LETTER: Stand for a world of change
To the editor:
I was raised to always express my feelings and stay true to myself whenever I was unsure in a situation, conflicted by an issue, or by my environment. Unfortunately, I believe many students’ desires for change at Utah State are being repressed by their peers and surrounding environment. I hope these words are of some inspiration to anyone who is afraid to speak their mind. Mahatma Gandhi, a major political and spiritual leader of India, once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” The meaning of this quote, on the surface, implies that change cannot occur without the appropriate actions to implement change. To me, change can only be brought about through actions, backed by purpose and heart. The above quote also implies that you, the students of USU, cannot expect others to take action for you. You must remain true to yourself and act on what you feel is right. If you feel there is a need for change in the world, do not hesitate to act immediately, because if you persist without acting for change, your life will be engulfed in discontent. If you want to see a difference be made in the world, you must make that difference a reality by making it your personal responsibility to conceive change. A true leader will not tell others what to do, nor tell others how to give rise to change, but will show them through his/her own actions. Mahatma Gandhi did not cause the Indian independence movement by telling people to resist the imposing government, but instead demonstrated non-violent resistance which, with time, caused change. If Gandhi had not acted on the change he wished to see, the people of India would possibly have continued onward under oppression, resisted with violence, or both. Actions will always speak louder than words. A wish is a hope, a desire, a longing, or a strong inclination for a specific thing. A wish is more than a mere want, but is a dream derived from powerful feelings and emotions. If you wish for change, your actions must express the desire for change. If you express those strong feelings in your actions, others will recognize your heart and enthusiasm for change. Upon this recognition, your purpose for change will become clear, understood, and adopted by others. Whether you seek change in your life, your community, or the world, the origin of change starts with you.
Tracy Upton