Envisaging my Trail
Donation protected
Kokoda Challenge at the Gold Coast
"Barriers are only things that we put up ourselves"
I stand here before you vulnerably sharing my life story as a means of seeking connection and support for the next, and to me, crucial stage of my life. I believe that the pursuit of knowledge is something that human being have sought since the dawn of time for progression and I wish to play in that field fuelled by my passions of mathematics, science and physics.
I believe that everyone has a right to education, even though I believe this, I know that there are restrictions brought upon this experience by systems and self. I believe that expansion comes through following your passion. I love to question, research, understand, design and create. I am inspired by those who have made a mark in the field that I love and in my big picture dream I see a business that works with renewable energy, satellites and communication. My ‘here and now’ is evaluating the many mental responses that I have to the question of: Will I be able to accept an Undergraduate offer to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at a top Australian University?
My belief system is fuelled by faith and trust to see into my future where my physicality has me hindered. My vision does not define who I am. And it is not a deterrent for what I do. Barriers don’t exist, we put them in front of us. I have always sought adventures, challenges and new experiences that can help me grow as a person and, in turn, help others.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”
Albert Einstein
My name is Santiago Velasquez. I was born nineteen (19) years ago with Glaucoma, Sclerocornea and Microphthalmia, meaning I have no vision in the left eye and approximately 3% in the right eye.
I was born in Armenia, in the foothills of the Andes, Colombia with a population of approximately 265,000. The infrastructure and resources, such as the education system, public transport system, work opportunities and the attitude of the general public were limited in Colombia for those who are vision impaired.
My family consisting of my mother, father, brother and myself, have been living in Australia for almost 7 years with the hope of becoming citizens and actively contributing to the flourishing multicultural community that is Australia.
I appreciate being born into a family in which my parents had the foresight of the challenges and were able to educate and influence the attitudes of the people that surrounded us so as to pave a better foundation for my future. My parents have always been resourceful, creative and self-educated so as seek to improve my quality of life.
My awareness around potential stumbling blocks were realised at the age of ten (10), where as before they were only seen by my family and friends. At this time, I asked myself the question, “What do you want to do with your life?” and my self talk was that the Country I was living in was not ready to sustain my dreams of studying Engineering.
On migrating to Australia, in our gain to apply for citizenship, I acknowledge the challenges that my parents endured. They are professionals that have had to succumb to professions which are not of their original choosing, for the sake of keeping the family together and having our basic needs met. I was exhilarated in the knowledge of our impending migration to Australia as a family, however, we did not expect the process of citizenship to be as lengthy and arduous.
I view my past almost seven (7) years as being the most rewarding, exciting and challenging times of my life thus far. I learned a new language. I have experienced different cultures and I have learned immensely from the people I am surrounded by.
I have been amply supported since my stepping foot on this land of opportunity, allowing for expansion and safety. Key expansion points for me have been:
* Vice-Captaincy of Cavendish Road State High School. I learnt a lot about interactions, public speaking and networking with inspirational people - the networking was beneficial as these people instilled the belief that hard work provides a foundation for achieving your dreams.
* Career Path at Cavendish Road State High School. I was able to become a way paver at my school. My creation of a personalised stream with subject choice assisted in gaining the desired marks for the degree I wished to study. In creating, I was able to hold my focus and passion of science, math and engineering. I felt a certain amount of privilege in being able to have the opportunity to be able to create this for myself and in turn, plant a seed for what is possible.
* Participation in the Kokoda Challenge. These opportunities have allowed me to overcome any mental obstacles that were created by my physicality.
The 20th century was the century of the oil and the gasoline engines. As a progression from that, the 21st century is the century of electricity. I look forward to being able to contribute to this era and envisage my mark through research and development.
The support received through this campaign will go toward paying my Undergraduate Studies at University as a permanent resident and international student. My intention is that as soon as my families application for citizenship has been approved the monetary remains shall be donated to organisations such as Guide Dogs Australia and Vision Australia. On approval of citizenship, I will happily incur all costs associated with my studies.
Location, opportunities, destination and support aside, I am the key to my future.
Further highlights of events I have participated in:
* 2013, 2014 & 2015: Optiminds Creative Sustainability Challenge. Science and Engineering Division, at Regional, State and National level. In 2013, we placed second at Regionals, 2014 we placed second at State and in 2015 we came second at Nationals. My team consisted of fellow classmates from Cavendish Road State High School.
* 2015: I participate in the Google and Griffith Robotics Competition. Our team of four (4) friends and I built an autonomous robot and named it Bob.
* 2013 (walking 48Km) and 2014 (walking 96Km), I completed the Kokoda Challenge. This endurance challenge sought to raise funds to assist underprivileged youth in Australia.
* 2015: (walking 55Km), I completed the Oxfam Trail Walker. This endurance challenge sought to raise funds for fighting poverty in Australia.
* 2014: I was elected as the Vice Captain of Cavendish Road State High School. In the same year, received The Spirit of Cavendish Award during that same year.
* 2015: I was the recipient of The White Cane Safety Award on behalf of a Teachers’ nomination. This award is given by The Lions Club. The white cane is a symbol of the user’s skills and talents, mobility and independence.
* 2015: I had the opportunity to do a 90Km tandem bike ride with my father and Guide Dogs Queensland.
