Tatiana

My name is Tanya, and I live with my parents and brother, who is twelve years younger than me, in the capital of Moldova. In our family, it is not customary to show emotions, and we rarely hear our parents say that they love us, even though I feel their love through their care and provision. My family is Orthodox and we attend church on major holidays, so I've always had only a nominal idea of God. Throughout my adolescence, I participated in Christian events and camps; I heard about Jesus, but nothing touched me until I went to Young Life club. I was very surprised by the bright atmosphere of friendship, simplicity and freedom. I felt needed there and a part of something. I began going to church and serving, and then became part of the Young Life team. I took my step towards God and from that moment my life began to change, and I finally found deeper meaning. Now I am not in the shoes of a teenager, but in the shoes of a leader and a mentor. I have learned to be softer, to be generous and responsive, and above all, to be empathetic. I have been truly changed by this leadership opportunity. Creativity has always been a part of me and I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. Graphic design and illustration are most interesting to me and I hope to combine my gifts with my career. As a Developing Global Leader, I'm studying graphic design and will be the first in my family to earn a university degree. Furthering my education will affect me as a specialist, as a person, and as a participant in the future good of my community.