Get to know our team member: Talma Udoka Osuoju, Housekeeping
Enjoy a Q&A with Selfhelp staff member, Talma Udoka Osuoju! Talma is part of our Housekeeping team, she plays an important role in keeping our home clean and tidy.
Q: How long have you been working at Selfhelp and what do you like most about it?
A: I have only been working at Selfhelp for three months, so I am relatively new here. I like it very much because I am surrounded by really good and nice people.
Q: Were you born in the US or are you coming from any other country?
A: I was not born in the United States, I was originally born in Nigeria in Africa.
Q: When did you come to America?
A: I came in 2021, so not that long ago.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Chicago?
A: I came to Chicago because I have a husband here who is an American citizen. I have a family here so I had no other choice than coming to Chicago.
Q: Do you like Chicago and if so, what do you like most about it?
A: Yes, I like Chicago. I have been downtown multiple times and I enjoyed that. Also, my house is not too far from here so I am very close to my work.
Q: Do you have family here in the US or is your family still in your home country?
A: A lot of my family is still in Nigeria. I have three children in Nigeria, who I really miss. My kids are called Sharon, who is seven years old, Talma is five years old and Bethel is four years old.
Q: Do you visit your home country regularly or have you ever been back there?
A: I just came recently, this March makes it two years. If I have the money, I really want to travel to Nigeria and see my family.
Q: What kind of work did you do in Nigeria?
A: I was a businesswoman. We worked with supplies.
Q: What is your first language and can you teach us anything in your first language?
A: I speak English and Igbo. Hello in Igbo is “Ndeewo.”
Q: What do you miss about your home country?
A: I miss the weather, it is warmer there. But most of all, I miss my children and my family. My mother, brothers and sisters are still living in Nigeria. I love Nigeria as a country and especially the people there, but the economy is really bad.
Q: Do you have a favorite food?
A: To be honest, I like all different kinds of food. I am not a picky eater.
Q: Do you have a favorite book or movie?
A: I really like Nigerian movies and Indian movies like Bollywood movies. As a kid my favorite author was James Sullivan.
Q: Do you like traveling? Where would you like to go some day?
A: I don’t really like traveling that much. But I think I would like to go to Canada some day, depends if my husband wants to go there, too.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: My passion is singing, it makes me very happy. I love singing but I am very shy to sing in front of people.
Q: Do you have a pet at home?
A: No, I don’t have a pet right now. I really like dogs; in Nigeria I once had a dog, which was really nice.
