On most days, he comes to school wearing very old clothes with holes in them, arms and legs covered in sand and dirt. I remember him on my first night at the IDP camp. Classes were suspended for two days as teachers had gone on strike. He was at the playground alone, standing on a broken plank and did not wear any shoes. I had wondered if anyone was looking for him.
He saw me approaching from afar as I walked towards the school and without hesitation, he ran to me quickly with arms wide open, and wrapped them tightly around my legs. We exchanged smiles, both looked at each other and giggled. He then grabbed my hands, and together we ran towards the plank. He didn't want to let go.
In a country I traveled alone to and knew very little about, I held a sense of insecurity, but something about being in the presence of this boy made me feel safe. That particular memory taught me a few things I will never forget:
1. Follow your dreams: I learned that life was more than the constant fight for acceptance and approval from my family in my professional advancement and personal relationships. Good was never enough. Nothing could be more harmful than great job. Chasing a meaningless dream only to satisfy your parents meant that I had to be okay with living a very long, unfulfilling life. I didn't want that. Slowing down and practicing patience helped open my eyes to something greater, and that was to join the fight against poverty.
2. The little things matter: I was once in a relationship where I was convinced to ignore my emotions, pick my battles, and only confront matters of upmost significance because the little things weren't entirely worthy of a conversation. Overlooking the present, in the now, moments was a choice. The attachment to a smartphone, taking human interaction and emotional connection for granted was also a choice. Though the signs may be subtle, another person's energy is an undeniably powerful, contagious thing. My heart was not full. This was a reminder that details mean everything, and the simple and small things DO matter because the way someone makes you feel today can manifest and change your world.
3. Trust yourself: Someone who once meant the world to me had said that I would never be successful in this pursuit and that it was too ambitious. The worst thing you can do is to go against your gut feeling, and sacrifice your voice for the sake of someone else's opinion or happiness. It is something that is always worth protecting and fighting for. I learned that nothing is more valuable than believing in yourself, and no one can define your happiness or purpose than you alone.
4. Pay attention to your heart: There is nothing that could describe, to the fullest extent, something that can only be felt in my heart. This boy possessed an unconditional love that radiates from within, and his eyes were filled with raw hope. He didn't ask for anything but for my friendship and company. I've never experienced anything more sincere, joyful and free. Nothing else mattered when everything before me became still; and it was beautiful!
It's amazing how much perspective and wisdom I have gained from slowing down, and appreciating the world around me! I knew the only obvious answer was to spread joy as much as possible, and make it my life-long goal to promote education so these children have an active role in someday working toward breaking the vicious cycle of multi-generation poverty, improving their health, promoting gender equality, peace and stability.
The boy never told me his name, but I nicknamed him Star in Chinese (星 shares the same pronunciation as both star and heart), as he was the brightest one shining amongst the sky. We didn't speak the same language and he hardly spoke, but we shared a universal language: friendship, and that's all we really needed. He will never know this, but I owe it to him for teaching me to follow my heart. ☺️
xx,
st
Pictured: Star wearing the best clothes he owns, which is his school uniform required at Southern Cross Academy. Uniforms reduce conflict around social groups identified by appearance and promotes equality, which means greater ability to focus on academic performance.
“The best and the most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart.”
