YJA Convention 2016 07 Los Angeles CA

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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THIRD PLACE Change is synonymous with evolution. The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. Everyone is born with the innate capacity to use their powers and strengths to impact the world we live in through a single interaction, a single conversation, and a single look.
And being an agent of change is an aspiration found within every single person. The success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts.
Individuals that are successful in helping to be a catalyst for change embody certain ideals and characteristics that eventually set them apart from others. An agent of change doesn't have to be the person in authority, but they do however have to have a clear vision and be able to communicate with others around them. It is essential to tap into the strengths of the people you work with and help them see that there are many ways to work toward a common purpose. Every step forward is a step closer to a goal; change agents just help to make sure that people are moving ahead.
For the last two years, I have been a summer camp counselor for the McKenzie Wilson Foundation, whose desire is to inspire and help young people find their purpose in life. The Foundation is built on bringing change; the camp was a medium through which I could connect to younger, impoverished children and create bonds based on experiences, not wealth. It was a life changing moment to be able to provide the kids with the things we take for granted.
On a field trip, we went to a ranch to ride horses, and it was exhilarating to see their faces light up with joy, since normally they wouldn't be able to afford the trip. These little things we did made the kids happy which in turn brought happiness to me. Jains have always been taught that happiness is not based on the materialistic aspect, and I had the chance to live by and express this ideology to others. Being an agent of change through this Foundation has linked me back to the fundamental Jain principle of caring for other people, especially those who are less fortunate. Having the opportunity to change someone's life is a moment I will always cherish and keep close to my heart.
Jainism is a philosophy that believes in self growth. The three jewels in Jainism represent the concept of right vision, knowledge, and conduct; it conveys that any individual can progress towards their ultimate goal. Being an agent of change allows you to focus all of the energy onto one person or idea. That same person would also have the initiative to help another person at their capacity, and eventually a chain is created where the impact is greater and more powerful.
And in the end, the three C's of life are choices, chances, and changes. You must make a choice to take a chance or there won't any change.
HANNAH SHAH, 16 Jacksonville,
FL
2016 YJA CONVENTION LOS ANGELES, CA