Name: Nadia Sorathia
TAC Project Name: Culture of Health Advancing Together (Refugee Youth Agency)
Number Impacted: 30
Tell us about your Take Action Challenge. Why did you start this project, what impact did you want to make?
My original idea for this project was to help refugees find jobs. I had previously volunteered at a nonprofit organization called CHAT in which I helped with their after school tutoring program. There was a need to help find jobs and resources for refugees so I took the opportunity.
What did you accomplish?
I was able to find the direction that worked best for me, I was able to make flyers for CHAT, and I began working on my new TAC project, which is to create a handbook to help refugee families adjust to the education system.
How did you overcome obstacles?
One of the challenges I faced while doing this project I realized I don’t have a lot of experience finding jobs to help these people. Applying for jobs online and getting a job is nearly impossible. Networking is probably the most important aspect of getting a job. After a few months, the CHAT coordinator asked me to change my project to focus on refugee children instead. My initial idea was being completely changed and I also found finding time between school, life, and my project wasn’t as easy as I thought. My vision being changed was hard for me to accept because I was so devoted and passionate about my original idea. With my background with education and having recently gone through high school, I was better able to help parents and children ease their way into the education system. When I was conflicted on how to get resources and how to get started, I reached out to the CHAT coordinator and Ivana. They really helped me. They were my support system. My biggest challenge was myself. I’m a huge procrastinator but initiating my TAC project and being a first time college freshman taught me a lot about time management.
If you could advice to a future YWLC participant about her Take Action Challenge, what would it be?
Firstly, do something that you’re passionate about because when you’re passionate about it you’ll be more motivated to do it. Secondly, know it’s okay if you change your direction later on because it’s more important to do what you want to do and do what you feel is right. Thirdly, taking that first step to start your project is probably the hardest part, but once you take that initiation the rest will just come to you.
