Scholarship Essay Entry – Chad L.

My part in changing the world around me begins with simple principles, and it begins with my neighbors. Although it is good to have high aspirations and to believe in a radical transformation of the human experience - whether that belief involves elimination of poverty, religious tolerance, or accessible education to all people – I have a practical responsibility: to treat every moment as an opportunity for kindness. In other words, as someone who proclaims that the world can be a better place for future generations, it is my moral obligation to hold the door open for a stranger, or to welcome somebody who feels unwelcome. I can do these simple acts while simultaneously planning for my career as a health-care worker who may someday save someone’s life, or possibly many lives.
 
As hinted at above, I believe there are two approaches to changing the world that are equally important. One approach involves planning, strategy, and the coordinated efforts of many people. Examples of this approach include UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, and, arguably, higher education. The other approach is more spontaneous. It deals immediately with every person “coming your way” and is adept at offering comfort, hope, and peace in a more personalized way. This second approach is the less glorified of the two, but its’ usefulness and power should not be overlooked. To be reminded of the power of this second approach I only have to think of situations where people have treated me kindly. One situation that comes to mind is when a complete stranger struck up a friendly conversation with me on campus. For a while after, a spark was set off that allowed me to be more kind to others I met that day, and my University studies were fuelled with more motivation to use my knowledge for good. So, through a series of unplanned events and thoughts, an act of kindness allowed me to sit ungrudgingly through a Biomedical Instrumentation class knowing that this theoretical knowledge can and should be translated into life-saving medical devices.
 
I am a strong supporter of large organizations such as UNICEF and Doctors without Borders, and I know that education is a gift that can be used to help many other people. However, I also know that giving my time in smaller ways to the people I meet on the street, on the LRT, or at a Tim Horton’s line-up on campus, can light a spark in them that can then light a spark in others. This will undoubtedly lead to a much bigger “flame” in the world than if I was to keep my spark contained in a box of rigid ideas and self-directed compassion. In speaking about decisions C.S. Lewis wrote “this moment contains all moments”. This adage is applicable to the task of changing the world because even a daily decision to greet someone with a smile and invite them into a conversation can change their world - which can end up changing mine.