Sergei's iXperience Trip
Donation protected
"What is your gift to the world?" This was one of the most unique questions that I had to answer for my application to iXperience - a summer educational program that allows students to travel to Cape Town, South Africa for two or three months to learn various technical skills for multiple technical fields and industries. You can learn more at their website - www.ixperience.co.za My answer was quite simple - my gift to the world is my physical difference.
A little about myself. I was born and adopted from Russia when I was very young, and moved to Minnesota. The unique thing about my birth is that I was born without hands. Now you might think that being born without both hands would make for a difficult life. The truth is, yes it did, but not for the majority of it. I was able to adapt right away when I was young. I figured out how to do everything that a person with hands can do. I did not let my lack of hands limit my abilities, dreams and accomplishments that I wanted to pursue. The only difficult aspect that I faced was more on the mental side. It wasn't always so easy growing up being different, as many folks around the world can relate to. Sometimes when you have a difference about you, people treat you in ways that you don't really wish to be treated.
I do not consider myself "inspirational" or "special." I am only unique, because I am me. I don't look at myself and think that I have a disability or special needs. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish in life. I write, draw, paint, type, text, eat, sleep, use a computer, build Legos, shoot photography and drive a car to name just a few of the numerous things that I am perfectly capable of doing - all without any special equipment or aids or even a prosthesis!
Now that I have talked about myself, I want to get into the dilemma of my next goal. One of the hardest aspects of my life has been obtaining a job, especially a job or internship in my field of study - Graphic Design. Not only did I look for opportunities in my field, but also general labor positions as well, to gain some income and work experience. Unfortunately, that didn't work out as well as I had hoped either. I do believe that my physical difference has been a barrier that companies are too concerned about putting aside, and I think that's very unfortunate on their part. Although I managed to find a seasonal weekend position as a custodian during the summers, I was not hired back last year. And so after being unemployed for the entire year while still looking for various job opportunities, I came to the realization and conclusion that I need to look for something new - a fresh start.
I decided I wanted to get into coding and learn more about web development and the front-end/back-end of computers. I remember the excitement that I felt when I first learned how to code my own website, and I knew I wanted to venture into it more and learn more of the various specifics and possibilities. I happened to stumble upon the iXperience website and fell in love with the opportunity that it presented. Not only would I be able to study abroad for two months and learn life-altering new skills, but I would also be able to intern within a company in Cape Town for an entire month afterwards. It would be a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience, learn new work ethics, experience other cultures, grow relationships, as well as countless other positive opportunities.
Let me go back to why my physical difference is my gift to the world. I believe that I am capable of accomplishing anything that my heart desires. I am a human being just as everyone else is. I think people with physical and mental differences are looked down upon too frequently, and I think it needs to stop. I want to be able to show people, especially those who didn't believe in my capabilities, that I am perfectly able to accomplish the same tasks and work ethics as anyone with hands. I have fire, I have drive and I have passion that is ready to be unleashed. I strive to make the world a better place, and I want to be able to let people know that you should not judge others by their looks, especially when it comes to jobs and work, because you never know just how truly capable someone is unless you give them a chance. And I believe all should have an equal chance to fulfill their dreams and desires for a better life and future.
Luckily I have been accepted into the program! Unfortunately, the cost of this trip is a bit high for me to pay alone. I am not one to usually ask for help, because I generally like to try and solve my problems on my own when I am able and capable of doing so. However, because I have no income, and because I would need to make payment soon, I am asking for any and all help that I can get.
So, you may be wondering, why $15,000? I will break down the various expenses into an easy to follow system:
*$11,900 - This is the cost of the SAGE option in the program that I want to pay for
*$1,300-$1,700 - This would be the cost of the round trip flight (roughly), which iXperience does not cover
*$1,500-$2,000 - This would be for meals, taxi rides, extra cash and other general expenses that would not be covered by iXperience directly
Being an honors student and graduating with a 4.0 GPA from my technical college, I know that I would be able to excel in this program. I am a very hard and dedicated worker, and I know that I will be able to accomplish great things after receiving these new skills from this amazing educational program, if given the chance and opportunity.
I can't truly express in words how deeply grateful I would be for any support. Anything you could possibly give would mean the absolute world to me! Please help me to make this opportunity possible. I would also really love and appreciate it if you would repost and send my story to your friends as well, so that they may read my story and feel great joy in knowing that they would be helping to make a difference in the world, and helping a passionate individual in need. At the moment, I can only give you all my gratitude and appreciation, and a huge smile of absolute joy for helping me get one step closer to achieving this life-changing experience and opportunity, but once I complete my program, I will share my wonderful experience and journey on YouTube for everyone to see, as well as send out free images of the landscapes and natural beauty that I capture with my camera during my free time!
