YOU-th ESSSAY COMPETITION  |   March - May 2005

 

Secondary School Category 1st Prize Winner
Hannah Rheya Devaser,
CHIJ St Theresa's

 

 

 

Title
DARING ENOUGH TO CHANGE THE WORLD


For most subjects, targeted results are achieved through fully comprehending formulas and methods we are taught. The same goes for changing the world. If we create for ourselves a formula - a sure-fire way of changing the world, the impossibility of it will become a reality. In view of this, I made for myself a system that will initiate and guide my task of changing the world.

MY FORMULA FOR WORLD-CHANGING

Step 1: To have a strong self-belief that changing the world is POSSIBLE.

Step 2: To view myself as an influencing factor that can alter mindsets and perceptions of society.

Step 3: By continually trying to inculcate a sense of deeper comprehension, in myself, of other religious practices apparent in the world.


Human history shows us that futuristic changes are possible. Using mobile phones and the internet, devices we did not have 10 years ago, international communication has become part of daily living. Historically, we are assured that change is promising. I plan to breathe life to that promise by following my chartered steps.

People affect the people around them- their fellow citizens the most, without being fully conscious of the impact their words and actions might have on others. The question of justice prevails throughout every political government. People always feel unfairly treated through the laws that the government passes or the way in which a new system is implemented. I seek to be that person of clarity who will address their worldly concerns, in a diplomatic way, to avoid unnecessary qualms over their initial uncertainties.

World changes mainly revolve around the mindsets of the majority, especially the youth in society. If I can inculcate a sense of willingness in these young individuals to get more involved in political discussions, to take pride in what is happening other than in their own countries, then maybe I will be able to initiate a world change. My ambition, therefore, is centralized around the teaching profession where I will be able to influence others with my own opinions. In this way, there will be greater exposure and understanding, in the field of politics, amongst the aspiring youths in our global nation.

When I look at the term ‘world’, I get the impression of diversity because of the many races and traditions that continue to exist to this present day. To me, I feel that every human being on this earth has a common goal to achieve personal greatness in categories like athletics, volunteerism or wealth.

Whatever the case may be, we must always bear in mind the essential fact of life that we can only achieve this wanted destiny by working together as one people. I intend to impart this learning through being knowledgeable of the various customs and ethnic groups that remain very much a part of the world’s people. Besides being well versed in cultural roots, I must also be able to speak my mind and challenge people whom I think are wrong or lacking in their comments either about the world’s potential troubles or about certain ideas expressed in international forums.

As an influencing factor, I must consistently revive family ties, as well as reinforce the actuality that success is possible through unity where every individual involved plays a vital role in the team’s journey to victory. A good team is the result of effective social cohesion whereby one is always trying to improve relations with strangers, acquaintances, friends and family.

To me, everyone has a special and unique gift that contributes to the well-being of the world that we dwell in. By giving others a chance to realize their individual gifts, their self-confidence will be boosted to make them persons of greater will and courage. To illustrate my point, I am now using my gift of the pen (or so I think) by expressing my thoughts in this essay.

Being practical measures my scale of potential. To be practical, I must not set over-the-top expectations so that my persistent project of ‘world-changing’ will never become impossible. Targeting a small audience, like the people around me, will not only test my capability but also check and confirm that I am on the right path towards achieving a world change. Furthermore, to ensure my practicality, I must erase the word ‘no’ from my vocabulary and always preserve in myself a never-die attitude that will bring meaning and life to my project.

Essentially, the world can only be changed by seeing it as it truly is – a place of ideal comfort and security for the forms through which nature manifests itself. As once said…

“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.” An Unknown Monk—1100 A.D

And I cannot agree more.


(896 words)

 

 



University Category Winners

1st Prize Sri Ranjini, Mei Hua (Nanyang Technological University)
2nd Prize George Baylon Radics (National University of Singapore)
Consolation Prize Patricia Loke Mei Khay (Nanyang Technological University)
Foreign Student Gloria Arlini (National University of Singapore)

Junior College/Polytechnic Category Winners
1st Prize Pang Tze Wei (Catholic Junior College)
2nd Prize Tan Li Ling (Hwa Chong Junior College)
Foreign Student Loo Li Jimmy (Ngee Ann Polytechnic)

Secondary School Category Winners
1st Prize Hannah Rheya Devaser (CHIJ St Theresa's)
2nd Prize Rohit Sajjan (Tanjong Katong Secondary School)
Consolation Prize Chen Jin Guan (Hwa Chong Institution)

Award Ceremony was held on 3 September 2005 at YOU-th SpeaK! Conference 2005