Recently Naz has inspired students to take passion in becoming a changemaker. By definition a changemaker is “anyone who takes action to address a problem, activates others, and works towards solutions for the good of all.” (Rahman, Herbst, & Mobley, 2016) The school has paved so many pathways for students to work in the community, have meaningful conversations and gain new experiences. Since coming to Naz, in the best way possible I have found myself sticking up for what I believe in more than ever. I’ve realized that being a changemaker can mean something different for everyone but the ultimate goal is to make the world a better place.
My experience in becoming a changemaker really started when I was in high school. I was a member of the Unified Sports Team in my district, and little did I know that I was already starting to make a difference. For those of you who don’t know, Unified Sports “joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.” (specialoympics.org) My high school was just one in a handful of local schools that fought for Unified Sports teams. The representation of individuals with disabilities has never been present in high school sports before like it is today. More and more ways to spread awareness for these individuals are being created. I served as a partner player and my position encouraged me to help my other teammates play their best and have their own time to shine. We all learned the difficulties of losing but shared amazing memories through all of our triumphs. I had the opportunity to write a front page article for a local newspaper about how Unified Sports had already changed my life only as a junior in high school. The other students at school liked to talk about our wins, how fun and kind all of the players were but they never talked about how frequently the ‘R’ word was still being said. We had a large and accepting community for our district’s students with special needs, but no one seemed to bat an eye when the ‘R’ word was tossed around at lunch or between groups. I vowed to never say that word, still don’t and more importantly correct anyone that does.
It may seem small to some, or a battle not worth fighting for as it’s ingrained in the minds of some, but to me it’s a gesture of courage to stand up for those who sometimes can’t stand up for themselves, and correct anyone who still says the ‘R’ word. When I came to Nazareth, I was fortunate enough to meet some LifePrep@Naz students. They led me to the Best Buddies club on campus, where we’ve all made a change in each other’s lives for the better. They’re constantly working to make changes on this campus and in everyone’s college experience.
Coming to Nazareth was a huge change for me — a new town with new people, and a new way of learning that was fun and scary for me. One thing that I’ve embraced, and really enjoyed learning from, is the diversity in Rochester and at Nazareth College. I grew up in a small town that really didn’t value diversity because they didn’t have any. There was no multicultural celebration or understanding. When I got to college, I met individuals from so many different places in the world, who had their own stories to tell about their cultures, beliefs, and so much more.
Coming to college, I knew it was important to value diversity, but Nazareth immersed me in that diversity and supported me. Some members of my family live with unkind ideas of society, and I’ve always known that I want no part of something if it hurts others. These people I called my family were cruel and their racism was overlooked. I couldn’t stand by that. I made a change, made corrections, and stood up for what was right — even if that change meant being outcasted from members of my extended family. I spoke up and to this day I stand by my decision. Making a change in my life and separating myself from those with no heart, no compassion, no morals is what has made me a changemaker in my own eyes.
Sometimes being a changemaker isn’t easy. You’ll have people look at you like you’re crazy. The change might be really big or really small, but still a worthy change I promise. You have an opportunity to change someone’s life or their whole world for the better. It could be someone in your family, a stranger at the grocery store, or more importantly you.
I read an amazing quote that really puts into perspective what it’s like to be a changemaker, “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” (Jim Rohn)
It takes courage, open mindedness, inquisition, and kindness to make a difference in the world. I think anyone can be a changemaker and that everyone has some of these qualities. We just have to learn to appreciate them. Use your best skills and qualities to be a good person and make a change for the better. I promise you won’t regret it.
