I want to become a Kiva Fellow because I have immense respect for Kiva Microfund’s mission and accomplishments. When I was in my third year of college, I achieved one of my lifelong aspirations: I finally traveled to India, a country that had captivated me for as long as I could remember. I had already traveled extensively throughout Europe and Belize, and felt it was time to gain the experience of living in another country. I enrolled in a study abroad program in Hyderabad through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and remained in India for a total of six months. There, I encountered many people living in abject poverty, several of whom were missing body parts, such as noses, legs, and fingers. I also met many gifted teachers, architects, entrepreneurs, technicians, artists, and agrarians who lacked the financial means to accomplish their goals. I visited schools that educated low-caste children (sometimes in secret), temples and mosques that provided food for anyone who came to them, and a non-governmental organization that worked to take children out of child labor and into education. Many of these stellar organizations were struggling financially, and I always made a point of giving a donation when I visited them. In India, I recognized the necessity of microfinance programs that help people utilize their skills, talents, and knowledge to advance economically.

My goal in life is to work in the nonprofit sector. My primary experience is in the educational sphere; however, working as a Kiva Fellow would allow me to gain knowledge of the microfinance sphere, as well as further international experience. This will help me develop skills and experience that will benefit me as I search for opportunities in the New York City nonprofit sphere. I believe my experiences in India will help me as a Kiva Fellow to remain calm in chaotic situations, maneuver through developing countries, and most importantly, show compassion and mercy to people who are struggling. Just as I was able to recognize organizations in India who needed and deserved my support and provide that support in my own small way, I would be able to do the same in my host country as a Kiva Fellow. My extensive volunteer experience in New York facilitating young people, painting a mural, and performing organizational tasks at Gay Men’s Health Crisis has also given me a strong work ethic and a profound passion and enthusiasm for volunteerism. As a Kiva Fellow, I would use those qualities to help achieve the goals of Kiva.