— 04/12/2015 —
A lot can happen in three years. For me, my perspective on the world changed. I understood people better. I could comprehend people’s words and ideas to a greater extent. I could even understand the everyday problems in our world. And that was also the year I decided that it was never too young to start helping to fix those problems. I recalled a quote by Mahatma Gandhi and I have repeated it to myself every day since; “Be the Change you wish to see in the world.” I wanted to see change, so I set myself on a journey to shape a new me.
Little did I know that it was only the beginning, for I had set myself on a path that would ultimately strengthen me from the inside and lead me to a better tomorrow.
Here is my Barefoot Story – Take 2 – 2015:
PERSEVERANCE
Three years ago, I learnt a lesson. I learnt that in order to achieve your goal, you must persevere and persist through everything life throws at you. More importantly, I also realized that patience is a rare virtue. I waited patiently until I knew I could handle the setbacks that I would be faced with if I joined forces with the Barefoot College. In the spring of Seventh Grade, I decided to reach out to the Barefoot College again. This time I decided to get into contact with someone different. I researched a bit and I discovered the Project Director of the Friends of Barefoot College and Co-Director – Global Monitoring & Evaluation, Lauren Remedios.
EMAIL – Written in Spring of Seventh Grade — Take 2 — 2015
Take 2 was extremely successful. I sent an email that expressed my passion for the organization, short-term and long-term goals. Lauren was quick to recognize my passion and was excited to start working with me. She recommended we speak via Skype call to discuss how to proceed.
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Yeshwin Sankuratri <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, Apr 12, 2015 at 1:19 PM
Subject: Form 1 (7th Grade) Student from the Haverford School, Philadelphia
To: [email protected]
Cc: Raju Sankuratri <[email protected]>, Jyotsna Sankuratri <[email protected]>
Dear Ms. Remedios,
Hello! I hope you are doing well. My name is Yeshwin Sankuratri and I am a 7th Grade Student at the Haverford School for Boys in Philadelphia. I got introduced to this organization around 2 years ago, while watching his Ted Talk I was very inspired and wanted to help as much as I could. I tried to reach out to Mr. Roy directly. I have a lot in common with Mr. Roy because as well going to a private school, I am also playing at the National Level for squash.
I would really like to do something for needy children with providing everyday resources like water, clothing, education and more. I was also thinking about going to India to visit one of the Barefoot College locations to personally get a sense of how things are there. I presented about Mr. Roy to my class, around 2 years ago as well, to stir some awareness. I can start fundraisers and donation at school as well as give a whole school presentation.
I hadn’t heard back from my email earlier to Mr. Roy, so I looked at the web site and noticed that you were listed as someone who would be to contacted in the US. Hence, I thought I would reach out to you first.
If everything works out I think that it would make a great difference. Hope to hear back soon!
Sincerely,
Yeshwin Sankuratri