Lucien - Up With People Journey
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If you had asked me one year ago if I thought I'd want to travel the world with a performing group, I'm absolutely certain I would have told you that sort of thing wasn't for me. I'd have told you, I have stage fright, that I'm too much of a home body, that such a thing just didn't appeal to me. Anyone that knows me would agree.
However, this summer I went to watch my cousin perform in an Up With People show. As I watched the show, felt the energy from the stage and saw the camaraderie between everyone on the stage, it was as if I could feel all of their hard work culminating in this one night.
And to be totally honest, I felt horribly jealous. I wanted that -- to be part of something incredible. To work hard and contribute to a greater whole and have an entire audience acknowledge the effort and applaud you for it. I wanted to travel and make friends all over the world. I also loved the idea of living with host families, doing in-depth community service projects and spreading a message about cooperation and understanding between people.
In perhaps the most impulsive decision of my life I went immediately after the show to interview with the staff and filled out the paperwork necessary to join.
I'd never felt this way before, such a complete NEED to do something. I was swept up in my own momentum, with only that feeling to hold on to.
A week passed, and I received a letter of acceptance. Which leads me to the here and now.
I've made it this far, spurred on by the inspiration I felt that night. But as much as it pains me to say I don't yet have the financial means to take this trip.
I've been working two jobs for the past year or so, and I certainly have a decent chunk tucked away in the bank, but, I need quite a bit more for the tuition. In order to achieve my goal, I need to raise about $10,000 dollars by early January.
Successfully raising those funds would mean I'd be able to go on a trip with a cast of interesting people. In every place they perform, they also provide community service, as well as help to spread an incredible message about acceptance and equality. This is a group which has touched thousands of lives, and with your support, I hope to be a part of that.
Thanks for being a part of my Journey! Please consider making a contribution toward my Up With People tuition today. I will be so grateful!
-Lucien Szurley
However, this summer I went to watch my cousin perform in an Up With People show. As I watched the show, felt the energy from the stage and saw the camaraderie between everyone on the stage, it was as if I could feel all of their hard work culminating in this one night.
And to be totally honest, I felt horribly jealous. I wanted that -- to be part of something incredible. To work hard and contribute to a greater whole and have an entire audience acknowledge the effort and applaud you for it. I wanted to travel and make friends all over the world. I also loved the idea of living with host families, doing in-depth community service projects and spreading a message about cooperation and understanding between people.
In perhaps the most impulsive decision of my life I went immediately after the show to interview with the staff and filled out the paperwork necessary to join.
I'd never felt this way before, such a complete NEED to do something. I was swept up in my own momentum, with only that feeling to hold on to.
A week passed, and I received a letter of acceptance. Which leads me to the here and now.
I've made it this far, spurred on by the inspiration I felt that night. But as much as it pains me to say I don't yet have the financial means to take this trip.
I've been working two jobs for the past year or so, and I certainly have a decent chunk tucked away in the bank, but, I need quite a bit more for the tuition. In order to achieve my goal, I need to raise about $10,000 dollars by early January.
Successfully raising those funds would mean I'd be able to go on a trip with a cast of interesting people. In every place they perform, they also provide community service, as well as help to spread an incredible message about acceptance and equality. This is a group which has touched thousands of lives, and with your support, I hope to be a part of that.
Thanks for being a part of my Journey! Please consider making a contribution toward my Up With People tuition today. I will be so grateful!
-Lucien Szurley
Organizer
Lucien Szurley
Organizer
Lincoln, RI
