The following story is written by Harrison Tu, a member from Oceanside, CA. Harrison is a 21-year-old college student who loves to use Simbi and studies foreign languages at college. He loves Simbi because it’s an opportunity to meet new people, do the things he loves, and receive help in return.
I am totally blind. I rely only on words to access this community of caring humans throughout the world.
Let me take you through my Simbi journey, starting from when I joined to now, five months later. I’ll share with you all of the things I’ve tried, all of the things that worked, and those that didn’t.
I remember my first deal like it was yesterday. I was able to get someone to read a book for me in audio. This was a book I had wanted to read, but physically could not since it was only published in print form. I knew that Simbi had many wonderful people and that if I was willing to trade services, I would be able to obtain things that my blindness had not allowed me to access, and my budget definitely couldn’t afford.
When I started trying to think of what service I could offer, my first thought turned to languages. There are so many people trying to learn different languages, and I’m glad to say that I’ve tutored at least 5 different people in Spanish. It has been an intensely rewarding experience. And that’s really what’s awesome about Simbi- it really doesn’t feel like work, because you are doing the things you love. You aren’t slaving away at a 9 to 5 job, trying to make ends meet. But instead, you are trading a service you love to do, for another service you desperately need. It’s a win-win for everyone!
My favorite Simbi experience was not something I received, but something I gave.
It was also one of the very first deals I made. When I started, I expected to give a traditional Spanish class like any other. However, the questions she asked caused me to think about my preconceived notions about language learning, something that I thought I knew very well. She also told me that she had had a hard time finding a teacher who could work with her, and we are still friends today. Is this something that this person would have the real money to be able to do? Probably not. I felt amazing, knowing that by my actions, I was able to help someone in a positive way.
I define Simbi by the wonderful friendships forged through the community, and all it has to offer. Stay symbiotic!
Symbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members.Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 
.
