his data analysis skills by using them to explore relevant metrics for sustainable design. He is currently a founding student of the Experience Institute where he is focused on exploring the intersection between business, nature and society.

Why did you decide to study abroad with Experience Institute?

I was volunteering in Central America on permaculture farms, racking my brain trying to figure out how I could use my skills from business and what I'm learning about nature to start something remarkable. I decided I needed to spend more time learning, immersing myself with people who are already doing this because I learn best by doing. A few days later, I got an email from Victor announcing the Experience Institute, it was a no brainer.

What made this study abroad experience unique and special?

I'm no stranger to experiences. Before joining Ei, I had already studied abroad five times, completed 2 internships abroad and had independently traveled in more than 30 countries around the world. The gamechanger here at Ei is the intentionality of reflection.

We go off on an apprenticeship and then return to Chicago after each experience to meetup with our fellow classmates where we sharpen our tools of self awareness, storytelling, community building, operations and design thinking, it's where we process, reflect and consequentially learn together. So, of course I've learned from the experiences themselves, but the depth of what I'm learning with my classmates as we reflect together has been transformational. The difference here is that what I learn doesn't remain an intellectual stimulation, it becomes ingrained into my being.

What is one piece of advice you'd give future Experience Institute students?

Be ready for the wildest adventure of your life. Experience Institute is not for the faint of heart. This isn't your typical study abroad deal about exploring faraway, exotic lands.

It's moreso about exploring the potential of what lies inside yourself, and sometimes this process might lead to faraway, exotic lands as a means. Be open to ambiguity and excited to embrace challenges, uncover hidden opportunities and have fun while doing it. Always remember, you are not alone. We're behind you.

Describe your most meaningful souvenir and why you love it?

In the first meetup, we had an activity where I was assigned to be the gift giver for the class. Intuitively, I didn't give myself a gift, nor did I even think twice about it. After I finished handing out the gifts and explaining them for each person, then totally unexpected, each of my classmates and our professor handed me a gift. They taught me that in order to truly give, I must learn to receive first. I've carried these gifts with me in a little plastic container the whole year and everywhere I go, I set it up as a little alter for myself.

Do you think your program changed you as a person?

Most definitely so. This program has been the most transformative thing I have ever embarked on and I'm only 2/3 of the way through so far. I'm learning deep lessons about life, creative agency and confidence that can never be taught in a classroom.

I'm learning how to make sense of the chaotic, ever-changing landscape of our world. I have a new set of eyes to see the world with now and I will never be the same. I feel blessed to be part of the Experience Institute.