Volunteering Stories of an Analyst and a Graphic Designer!

Kevin Heath said, “Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.”
 

Atypical Advantage has been lucky enough to have such people who were willing to step forward and take the opportunity to be kind to other people in need. We present to you the amazing stories of volunteering and kindness by Varun Chintalapati and Usaid Shaikh, who chose to dedicate a portion of time out of their own busy lives to help out people who needed a helping hand on not only one, but many occasions.

Varun Chintalapati: The Analyst who loves listening to life stories

Being an ESG Analyst at an American Investment Management firm, Varun tries to spare some time during weekends to volunteer with us and help us by writing bios of people who are unable to do so on their own. With a love for football and a shy demeanor, he strives to get people to talk about their interests and their journeys with him. He is also trained in classical music.

Varun describes his volunteering experience as follows-

“I don’t get much time to socialise with people as I work a lot during the weekdays. I tend to spare some during weekends to talk to new people about their journey and their experiences. They seem to be eager to chat and can have a hearty conversation. The happiness they radiate while talking about their life is so inspiring. They don’t back down from challenges, rather take them head on and come out with more power. Moreover, I didn’t know about the correct terms we should use while addressing people with disabilities, and after talking to so many people, I think I know what words I should use. Learning about the difficulties they face and the life that they have had is heart-warming and makes you appreciate life even more. I am grateful to Atypical Advantage for giving me this opportunity and enlightening me with so many wonderful stories of courageous people.”

Usaid Shaikh: Our talented Graphic Designer to the rescue!

Usaid Shaikh is a graphic designer, video editor and animator from Mumbai and at present doing his internship with McCann Erickson India Pvt Ltd. He has always been inclined towards creativity. All-rounder Usaid is also a singer, drummer, dancer, pianist, plays keyboard, loves poetry recitation, rapping and is an aspiring filmmaker. Usaid has won numerous awards for his exceptional talents and skills. He was diagnosed with autism in his early childhood and since then he started using art and sketches as means of communication. It has been a long journey from the time when social interaction was a challenge for him to the screening of his short film "True Happiness" in Mumbai International Film Festival 2020. He has done Diploma in Autodesk Maya from MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics) and VFX Prime from Arena Animation. He has been doing freelance work in graphic designing , video editing and illustration work for the last 2 years. 

He says, “I love working with Vineet sir, Rhea and Simran ma’am at Atypical Advantage. They are patient with me, supportive and explain the work very well. After the work is completed, I feel excited and motivated to do more work. Thank you Vineet sir and Atypical Advantage for giving me the opportunity and the platform to showcase my skills. With much love and gratitude ~ Usaid”

Such people manage to ignite the true spirit of humanity and make us believe that there is still hope left in this world which stops for no one. People who make us believe in the power of unity and who encourage the feeling of togetherness.

If you are willing to extend your skills and expertise in helping people who need it, please visit here to register as a volunteer with Atypical Advantage.

Atypical Advantage is Planet’s first Talent platform for People with Disabilities. Explore our website to hire diverse talent, shop for products made by people with disabilities, browse through exquisitely curated art. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, read more about us on our blog, sign up for mentorship, volunteer with us or feel free to contribute here.