HOSFU: “What was the first important lesson you learned as a child?” Charissa Landicho: Growing up, my family struggled financially. I was raised determined, with the understanding that to accomplish great things, you have to work hard. But, working hard doesn’t mean that you leave people behind, but instead, you build up the people that are around you. With this came the mantra, “𝑮𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆", which has led me to the two incredible organizations, Generocksity - Vancouver and Employ to Empower. Both of these initiatives understand that people want to achieve great things, but may lack the proper resources along the way. They understand that these resources are more than just finances and that the circumstances of an individual are unique, incomparable, and equally valued. The essence of giving isn’t exclusive based on one’s class. It can come in many forms whether that be emotional support, insight, or just being present. Needing help and giving help, isn’t weakness within the individual, but strength in our abilities to support one another, learn and collaborate. P.S I met Charissa Landicho at the Cardboard Project 2.0: From Dark to Light [95% sold out] by Employ to Empower. She is a student at University of British Columbia and currently the President of Generocksity - Vancouver. cc: Humans of UBC 2.0 Deirdre Pinnock Designs YogaPanda Photography - 珈熊影社 #employtoempower #hosfu #collaboration #dtes #yogapandaphoto #mantra
