Cambridge Dream or how to win debates with Trump?

People usually start with phrase "My name is so and so, I am doing that and that", but let me challenge a little bit this perception of usual things.

Imagine yourself wanting to learn how to swim, but all the time you are afraid of something. You want to move forward, but this fear stops you. But if you are somewhere in the ocean and the only chance to survive is to learn how to do it right now, basically nothing can stop you. Why did I tell you that? Because it is how I live my life. I put myself in the middle of the ocean and try to learn times as much from that. And I can say it works.

When you know the principals I live my life, let me introduce myself. I came from Belarus (a country with lots of problems, lack of opportunities, but incredibly beautiful and full of amazing people). I have always been dare to bring positive changes to this marvelous place. That is how I decided to develop myself and gain as much as possible to implement once in Belarus.

Went to Gymnasium in Minsk (the capital of Belarus), finished with excellence. With no doubts went to the best university in the country to become The Economist (why "the"? because wanted and still want to be master in it). Received a government support which covered my tuition fee. Soon got that it is not enough for me and I want to move faster. I was pretty lucky to be selected among 100 people to study in the best university in Baltics and Nordic region. With the support of Swedish government, I was able to move to Riga and here I am. Someone put here full stop but not me.

As soon as I got to Belarusian State University, I understood that classes only cannot bring you enough skills and knowledge. I decided to "throw myself out of the hill" and see whether I would be able to climb on a mountain. I mean I decided to participate in one of the most prestigious business case tournament in Eurasia with no clue what business case is. After some time, I found myself in Riga participating in finals of this tournament. Some time later I have realized that I have won about 5 case championships in half a year. Was it challenging? Sure. Have I enjoyed it? No doubts.

The question could already arise why the campaign is named "how to won debates with Trump?". Debating is super valuable skill which every person can develop by himself. It influence on everything, even your own work, because you do not believe any more even yourself. I decided to foster my development in it and put me out of comfort zone as well. That is how I went to the International Session of European Youth Parliament. Soon I wanted more and tried British Parliamentary Debates. In about 3 month time I was selected to represent my school (Stockholm School of Economics in Riga) in the CAMBRIDGE IV. I suppose it is a dream of each debater, I am not an exception. The dream from childhood, to be among the most talented people in Europe, started "settling" my mind. The chance to debate with people who will run the world in the close future. Is it dream you can refuse? NO. I cannot. But for now costs of participation are above my capabilities. How difficult to realize that money issues stop you in such situation. But I believe that if you are passionated about something, you should struggle for that.

The costs associated with participation in the Cambridge IV 2016 taking place November 17-19 are follows:

1. VISA fee - EUR 163 - need your help

2. Plane tickets - EUR 100 (Ryanair) - covered by myself

3. Accommodation - EUR 40 (the cheapest hostel) - need your help

4. Living expenses - min EUR 40 (some food + tickets to Cambridge) - need your help

5. Participation fee - EUR 57 - covered by Leif Muten Society

250 EUR seems not much if 250 people donate insignificant amount of 1 EUR. But for me this sum is crucial and seems to be a month budget. I believe that you can participate in international events even if your parents are not rich enough to cover this costs. Volunteering in AIESEC and EYP, I have understood how important help could be and how much happier you can make person by sacrificing something insignificant small for you.

I believe that money cannot be an obstacle if you dare about a thing. Sometimes by doing really small thing you can change the life of a person completely.

P.S. And once you will be watching me on the TV debating with Trump, so help me win him :)