Nine questions with Eli

A portrait of Eli
Written by Angel Lindberg Vazquez on June 11th, 2015
SkyWay's Communications Coordinator/Youth Worker

1. So Eli, how did you become involved in SkyWay?

I’m from Germany and I plan to study Sport Event Management when I return. I have come to SkyWay to volunteer and gain experience of working with young people in London.

2. Tell us an interesting fact about you?

I won a talent competition when I was 10 for riding the unicycle.

3. Which young person/people have inspired you?

The young German actor Samuel Koch inspired me. He was a good active sportsman who became paraplegic after a bad accident he became paraplegic. After this accident he stayed positive and carries on living his life as he wants. He does not notice that he sits in a wheelchair. He shows me that you should never give up no matter what happens and that your family and friends will still love you and believe on you. It gives an answer for every problem and makes me believe I only live once so I will enjoy every second in my life.

4. What is your earliest memory?

I was four years old and I had a competition with my brother about who could put the most cherries in their own mouth. My mouth was so full with cherries that I started to laugh. I spat the cherries out and my face and my clothes were stained with the red juice.

5. What would you tell your younger self?

To learn more and listen better at school.

6. What’s the best thing about Hackney?

The people I’ve met in Hackney are so friendly and helpful. I experience this in Germany but did not expect it here so it was nice to be surprised.

7. What meal would you share with a young person?

A tradition Russian meal called ‘Pelmeni’ (a type of dumplings) and for the dessert, Blenijs.

8. How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as a fun-loving cheerful person.

9. What have you learnt from young people?

They don’t like to be bored and always want to be doing something like cooking, dancing or playing football.

Thanks Eli!