Lessons I Learned About Creating Change

Throughout my life, whenever someone asked me what I wanted to do in the future, my answer was always the same: I wanted to create change. I would always hear stories of other youth my age setting out and using their own talents to better their communities and help others. Youth just like me were at the forefront of the Ontario #StudentsSayNo protest, leading grassroots organizations, and travelling abroad as youth ambassadors. These youth were sources of inspiration for me, and over time, I was able to participate and lead many amazing projects to drive positive change in my community. In my time as a changemaker, I gained valuable experiences, met new people, and learned skills I could not have learned anywhere else. However, one of the main things I learned was that creating change is never easy. It can be intimidating, difficult, and frustrating, but it is possible and extremely rewarding.

The idea of creating change always seemed daunting, almost scary. I remember walking into Toronto City Hall for the first time as a wide-eyed seventh grader. My teacher had told me about an opportunity for youth to attend city council meetings and get a chance to have a voice, so I decided to see what it was all about. At the meeting, I was more nervous than ever.

As a small 12-year-old girl, I felt completely out of place in a room full of grown adults. I was scared I would not be taken seriously. Despite this nagging feeling in my mind, I decided to take the risk and volunteer to speak up in the boardroom.

That moment was the beginning of my identity as a changemaker. Since then, I have advocated on behalf of youth at my local city hall, represented students at the school board level, organized a campaign that teaches young students about sustainable living, served on many boards municipally, provincially and federally, held events to help other youth get involved in their own communities and have had the chance to partake in many life-changing experiences. During this time, I have learned many lessons at the very core of creating change, lessons you can use in your own journey as a changemaker.

1. Change comes in many forms.

At the beginning of my journey, I’d always believed change was in the form of charities helping people in third world countries or politicians fighting for equality. However, I soon learned that change comes in so many different forms. One of the most powerful events I had ever been to was a makeshift art gallery displaying works from youth throughout the city. Their art was about their identities as minority youth in a city where racial equality is not yet truly present. The gallery did not need to be a formal written policy change; the displayed artwork sparked change instead by showing the experiences of these youth in its own moving way. Change can come in the form of artwork, volunteering, advocacy, media, or simply having a conversation. Regardless of what your talents are, they can be utilized to create positive change.

2. Support can be found everywhere.

Back in grade seven, when I decided to speak up at that board meeting at Toronto City Hall, I was almost certain I would be ridiculed. Instead, I was met by overwhelming support by caring individuals willing to help me along with all my endeavours. I’ve found that support can be found everywhere and in many forms. Mentors and advisors are around every corner, and by making that first move and reaching out to them, you can gain valuable insights from the inspiring people around you.

3. There is no such thing as failure.

Perhaps the biggest lesson I learned is that there is no such thing as failure. Creating change does not always end up the way you might want. Every time I started a new project, I always feared that I would not be able to reach my goals–maybe people would not go to an event, or maybe I would be met with dismissal. Despite having had both successes and situations where things did not work out, I have never had a failure. Even when things did not turn out as planned, valuable lessons were learned, connections were made, and I was able to gain a new perspective as a changemaker. I learned to deal with setbacks, how to create contingency plans, and how to be a better leader. And that is the biggest success of them all.

Ultimately, while it can be intimidating, creating change is worth taking the chance. If I had not taken the risk to attend a city hall meeting years ago, my life would be drastically different. Seeing the smiles on other people’s faces when you help them is one of the greatest feelings.

Being able to fight for what you believe in and advocate for others fuels a passion within you. Without change, I would have never been able to meet my best friends, learned how to be a better leader, and learned more about myself. Change is a beautiful thing and I look forward to seeing other young changemakers make our world a better place.