My Envision experiences equipped me with the power of persuasion
Today, I want to share my story with you all.
Hunger is a problem in our local, national and international communities. One-in-six Americans suffers from hunger and this number is even higher globally.Women and children are especially vulnerable to hunger. During the holy month of Ramadan, many Muslims across the world fast from dawn to sunset whichresults in poor nutrition and hunger among the poorest and weakest.
In an effort to fight hunger during this year’s Ramadan, I worked with a locally run nonprofit organization, Saharo Foundation. (Saharo is the Sindhi wordwhich literally means helping hand.) I utilized my leadership and persuasion skills learned at NYLF Pathways (formerly known asNational Young Scholars Program) and the Junior National Young Leaders Conference to seek donations to aid in purchasing food. In onemonth, we collected nearly $2,000.
This money donated to Saharo Foundation was given to a Pakistani volunteer organization to purchase groceries, package them in 20 pound sacks anddistribute among those in need locally. These bags contained the much-needed foods to sustain families during the fasting time of Ramadan.
I’m VERY pleased to share that we were successful in feeding over 30 orphans and families in the month of July. Thank you, Junior National Young Leadership Conference, for equipping me with power of persuasion and leadership to help others in need.
Learn more about Saharo Foundation and how you can help:
Saharo Foundation USA has been distributing Ramadan packages since 2010 among poor families of Pakistan and assists poor and needy families during themonth of Ramadan. Saharo Foundation is a Non Partisan, Non-Religious, Non Political, and Non-Profit Organization registered in the State of Maryland,United States of America. Saharo Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization therefore all donations are Tax deductible.
Pictured: Recipient of the grocery sacks distributed during Ramadan.
Meet Ayra S.
Alumna, National Young Scholars Program ’13 & Junior National Young Leaders Conference ‘15
Q: What inspires you most as a young leader?
A: My inspiration is my family, my friends and credit goes to training I received at Envision.
Q: How has your JrNYLC experience changed your view on being a leader?
A: The leadership traits we learned at JrNYLC changed my views. Before, I only knew that leaders lead. Now I have knowledge that sometimes leaders need tobe followers too.
Q: What was the most interesting thing that you learned from attending the Junior National Youth Leaders Conference?
A: Everything is achievable if a leader steps up and plays a role of team-player.
Q: How was attending your Envision programs different than learning in a traditional classroom?
A: Traditional classrooms don’t give you access to real-life scenarios. With my two Envision programs, I lived with friends, learned from peers andworld-class faculty while practicing each and every thing you learn daily. This makes the experience so unique.
Q: What would you tell other students who are considering to attend the program?
A: If you believe in making difference around our communities and in globe and are looking for lifelong friends who want the same thing, give it a try andsee for yourself.