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YOU-th
ESSSAY COMPETITION |
March - May 2005 |
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Secondary School Category
1st Prize Winner
Hannah Rheya Devaser, CHIJ St Theresa's
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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 worlds 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 worlds 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 teams 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 Monk1100
A.D
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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
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