It is a rare occurrence that I would voluntarily use my off days for something remotely educational. But today was an exception. My body clock has been adjusted to waking up before 9am, so today I was bright and chirpy hours before noon (which never happened before starting work). A and I were contemplating on whether to venture out or not today. Should we stay in and watch BBC in the comforts of our warm house? Or should we brave icy winds and snow to get some exercise and fresh air? We were still weighing up our options when I received a text reminding me off an event at UCL today. It was from Q, a student that I have recently had the pleasure of knowing. She is the brains and muscle power behind the reincarnation of one of my long forgotten passion projects.
A and I started the [i]mpact movement 6 years ago where we got speakers from different creative fields to share their experiences on how they made a positive impact in their local communities. For instance, one speaker performed slam poetry, another organised flash mobs and another innovated Malaysia's stagnant animation industry. Amongst the many serious political and governmental events that the student body organised, this was different. It was definitely more relaxed and approachable. Many participants attended the talks and workshops we organised and overall, it was a project well done. It was one of the first times A and I worked side by side in a professional manner, and it really did feel like we had birthed our "baby". We were there every step of the way, until we had to eventually set it free. So when the time came to pass it along to the event's successor, we did do it with a heavy heart. The movement only lasted 2 years, but I did hope it made difference, however small it may have been.
But then a few months ago, Q called. She was going through old projects and found ours. She was interested in giving it life again. And I was more than happy to help. We talked on the phone and I told her what the whole movement was about - empowering youth to positively impact their local communities. And we discussed a lot of different aspects - from choice of speakers, to presentation styles to event atmosphere and marketing material. I did end the conversation feeling excited and hopeful, but not too hopeful. They might ultimately decide that it wasn't for them and choose to scrap the whole idea completely.
So it was a complete surprise when Q told me that they were organising an event in London as a prelude to the one that they are planning for in Malaysia this summer. As the 10k race that I was meant to run today was cancelled due to the snow, my Sunday was free to witness the reincarnation of my baby. And in complete honesty, it was a Sunday well spent. The speakers were really diverse and insightful. They talked about a multitude of topics from spreading messages through education programs, technology, comic art, student unions and volunteering. They were from different walks of life and they impacted the people around them in many different ways but the unified message was clear - a wave starts with a ripple.
Never underestimate the power of a small act of kindness. What may have begun as an idea in a college room could end up as a national policy. For instance, lower council tax rates for students started when a few students rallied together to fight for it. Or even serendipitously, one of the speakers today was instrumental in ensuring that the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur was not demolished through organising a mass petition when there were plans to do so many decades ago. The Majestic Hotel remains as our favourite hotel, and A and I go there yearly, if not more. And if it wasn't for her, we would have not had the chance to experience it.
Similarly, [i]mpact started many years ago and began as a simple idea. We wanted to create a platform to educate and inspire young people to create positive change. We thought that as a movement, it has paid its dues and it has done enough work to retire. But clearly, God had other plans. And hopefully, through Q and her wonderful team, this movement will support many more youth to get out there and do good work.
Today I have learnt that no good deed with the right intentions goes to waste. One may not see the rewards instantaneously, sometimes not even in one's lifetime, but little actions does ultimately create positive change. See that ripple turning into a wave? Not yet? Do the work anyway, and know that it will, someday.
6 years ago
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