"Barriers are only things that we put up ourselves"
I stand here before you vulnerably sharing my life story as a means of seeking connection and support for the next, and to me, crucial stage of my life. I believe that the pursuit of knowledge is something that human being have sought since the dawn of time for progression and I wish to play in that field fuelled by my passions of mathematics, science and physics.
I believe that everyone has a right to education, even though I believe this, I know that there are restrictions brought upon this experience by systems and self. I believe that expansion comes through following your passion. I love to question, research, understand, design and create. I am inspired by those who have made a mark in the field that I love and in my big picture dream I see a business that works with renewable energy, satellites and communication. My ‘here and now’ is evaluating the many mental responses that I have to the question of: Will I be able to accept an Undergraduate offer to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at a top Australian University?
My belief system is fuelled by faith and trust to see into my future where my physicality has me hindered. My vision does not define who I am. And it is not a deterrent for what I do. Barriers don’t exist, we put them in front of us. I have always sought adventures, challenges and new experiences that can help me grow as a person and, in turn, help others.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”
Albert Einstein
My name is Santiago Velasquez. I was born nineteen (19) years ago with Glaucoma, Sclerocornea and Microphthalmia, meaning I have no vision in the left eye and approximately 3% in the right eye.
I was born in Armenia, in the foothills of the Andes, Colombia with a population of approximately 265,000. The infrastructure and resources, such as the education system, public transport system, work opportunities and the attitude of the general public were limited in Colombia for those who are vision impaired.
My family consisting of my mother, father, brother and myself, have been living in Australia for almost 7 years with the hope of becoming citizens and actively contributing to the flourishing multicultural community that is Australia.
I appreciate being born into a family in which my parents had the foresight of the challenges and were able to educate and influence the attitudes of the people that surrounded us so as to pave a better foundation for my future. My parents have always been resourceful, creative and self-educated so as seek to improve my quality of life.
My awareness around potential stumbling blocks were realised at the age of ten (10), where as before they were only seen by my family and friends. At this time, I asked myself the question, “What do you want to do with your life?” and my self talk was that the Country I was living in was not ready to sustain my dreams of studying Engineering.
On migrating to Australia, in our gain to apply for citizenship, I acknowledge the challenges that my parents endured. They are professionals that have had to succumb to professions which are not of their original choosing, for the sake of keeping the family together and having our basic needs met. I was exhilarated in the knowledge of our impending migration to Australia as a family, however, we did not expect the process of citizenship to be as lengthy and arduous.
I view my past almost seven (7) years as being the most rewarding, exciting and challenging times of my life thus far. I learned a new language. I have experienced different cultures and I have learned immensely from the people I am surrounded by.
I have been amply supported since my stepping foot on this land of opportunity, allowing for expansion and safety. Key expansion points for me have been:
* Vice-Captaincy of Cavendish Road State High School. I learnt a lot about interactions, public speaking and networking with inspirational people - the networking was beneficial as these people instilled the belief that hard work provides a foundation for achieving your dreams.
* Career Path at Cavendish Road State High School. I was able to become a way paver at my school. My creation of a personalised stream with subject choice assisted in gaining the desired marks for the degree I wished to study. In creating, I was able to hold my focus and passion of science, math and engineering. I felt a certain amount of privilege in being able to have the opportunity to be able to create this for myself and in turn, plant a seed for what is possible.
* Participation in the Kokoda Challenge. These opportunities have allowed me to overcome any mental obstacles that were created by my physicality.
The 20th century was the century of the oil and the gasoline engines. As a progression from that, the 21st century is the century of electricity. I look forward to being able to contribute to this era and envisage my mark through research and development.
The support received through this campaign will go toward paying my Undergraduate Studies at University as a permanent resident and international student. My intention is that as soon as my families application for citizenship has been approved the monetary remains shall be donated to organisations such as Guide Dogs Australia and Vision Australia. On approval of citizenship, I will happily incur all costs associated with my studies.
Location, opportunities, destination and support aside, I am the key to my future.
Further highlights of events I have participated in:
* 2013, 2014 & 2015: Optiminds Creative Sustainability Challenge. Science and Engineering Division, at Regional, State and National level. In 2013, we placed second at Regionals, 2014 we placed second at State and in 2015 we came second at Nationals. My team consisted of fellow classmates from Cavendish Road State High School.
* 2015: I participate in the Google and Griffith Robotics Competition. Our team of four (4) friends and I built an autonomous robot and named it Bob.
* 2013 (walking 48Km) and 2014 (walking 96Km), I completed the Kokoda Challenge. This endurance challenge sought to raise funds to assist underprivileged youth in Australia.
* 2015: (walking 55Km), I completed the Oxfam Trail Walker. This endurance challenge sought to raise funds for fighting poverty in Australia.
* 2014: I was elected as the Vice Captain of Cavendish Road State High School. In the same year, received The Spirit of Cavendish Award during that same year.
* 2015: I was the recipient of The White Cane Safety Award on behalf of a Teachers’ nomination. This award is given by The Lions Club. The white cane is a symbol of the user’s skills and talents, mobility and independence.
* 2015: I had the opportunity to do a 90Km tandem bike ride with my father and Guide Dogs Queensland.
Organizer
Santi Vela
Organizer
Coorparoo QLD
