1. What sparked and motivated you to start your project/initiative/idea?
I have always wanted to help others; my parents have always instilled that in me at very young age. They have continuously told me to always be kind to others not just with words but through actions. Leaving India and being here in the states for quite sometimes, I got lost in a new environment trying to understand the way of life and somehow got disconnected from my past but never forgot where I came from. The thought of helping others, especially those in the exile community was always there but I felt I was never ready or capable until I met my cousin who had recently immigrated to the United States. You hear stories about exile community and the places you’ve been part of from others but you never really truly adhere to it unless it’s from someone who you’re really close to and has been a part of your life, someone with whom you have shared the path and parallel experiences.
2. Why are you doing what you are doing?
The main reason for doing this project is to basically HELP, because although I have many cheerful memories from my childhood, overall I remember it being quite a difficult childhood with the presiding memory being when I was feeling down and low due to not having financial means to purchase what I wanted during the school year while envying those who had the necessary resources. Somehow it had always stuck in my memories and I believe it shaped me to become the way I am whether positively or otherwise. I wouldn’t want any other children to have gone through any part of that misery of feeling alone, financially incapable and being unable to enjoy the off times during their childhood.
3. How has this initiative impacted your growth and development? Identity wise as well?
To be able to help is invigorating and inspiring. I never knew how successful this project would become until I realized so many others shared the same passion to help and be involved in the wellness of the children and their education. This fueled my passion and I felt the responsibility to do more; it had also changed the way I think about the needs of children. With the help of my friends and the community, the project was solidified. I felt the need to connect with people wherever I go, talk about the project to find new ideas and to get the word out about finding ways to help ourselves as Tibetans giving back to the community that we thrived from initially. I found that this project was also a reminder to myself that while I may now be comfortable living here in Cambridge, many of us Tibetans had to struggle to get us to where we are today.
4. Why do you think it is important for Tibetans to serve and give back to other Tibetans? In what ways are you individually doing that?
The fact that we are stateless, refugees or for the majority of Tibetans inside Tibet being under constant oppression should remind us that we as Tibetans are not yet in a state where we can sit back and relax. Whether politically, economically or whatever path we choose to serve, there are always ways that individuals can serve others, but to be able to help your own community should be prioritized as any community can be better if they help themselves first in order to be capable of helping others.
5. What is your hope for this project?
· To expand to all the communities in the settlements and hopefully one day to be able to help within Tibet.
· To raise enough funds to send the kids to college, vocational institution, etc.
· To have the children themselves run this project and help others.
6. Any advice/suggestions for these students (If you could give yourself one advice to your younger self, what would it be?)
Be creative! Be innovative! Get involved in projects with others because you will learn something you don’t know or at least you’ll get different perspectives on things. Don’t be afraid to fail, try at least and then make your decisions based on that. You have to network with people all the time because they are your main assets. Trust me on that because you can’t do everything by yourself. Be humble and always be curious about learning new things.