I will be forever grateful for all your kindness. Thank you once again, and have a wonderful rest of your day!
-Sergei
A little about myself. I was born and adopted from Russia when I was very young, and moved to Minnesota. The unique thing about my birth is that I was born without hands. Now you might think that being born without both hands would make for a difficult life. The truth is, yes it did, but not for the majority of it. I was able to adapt right away when I was young. I figured out how to do everything that a person with hands can do. I did not let my lack of hands limit my abilities, dreams and accomplishments that I wanted to pursue. The only difficult aspect that I faced was more on the mental side. It wasn't always so easy growing up being different, as many folks around the world can relate to. Sometimes when you have a difference about you, people treat you in ways that you don't really wish to be treated.
I do not consider myself "inspirational" or "special." I am only unique, because I am me. I don't look at myself and think that I have a disability or special needs. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish in life. I write, draw, paint, type, text, eat, sleep, use a computer, build Legos, shoot photography and drive a car to name just a few of the numerous things that I am perfectly capable of doing - all without any special equipment or aids or even a prosthesis!
Now that I have talked about myself, I want to get into the dilemma of my next goal. One of the hardest aspects of my life has been obtaining a job, especially a job or internship in my field of study - Graphic Design. Not only did I look for opportunities in my field, but also general labor positions as well, to gain some income and work experience. Unfortunately, that didn't work out as well as I had hoped either. I do believe that my physical difference has been a barrier that companies are too concerned about putting aside, and I think that's very unfortunate on their part. Although I managed to find a seasonal weekend position as a custodian during the summers, I was not hired back last year. And so after being unemployed for the entire year while still looking for various job opportunities, I came to the realization and conclusion that I need to look for something new - a fresh start.
I decided I wanted to get into coding and learn more about web development and the front-end/back-end of computers. I remember the excitement that I felt when I first learned how to code my own website, and I knew I wanted to venture into it more and learn more of the various specifics and possibilities. I happened to stumble upon the iXperience website and fell in love with the opportunity that it presented. Not only would I be able to study abroad for two months and learn life-altering new skills, but I would also be able to intern within a company in Cape Town for an entire month afterwards. It would be a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience, learn new work ethics, experience other cultures, grow relationships, as well as countless other positive opportunities.
Let me go back to why my physical difference is my gift to the world. I believe that I am capable of accomplishing anything that my heart desires. I am a human being just as everyone else is. I think people with physical and mental differences are looked down upon too frequently, and I think it needs to stop. I want to be able to show people, especially those who didn't believe in my capabilities, that I am perfectly able to accomplish the same tasks and work ethics as anyone with hands. I have fire, I have drive and I have passion that is ready to be unleashed. I strive to make the world a better place, and I want to be able to let people know that you should not judge others by their looks, especially when it comes to jobs and work, because you never know just how truly capable someone is unless you give them a chance. And I believe all should have an equal chance to fulfill their dreams and desires for a better life and future.
Luckily I have been accepted into the program! Unfortunately, the cost of this trip is a bit high for me to pay alone. I am not one to usually ask for help, because I generally like to try and solve my problems on my own when I am able and capable of doing so. However, because I have no income, and because I would need to make payment soon, I am asking for any and all help that I can get.
So, you may be wondering, why $15,000? I will break down the various expenses into an easy to follow system:
*$11,900 - This is the cost of the SAGE option in the program that I want to pay for
*$1,300-$1,700 - This would be the cost of the round trip flight (roughly), which iXperience does not cover
*$1,500-$2,000 - This would be for meals, taxi rides, extra cash and other general expenses that would not be covered by iXperience directly
Being an honors student and graduating with a 4.0 GPA from my technical college, I know that I would be able to excel in this program. I am a very hard and dedicated worker, and I know that I will be able to accomplish great things after receiving these new skills from this amazing educational program, if given the chance and opportunity.
I can't truly express in words how deeply grateful I would be for any support. Anything you could possibly give would mean the absolute world to me! Please help me to make this opportunity possible. I would also really love and appreciate it if you would repost and send my story to your friends as well, so that they may read my story and feel great joy in knowing that they would be helping to make a difference in the world, and helping a passionate individual in need. At the moment, I can only give you all my gratitude and appreciation, and a huge smile of absolute joy for helping me get one step closer to achieving this life-changing experience and opportunity, but once I complete my program, I will share my wonderful experience and journey on YouTube for everyone to see, as well as send out free images of the landscapes and natural beauty that I capture with my camera during my free time!
I will be forever grateful for all your kindness. Thank you once again, and have a wonderful rest of your day!
-Sergei
Organizer
Sergei V. Bye
Organizer
Minnetonka, MN