TRANSLATION OF MY ARTICLE ABOUT THE PARTECIPATION OF HORSEASON TO THE ISF CAUSE AND ABOUT IAN'S MISSION (SEE ALSO http://bit.ly/uBmSY9) - Most of you already know that I’ve chosen, in spite of the difficulties of the Italian system, to become a teacher. What led me through this path wasn’t only the opportunity to communicate bits of knowledge about foreign languages and literatures (which are definitely a great instrument of exchange with other cultures)… my choice was especially influenced by my purpose to teach my students how to think, to question, to doubt.. and through curiosity and a clear head to be able to find themselves.
Probably for this reason I’ve really felt amazed when I got to know the cause of the ISFoundation, which has been started and organized by the famous actor Ian Somerhalder (whom you probably know from “TVD” or “Lost”). Independentely of the fact that I personally love and respect Ian as an actor but especially as a man, I would now focus on his words, which have actually inspired me. He perfectly said that, having the opportunity to talk and be followed by a large teenagers’ audience, he decided to approach them in a most constructive way, being an inspiration for the youth, which has got so much positive energy to convey.
He could be easily only enjoying the overwhelming passion expressed by his young fans in front of his sparkling blue eyes, but he decided to do something different, instead, giving them much more value and consideration: Ian decided to be such an inspiration to them, showing them the way to transform their often disoriented energies into a proper constructive movement that will lead them to a new personal, social and environmental awareness.
I agree with Ian and his mission of giving young people an opportunity to make a difference and to properly get in touch with reality.
I think that teenagers are often, unfortunately, the weak link of our society, because they are often suffering a lack of points of reference and they may become vain and unaware individuals dominated by their own “griffed” appearance. This is something we must change because our youth can be so MUCH MORE than this: they have enough power, heart and empathy to become the hope of our Planet. Unfortunately they aren’t usually considered this way and I often notice their complete unconsciousness concerning the most important topics over here (in Italy): the change of our government, the present economical condition, pollution, green energy, and so on are a complete black hole when I start talking with my students during our classes. Considering this situation, I’ve felt more and more involved in this project of education of young people to a new active and positive perspective.
In fact I believe that only respecting ourselves we will learn to respect the world around, and, at the same time, only being aware of what is happening on this Earth, we will be able to understand ourselves.
Sara Albanese (30 years old – Italy)
Website: http://www.horseason.com  our specific field is horse-riding as an emotional experience of fusion between man and animal. We champion initiatives that are aimed to the protection of animals (especially horses) from shows and other dangerous activities and we’re actively involved in horse therapy and hippotherapy. We try to spread the culture of respect and the use of natural products, which we also produce. Our philosophy is about balance, respect and a sense of belonging

I might not be the best Volunteer or Fundraiser but I'm decent at it and I can't think of a downside of throwing a vote my way.