Over the last couple months, we’ve been spinning up a new program called updates@ to directly gather updates from Vittana students in our partner countries. Today, we’re excited give a quick preview of this program.
We’ve already received updates for many of our students, and each update is published the student’s page as we receive it. In the coming weeks, we’ll be unveiling this program in a much bigger way, but we wanted to get the word out now.
To see if your students have updated us with news about how they are doing, visit your portfolio page on the site, login, and scroll through the list of students you have lent to. Click through to different student’s pages to see if there are any new updates. You can also click on the link in the email we sent you about this — we promise this early preview of their stories is worth the effort!
Soon, these updates will become even easier to find. However, we all need an inspirational pick-me up once in awhile – so we wanted to share this new feature now.
Every story is a good one – but we wanted to share with you two amazing stories of promise and human potential we particularly loved.
First, an update on Isidro:
Isidro appeared on Vittana.org on Christmas Eve last year.He’s 33 years old and he’s been practicing dentistry since he was 13. That’s not a typo: in the turbulent days of the Nicaraguan revolution, anyone could practice medicine — because Isidro’s father was a dentist, Isidro started helping at an early age.Nonetheless, Isidro had always dreamed of finishing school and becoming a real, full-fledged dentist. Over the last 10 years, using money he saved from working and through the generosity of two American expats, he took whatever classes he could find and slowly worked towards his graduation.In January, five people from Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities made a loan to Isidro. Last month, he was finally able to graduate. Today, Isidro wanted us to tell you that he’s now an official, certified dentist. He’s already made 4 repayments on his loan!
Next, news from Thao:
When we first met her, Thao wanted to be a music teacher. She just loved kids and loved music, and what better way to combine the two?
After getting loans ranging everything from $22 to $200 and everywhere from Seattle to New York to Hungary, she was able to begin finishing her studies at the Hanoi College of Art. Now, five months later, she’s nearing her graduation. Like any young man or woman, she’s a little nervous about what that really means but is excited to be living her dream of becoming a teacher.
An excerpt, in her own words (you can see her full update on her page here):
“I am preparing to graduate from the Hanoi College of Art with a teaching degree in music instruction and music theory. Of course I am nervous because details of my appointment are still unclear, such as which school and program, but I am certain I will be living my dream. Currently, I am focused on continuing to cultivate my knowledge and expertise. To do this, outside of my courses I particiate in musical performances for small audiences and assist with adult music classes to develop my ability to help individuals overcome difficulties in the learning process.”
We’re getting more updates from Vittana students regularly. Despite all the challenges and big, unsolvable problems we hear about in the news every day, there are incredible stories of hope and human potential. These young men and women already have that amazing potential, but it’s really you who’s enabling them to achieve it. For someone like Thao who originally needed just $557 to finish school, a $25 or $50 loan can really make a big difference.
To our current, past and future lenders, we want to say thank you for all that you do — and that comes not just from the Vittana team, but now also from the Vittana students themselves.
Finally, we want to recognize our hard-working Vittana fellows – Jordan and Adam – for working so hard to interview students in their respective countries. Their efforts are tireless, and we look forward to their update emails. Sharing student news would not be possible without them!
Lisa is Vittana's Marketing Director.