Every month, Sisters 4 Peace features a different young changemaker who is doing amazing things to create peace and who is willing to share his or her wisdom with the community. Make sure to stay connected and check back here regularly to get inspired and energized!

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HOW TO GET STARTED

By David Zuluaga

Many people have the right to expect big things from us. We can’t let them down; we have to take action.

I was born in a violent and poor country, but in wonderful and extremely privileged family. I have always thought about that fact as a complex but sad paradox, because opportunities shouldn’t be a privilege of few people. Nonetheless, that is the reality of our world; a reality that I decided to improve as much as I can with all my actions. Based on that conviction -which I regard as an ethical principle-, I have worked with different projects in Colombia making my best to improve the reality that surrounds me. I have worked with demobilized guerrilla and young high school students, as well as with my family’s foundations and their specific initiatives in different places of the country. This work has allowed me to understand (though not entirely) what someone should do in order to contribute to our world’s improvement.

Now, here comes a little bit of experience put into words for all of those who want to do something good for others. Firs, never forget about kime, a Japanese word used in Karate that means “focus”. So kime! Don’t try to save the world in a couple of weeks. Choose something specific to work on, make it more and more specific, and then start doing it. Do it slowly and wisely, but don’t loose your ambitions and dreams. Keep a balance. Second, always live according to the convictions that you fight for. Remember that while words might convince, example sweeps. Third, keep in mind that we are all different; we have different flaws, skills, interests, etc. Don’t expect everyone to have the same kind of enthusiasm that you have, so try to adapt your project(s) so that others can fit in their own way. And finally, never forget about yourself. I have seen many outstanding -and obsessive- peacemakers that don’t dedicate time to their own lives and forget about their spiritual and worldly needs. You don’t have to give up your own personal life in order to do something for others. Or why do you think that Jesus only dedicated 3 out of 33 years to his public life?

So, be prepared for some disappointing experiences, but also be ready for the most rewarding experiences of your life. Helping others nurtures our hearts and elevates our souls. Now, you just have to check that by yourself...”

* David Zuluaga is a native resident of Colombia and a freshman at Harvard University this fall.  E-mail: davidzuluaga96yahoo [dot] es