Together
By Miranda Li
Floating on the pool and looking up at the stars. Although affected by urban light pollution, most of them still shine so brightly. Their bodies are dead, hundreds or millions of light years away, but the remaining warmth they once burned still spans light years, and lights up our sky.
As I grapple with the issues prevalent in today's society, the monster, my desire to contribute towards their resolution has only intensified. Yet, the more I immerse myself in all the various societal problems, the more I explore with the realization that my individual impact seems almost inconsequential. Even the persistent things I make, such as handing food and money to the homeless from the car window on the crossroad, appear to offer little substantive help. In the face of this, a question started to emerge in my mind: Should I keep doing things that don't seem to make much of a difference? I'm curious if you or others have ever felt the same kind of uncertainty as I do.
However, as I traverse the campus and witness students of diverse backgrounds walking together, sharing laughter and forging bonds, the shadows of uncertainty dissipate. In these moments, my thoughts naturally gravitate towards historical figures of immense courage and conviction, such as Martin Luther King. Additionally, I find myself reflecting on the brave students who, over a decade ago, joined hands in a unified stand against the prevailing societal injustices of their time. Although the problems they confronted still exist today, their collective efforts have undeniably improved the society we lived in today.Their inner light, just like a guiding beacon, serves as a radiant inspiration, lighting the way for those who follow in their footsteps. These remarkable individuals weren't just navigating the challenges of their time; they were architects, laying the foundation for a world where freedom and peace could flourish for generations to come. Much like the most luminous stars that grace the night sky, lightening our daily lives with the remaining warmth of the flame that once burned in their heart.
At this very moment, something deep within me clicks, and I come to a profound realization. My hope goes far beyond just carving out a better life for myself; it embraces the dreams I hold for the generations yet to come. Even in the face of what may seem like small gestures now, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to casting a gentle glow that could illuminate the path for the ones who will follow. I make a heartfelt commitment to continue my efforts, whether it's in the simple act of donating clothes, extending a helping hand to the homeless, or offering assistance to those close to me.I hold vivid dreams of forthcoming opportunities where I can immerse myself in transformative initiatives, perhaps teaching in the classrooms of rural areas or alongside impassioned groups that echo my convictions. My unwavering belief in the potential of my light drives me forward with a sense of purpose. I see it as a gentle force, capable of illuminating the minds of future generations, making them not only more aware but also nurturing within them the strength needed to ignite transformative changes. In these aspirations, I find the heartbeat of my commitment, resonating with the hope of leaving an indelible mark on the narratives of those who will carry the torch forward.
Acknowledging the limitations of individual influence, I understand the importance of coming together as a collective force. Love, I believe, possesses the capacity to overcome challenges and rise above difficult situations. Thus, we must not allow the monster to sever the connections between us. It becomes crucial to gently awaken those around us to the presence of this societal challenge, acknowledging that the roots of everyone's struggles are entwined with the fabric of our shared social matrix. Our connections with one another should rise above the realm of rivalry, creating spaces free from animosity and filled instead with shared understanding, support, and genuine compassion.For me, the initial step involves reclaiming the warmth of home. I hold a firm belief that if each person takes a small, audacious step, our collective illumination can yield substantial transformation.