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My Story
My name is Janna Cardia and I am a singer, actor, dancer and soon to be Bikram Yoga instructor (with your help). I am hoping to raise $5900 in order to help pay for the Bikram Yoga 2011 Fall Training Session in Los Angeles. I am reaching out to family, friends and other generous supporters who would like to help me reach my ultimate goal.
The Impact
The impact I will have on others as a Bikram Yoga Teacher is life altering. The practice of Bikram Yoga consists of a ninety minute moving meditation which involves doing 26 postures twice in a heated room of about 105 degrees. With consistent practice one will acquire strength, flexibility, endurance, commitment, focus, a positive mental attitude, peace of mind, and ultimately self realization.
As an instructor of Bikram Yoga I will be instrumental to each student by guiding, encouraging and inspiring them through the journey of their practice. I know as a teacher I will have the opportunity to touch, heal, change and most assuredly save lives.
My own practice is sacred to me. I take the Bikram method very seriously and always see it as my personal responsibility to set my highest example of the practice in class. I know that now I am my own best teacher and I look forward to one day being the best teacher I can be to others.
What I Need
The total cost of the Bikram Yoga training is $10,900. The Bikram Yoga training is a nine week intensive in Los Angeles. It includes room and board at a hotel near LAX International Airport. The program consists of practicing Bikram Yoga twice a day, six days a week. Between daily yoga classes there will be tutorials on the Bikram dialogue, posture clinics, and anatomy classes. Upon completion of the nine week training, I will be a certified Bikram Yoga instructor and able to teach at any Bikram Yoga studio in the world! (Trumpets Blaring!)
My Current Situation
As
an actress living in New York it is very challenging to save
additional money after all my bills are paid and monthly expenses accounted for.
Although I have been saving diligently for nearly two years, I have a
great deal more to go until I can afford my certification.As a performer I spend my days auditioning and my nights working odd jobs such as catering or being a nanny. When the stars align I am fortunate enough to do my first love: Musical Theater. These contracts generally last 6-12 weeks, at which point I return back to the life of seeking work and customer service jobs and so the cycle continues.
I believe that being certified in yoga can offer me more balance in my life. It will allow me to pursue my other passion in the sense that I will be able to focus on auditioning and teaching without the stress of juggling a multitude of jobs. Although I am grateful for my survival jobs, I would love nothing more than to do musical theater and supplement my income as a yoga instructor.
My Journey
I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for three years and knew within the first year that I wanted to teach the method.When I began looking into the training I soon realized that it would be a great time commitment as well as an even greater financial commitment. I know my ideal plan is within reach and yet it has required a lot of patience along the way.
Last year I applied for the Bikram Yoga scholarship which offers the training for free as well as covering all of the living and meal expenses. I knew the scholarship was a long shot but worth going for. Unfortunately I didn't get the scholarship but the financial office said they could work out a payment plan. At the time, I was not even able to figure out a payment plan. This year I once again applied for a payment plan for the spring training session and yet they were unable to accommodate me.
I also applied for a scholarship through a program called Dancers in Transition. This scholarship awards the recipient $2500 towards furthering education. I also didn't receive this particular scholarship.
My final try at a possible scholarship was through the Actors Work Fund. This incredible organization gives actors in the union access to resources from free computer training to affordable housing. When I went to the Actors Fund for help they were unable to assist at the time. Due to the recession, the Actors Fund resources for scholarship money had been placed on hold.
As fruitless as my efforts may seem, I have discovered that through the process of applying for the various scholarships, I am solidifying exactly what I want and getting closer to my dream.
Other Ways YOU Can Help!
Take yoga! Any type of yoga promotes good health and harmony with others. If you've seen my campaign please help spread the word. If you donate, post your good deed on Facebook, Twitter or any other social network that you're involved with. Give what you can. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and your generous donations. Namaste.Updates!
Just wanted to keep you all in the loop as to how my fund-raising is going. Between my savings and by your generous donations, I have a little over half of my tuition towards my certification. There has been a little change in my plan however. I will be taking the Spring training next year instead of this years Fall Training. This fall I will be playing the title role in "Victor Victoria" at Stages of St. Louis. I am so thrilled to get to perform this role and I will be ready next spring to become Bikram certified! Thank you again for helping me achieve my dream.
