Empowering the Youth: Be the Change, Be the Hope, Be the Answer

Be the light, not in a bright place

Be the light in a dark place

Be the salt, not in the middle of the ocean

Be the hope, don't just hope

Without a doubt, this excerpt from Glenn Fredly's 'Terang' embodies the potential of the youth to affect our country. The sentiment expressed in Soekarno's speech is identical: "In order to obtain pearls, one must venture into the depths of the ocean."

Thinking of ourselves as the hope, rather than simply hoping, is crucial because it enables us to take action and make good changes in our lives and the world around us.

By merely hoping for improvement, we demonstrate passivity and depend on external influences to effect change. However, we assume accountability for our own actions and become proactive agents of change when we allow our thoughts to be the source of hope.

This way of thinking enables us, the younger generation, to ensure a brighter future for the entities, fields, and concerns that we hold dear by taking proactive measures.

When we think to be the optimism, it signifies that we have faith in our capacity to effect change. It entails maintaining a constructive mindset and a determined disposition, notwithstanding obstacles and hardships. By embodying optimism, we motivate others to do the same, thereby initiating a positive and transformative chain reaction.

We, as the younger generation, can contribute to the society and nation in a number of ways:

• Education and Skill Development: Emphasize the acquisition of pertinent knowledge and the cultivation of skills that align with the demands of our community and country. We can foster economic expansion and benefit the labor force by acquiring and honing valuable competencies.
  

• Volunteer and Community Service: Participate in initiatives pertaining to volunteerism and community service. This may entail undertaking initiatives such as community cleanups, educational program coordination, or aid provision for marginalized populations.
  

• Protest for Causes: Determine areas of concern that elicit strong emotions from us, such as education, gender equality, or environmental sustainability. Raise awareness, advocate for change, and mobilize others to take action through the use of our voices.
  

• Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Cultivate an entrepreneurial perspective and investigate novel approaches to addressing pressing societal issues. Develop our own social enterprise or make contributions to established organizations that tackle urgent challenges.
  

• Political Involvement: Foster political participation by remaining well-informed regarding current events, securing electoral ballots, and interacting with policymakers. Contributing actively to the formulation of policies that mirror the aspirations and requirements of our generation is possible.
  

• Environmental Stewardship: Demonstrate accountability towards the environment through the incorporation of sustainable practices into our day-to-day existence. Advocate for recycling, energy conservation, pollution reduction, and initiatives that safeguard natural resources. Significant effects can result from even the smallest of actions.
  

Be the change, be the hope, be the answer.

Happy Youth Pledge Day!

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Monica JR, 2023