When I was a law student, I used to dream of returning to my homeland to make a difference to its political scene. To engage in ground-breaking reformation in its very, very flawed policies and play a part in broadening its approach to society to be more holistic and universal. To take on cases that could make a difference, however small, to fellow lives.
As the years went by, and by the time I became a lawyer, I'd almost taken a hundred and eight degree turn. I felt so disheartened and discouraged by the state of affairs back in that nation. I watched as political parties stabbed each other in the back, and found never-ending stories to badmouth the other as the public watched and cringed in disgust. I watched as countrymen and women left the country for further studies, and never returned, subsequently causing the worst brain drain of the creme de la creme away from the country. I watched as the most ludicrous laws were passed in Parliament that gave absolute power to those that held delegated power. It sickened me to the core how those who were elected to represent the electorate engaged in silly and childish battles in the guise of religious and cultural differences.
So, I chose to remain and not return home. Sure, on a few occasions, certain people and events have pulled at the strings of my heart. But for the most part, I'm glad at the choice that I have made, slowly building up on becoming the best person/lawyer that I can in this land of opportunities. I've learnt, slowly, that making a difference does not necessarily mean saving one from the death penalty nor protecting a child from an abusive parent. It means, simply, making a difference to one's life, regardless of how small. Because what may mean nothing to you, may mean the world to someone else. I've learnt, too, that to make a difference, one just needs to be the best they can be at what they choose to do.
Somehow, something is drawing me back... to something that is so familiar.
Take care.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
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