Alumnus credits TSU for inspiring world travels
Marshall A Latimore
Managing Editor
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Arts & Culture
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The 28-year-old globetrotter has traveled to four continents, 19 countries and just about every state in the country - all on his own dime.
He captures these experiences on video and in photos, blogging them all on his Web site, WorldWideNate.com.
"(WorldWideNate.com) is about living a global lifestyle," the summer 2004 graduate said. "The more you travel, the more wisdom you gain, and WorldWideNate is a direct result of TSU" he continued.
After graduation, Fluellan began managing tours for various Fortune 500 companies.
For 2-3 months at a time, he conducts mobile marketing tours that take him all over the country.
He then uses the returns from his contracts to fund his international travels.
A Chicago native, Fluellan entered TSU in spring 1999 after a semester at Paine College in Augusta, Ga. He received his bachelor's degree in economics and finance.
During his studies at TSU, he befriended his international economics professor Galen Hull, who had traveled to more than 80 countries.
Intrigued by Hull's travels, Fluellan said he knew he needed to figure out how to make traveling the world his profession.
"When I got here, I met some of the brightest people on the planet," Fluellan said.
According to Fluellan, Charles Galbreath, former Mr. TSU and SGA representative, was one of those bright spots along his way.
Galbreath, who is now an empowerment speaker, recalled his first meeting with Fluellan as a random encounter that blossomed into an instant connection and life friendship.
"Nate is truly a person who lives outside of the box," Galbreath said. "The world deserves to know Nate, (because) he gets people to want to travel and know different cultures by simply doing what he loves.
"He gives a completely new face to travel and experience in the world," Galbreath continued.
Among his first international trip to Barcelonia in 2005, to his latest trip to the Bahamas in August, Fluellan said his his "favorite place in the planet" is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
"The world is a playground," Fluellan said. "For Americans, it is hard to grasp."
Fluellan said he has always had big aspirations in life.
Growing up on Chicago's South Side neighborhood, he attended Montesori school and had a family who exposed him to museums, art exhibits and other cultural activities.
"Chicago helped me realize there was more to see and experience than what was there,"
Fluellan said. "I wanted to conquer Chicago and now, it is about conquering the world."•
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