From Shy Student to Confident Freelancer: Arbias’ Journey with VA Program

t just 19 years old, Arbias, a second-semester computer science and engineering student at UBT in Fizai, Kosovo, has already begun carving a path toward success.

His participation in the MaNaBu Youth VA Program, was a turning point that helped him overcome shyness, build valuable skills, and forge meaningful connections. In this blog, we dive into Arbias’ inspiring journey and how VA program empowered him to take control of his future.

From Shy Student to Confident Freelancer

Arbias’ story begins with hesitation. As a shy teenager, he was reluctant to engage in new opportunities. “I was scared to talk, to turn on my camera. So to be like an open person until I started the program,” he recalls.

His father’s encouragement led him to apply for VA after spotting an opportunity on Facebook. Despite his initial reservations, Arbias was accepted, marking the start of a transformative experience.

The first two weeks of the program were challenging. Arbias was so reserved that he nearly faced expulsion for not participating actively. “I was the only one that was off on that program. I wasn’t turning my camera. I wasn’t talking. I wasn’t making any questions,” he shares.

However, the program’s supportive environment and practical tasks pushed him to step out of his comfort zone.

One pivotal moment came when Arbias was tasked with approaching 20 mobile shops in Fizai to offer social media management services. “I got rejected 20 times in a single day,” he says.

But instead of giving up, this experience became a defining lesson. “That was the best thing that happened to me because I left my phone number to a couple of them, and from that on, I started getting connections, started talking to people.”

This resilience transformed him from “shy Arbias” to the confident young man he is today.

Building Skills and Financial Independence

The VA Program equipped Arbias with practical skills that went beyond his university curriculum. While school didn’t teach him about taxes or freelancing, the program filled that gap. “We learned about taxes in the program.

In school, we don’t learn about those. So this is a big bonus for us as we work as freelancers,” he explains. These lessons gave him a foundation for financial independence, a critical step for any young professional.

Beyond technical skills, Arbias developed video editing and programming expertise, collaborating with peers who shared his interests as full-stack developers.

“One of the main skills that I have developed was video editing, and I had a couple of friends that were the same as me in front and back-end development,” he says.

These skills opened doors to remote work opportunities, aligning with the growing demand for freelancers in today’s digital economy.

Arbias also ventured into creating AI tools, including an AI agent for restaurant reservations and another for dental appointments. “I’m working on an AI tool about restaurants.

You will make reservations just from the AI. It will notify you when your reservation is ready,” he shares. These projects reflect his forward-thinking approach and ability to leverage technology to solve real-world problems in Kosovo, where such innovations are still emerging.

The Power of Mentorship and Community

A key element of Arbias’ success was the mentorship he received from Lumiana and Annis, whom he describes as “the nicest people that I have ever met.” Their dedication went beyond the program’s requirements, spending extra hours to help him optimize his LinkedIn and freelancer profiles.

“They stayed almost two hours extra just for me to help me with my LinkedIn account, to help me with my freelancer account,” he recalls.

This guidance was instrumental in landing his first job during the program’s final month, followed by subsequent opportunities that built his confidence and portfolio.

The VA community also played a crucial role. Arbias found peers who became lifelong friends and professional allies. “Every time I had a problem with something, I found help in the program,” he says.

From navigating college applications to collaborating on video editing projects, the community provided a trusted network that extended beyond the program. “I was going to apply to two colleges.

I didn’t know which one was the best for me. I asked the community, and there were two students—one in RIT, one in UBT—and I took every single thing from them,” he shares.

Overcoming Failure and Embracing Resilience

Arbias’ journey wasn’t without setbacks, but VA Program taught him the value of resilience. After facing 20 rejections in a single day, he nearly quit. Yet, a few days later, a client called, leading to his first paid gig outside his family business.

“It was my first time getting paid outside my family business. I was really proud of it. Really happy,” he says. This experience reinforced his belief that persistence pays off. “You will always fail.

The right people with the right mentors, you will always succeed. It’s only between you and your mind,” he advises.

Why Arbias Recommends VA Program

For Arbias, VA is more than a training program—it’s a life-changing opportunity. He urges others to join, especially those who are shy or uncertain about their future. “If you are a shy person, just apply without thinking twice because it will help you with everything,” he says.

He highlights three key benefits: overcoming shyness, gaining clarity on career and life choices, and building a network of friends and mentors. “You will get to know new people, you will have new friends, you will have the time of your life,” he emphasizes.

Take the Leap with the MaNaBu VA Program

Arbias’ story is a testament to the transformative power of the VA Program. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned freelancer, this program equips you with the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive in the digital world.

Don’t let doubt hold you back—take the first step toward your dream career today.

Parent Feedback Highlights:  

“You guys are God’s blessing for us - I never imagined someone would want to come here to do something so wonderful for our children!”

“Thank you very much, dear Andreas, for your precious support. Yes, we spent a great time together and we had amazing outputs out of our cooperation. This is awesome!”

The mission of the MaNaBu Movement Youth VA Program is to empower teenagers and young adults in the Balkan area with remote working skills, tools, and internationally recognized certifications.

It’s an opportunity for young people to learn about and develop in-demand skills while being supported in their transition from school to work, helping them find the right balance in their lives. Read more here

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Call to Action: Ready to transform your future like Arbias? Start with Freelance Foundations - or Apply for VEA Here.