Be the change: Everyday Potential in Everyday People, by Meenal Vamburkar
Holding the door open for someone behind you. Writing a secret on a postcard and mailing it to a stranger. Helping someone with luggage at an airport. These are just a few examples of small acts that occur in every part of the world, every single day. Though the acts may be as varied as the people they involve, each of them exemplifies a common theme: the inherent connection with and compassion for another human being.
I am not venturing to say holding open a door means a person necessarily has a big heart and charitable will. But it does show that someone cares. Even if it is in the smallest, most trivial way. It connects us.
These small instances of compassion are what keep me optimistic. They convince me that we have the capability to create the social change the world needs. You may ask why I draw such a big conclusion from such a simple premise. Simply put: we care. About ourselves, but also about each other. We want to help each other because we generally don’t like to see suffering and pain. After all, sympathy (and empathy) is part of what makes us human, right?
Despite this, we have myriad problems and issues that are not even close to being solved. I think there is one main obstacle that stands in our way. Ignorance. Since I knew what the word meant, I’ve been bothered by it. To think that a large number of people don’t act because they are ignorant about the issues facing millions across the globe is not only sad, but also frustrating.
This is why I really believe increasing awareness is a major part of social change. People are uninformed—they just don’t know the reality and scope of our problems. Phrases like “AIDS in Africa” and “poverty in Southeast Asia” are thrown around every day, but how many people really stop to think about the enormity of those problems?
Spreading information and putting it in relative terms is important. Concrete statistics are great, but putting it in perspective—relative to familiar aspects of our lifestyle here—makes information so much more comprehensible. Only then does the point really hit home, really change the way a person thinks.
As a journalism major, it’s no surprise I make a conscious effort to keep up with current events. But that is not the case for a large portion of the population. Still, I remain optimistic because I see potential every single day.
The Changemaker
Meenal Vamburkar is studying journalism and international relations. Always curious, she is passionate about travel. She loves poetry, meeting new people, Turner Classic Movies and spontaneity. Her favorite ice cream is Cookies ‘n Cream. She aspires to combine her passions and one day be a voice for those whose struggles are often neglected.
Connect with her at her blog, News, Notes & Bylines, or on Twitter @meenalvamburkar!
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