Xavier and Kiani are new members of the MINDDRIVE’s 2013 program. Both are participants in the communications class and were both asked about their aspirations for the year and what they hope to learn from their experience.
“I want to learn how to improve my public speaking skills”, said Kiani. “I want to be comfortable in front of an audience and be able to comfortably talk about any subject. Last year, other students where asked to write a letter to someone they wanted to meet that inspired them; a lot of students received responses. I want to study fashion design in college and if they can do that, I want to get in touch with somebody that can help me start my career-somebody who can relate to my opinions”.
Xavier hopes to use MINDDRIVE as an outlet for his passion to write. “I joined MINDDRIVE because I felt like it was an opportunity to do one thing I love to do: write. On the first day of classes, I said something I’ve never felt comfortable saying out loud before-’I love to write!’ I know MINDDRIVE is going to help me expand my skills”.
He also talked about how he felt a sense of acceptance at the program. “I needed a place where I could be my goofy, energetic and passionate self without being an outsider. I was with peers who had the same feelings and wanted to fit in, too. Yeah, I play sports at school and I don’t exactly feel excluded from friends, but I couldn’t go up to the guys and say, ‘Hey, let’s do an open mic at the coffee house!’ I don’t want to have to wear that mask everywhere I go. For once, MINDDRIVE is the place where I can take that mask off and be who I truly am.”