While Elon Musk was conquering space, we also launched more than one rocket — our managers did not sit idly by. The #Fighters interview series is an opportunity to learn more about our "conquerors" of the online project space. What are they interested in, how are they inspired by new solutions in projects and what do they dream about? Today we get acquainted with the project manager of "Zero Waste School" Vasyl Teremta.

How do you like the new format of work?
Working in the online format is quite difficult because there is always a need for live communication, not just virtual. Despite all the challenges, my team and I still held Zero Waste School — it was a new experience, but I think it worked out. I read the feedback of the participating teams, their posts on social networks, they write that they are very happy with this opportunity when the project can be visited online. I'm glad we managed to keep the efficiency and the impression.

How did your story with the foundation begin?
My relationship with the foundation began with Internship 5.0 in 2017. During my internship, I communicated with boxing federations and held an international boxing tournament. I was attracted by the opportunity to implement ideas that are really of great value to society. I have been part of the foundation for three years now and I feel that our efforts are yielding results. Participants talk about changes in themselves and society - and this is very motivating to transform projects, try something new so that the project always changes and becomes even more valuable and interesting for participants.

Why are the projects you work on important to society?
One person's activities can pose a threat to another. I want us all to feel responsible for our actions. I want society to adopt a bit of an altruistic mood and be able to feel those or things that need our attention now. In our project, we teach that the action of each person has an impact on the environment.

Did you have such a moment while working in the fund, which significantly changed the values, views on something?
In the projects, there is a transformation of participants. They lose the fear of what seemed unattainable to them. At times it seemed that I had an extraordinary ability:
the ability to ignite in people the desire to work and become a better version of themselves.

Do you easily manage to abstract from work tasks, or do you get up at night thinking about your project?
Before the project, I can wake up at night or remember something I had to do. I can't completely abstract, because from any situation or even just watching a movie you can find something that will be useful in project activities.

What do you do besides work?
I am interested in the initiatives of other organizations and businesses. I communicate with contractors and together we create something for projects. I often go to the bookstore for inspiration.

Who would you like to have coffee with? Why with him/her?
Coffee is not my favorite drink, but I would start with someone with whom I have long lost touch. I was lucky enough to communicate with many people who influenced my worldview. Yes, in Washington, I met a retired woman who had worked for the New Your Times all her life. It was after the acquaintance and long conversations about Ukraine and international relations that I decided to subscribe to this publication. Sometimes I remember our conversation and smile because it was she who opened my love for publications.

What advice would you give yourself as a teenager?
Learn more foreign languages ​​and apply for the School of Success. :)

What are you dreaming about?
About the absence of wars and unity of action in the fight to solve other global problems.

The best gift you've ever received?
Recognition of the Zero Waste School project in the international arena and receiving an award in the National Project category from the Energy Globe Awards (Vienna, Austria). But this is not exactly a gift, to receive the award, you need to join your efforts and support the team, that's when the best gifts come out, realized by common aspirations.

What is your favorite place in Kyiv? What do you like/dislike most about Kyiv?
Rusanivka is my favorite place in Kyiv. Many people, when they find out that I live on the left bank, ask me: “Wow, do you have a long way to go to work? There is nothing for recreation and entertainment. "Then I turn on the left bank defender and tell the following:
First, it is on the left bank that the largest number of trees per person.
Secondly, Rusanivka is located in the middle, so it is difficult to say which shore it is. :) By the way, this is one of the first artificial alluvial islands in the world.
Thirdly, in Rusanivka you can find many opportunities to have a great time - here you have a canal, fountains with musical accompaniment, and the Dnieper itself, and a large park with interesting institutions.
The city, like everyone else, doesn't like the ecology and the state of the air the most.