is a nonprofit organization, dedicated towards providing an unforgetable travel experience to students through diversity, service, and positive energy.
Leading the Way is one of Global Explorer's programs. It's goal is to offer challenges to students and through them, make them into leaders and unite them as a team.
Both the blind and sighted unite in experiencing an oppertunity of a lifetime, building friendships and a positive team along the way.
My name is Tamas, though many commonly call me Tomi. I am almost completely blind, due to being premature and thus being effected by a condition known as ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). I currently see light perception on my right eye only. I was raised and born in the country of Hungary, and lived there for 12 years. There I experienced a wide range of situations and circumstances, as the Hungarian government does not look upon the visually impaired the same way the American does.
Currently I'm a Junior in High school, and possess a personality which is laid back, cheerful, and enthusiastic. Yet I can also be serious when need implies. My personality therefore allows me to be a "jack of all trades" and work in several hobbies, from computer programming and robotics, to journalism and the arts.
Today, the true state of world looks upon a disability with curiosity and ignorance. Many do not understand the power of positive effort and unique experience which a disability provides to an individual.
Therefore it is important to show the world that disabilities only limit a person if this is chosen in free will. It is also important to demonstrate the alternative and successful ways through which the disabled accomplish tasks.
Global Explorers is around the world, literarly. Although the organization is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, it's members span the entire globe. Students, volunteers, guides, educators... Come from all backgrounds, cultures, and areas.
There are many "branches" of Leading the way. Some take trips to the Yucatan, the Andes, and any other natural location across the globe. The program which I have been accepted into will take a 2 week long expedition of the grand canyon, between July 6 and the 21st.
I am a very optimistic person. Never in my life have I allowed my loss of vision impact what I do.
My goal is to bring change. To spread enthusiasm and my experiences across students and adults alike. Through this I create the changes I desire -- a more positive world!
A trip to the grand canyon will allow me to:
I need the assistance of anyone I can find. If you are a member of the media, the government, a business, a firm -- or even just a regular person, you can help me create success in this trip.
Often times, the one limiting factor (and a minor/major one in some aspects), is money. Because Global Explorers is a nonprofit organization, fundraising is an important aspect of their programs.
This is only a good thing, as through fundraising I can interact with a wide variety of people and the media!
Any donations and even simple resources would benefit me in making 2009, a successful experience.
No e-mail is left unappreciated. Even a few lines of saying hi will give me hope and a sense that there are people who care and respect what I wish to accomplish. If you know of any person -- Media, business, etc -- who you think would be willing to help, please do not hesitate to e-mail me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you yourself wish to contribute ANY sum of money towards this trip, you may also do so by e-mailing me directly. I will contact you and provide you with further details on how your payment can arrive to me safely. Currently I accept checks as well as cash.
gt1991@gmail.comThe current goal, for the month of February, is to raise $840. The money is due on March 01. If donations surpass this amount, they will be used to benefit the Global Explorers organization. Please check this section of the website to see if the value of this amount changes.
Creating a more peaceful and diverse world is important. Through unity, teamwork, leadership, we all can ensure that less ignorance is found in the world. Because one person is one voice and thought, and one voice is able to make so many changes in the world. Multiply that with the entire staff and community of Global Explorers. And think of the thousands of lives which we all can impact.
You too can become a part of the team, and Lead the way, today!