THE CHANGE, STARTS WITH ME - ESSAY

“A single tree cannot make a forest”, while others would say, “A twig cannot sweep a 
room.” The elders in our local community would repeatedly mention these Nigerian proverbse very day during the tales of moonlight. These are local African proverbs they use to motivate the younger ones, counseling us to work collectively in changing the world to a better place and
to maintain universal brotherhood.
Perhaps, this ideology stuck in our hearts. Thus, I grew up with the zeal to change the world.

Even with several attempts within the framework of collective efforts, I couldn’t realize my dream. I thought something must be wrong somewhere and kept asking myself, what really is the
solution? What can we do to change our world? Why won’t you take it personal? I questioned myself.

Then, I searched for the answers within me―and I looked at myself with just. I see myself as a vulnerable person full of greed and selfish. I realized I only care for myself and the only words that revolves round my thoughts were, I, me, my and mine.
I wouldn’t care if the whole world were to starve to death, when I am fully satisfied with the best meal for myself. It never tickles me when everyone is to be poor―when I have some huge dollars in my account.

I always want to be the most powerful, with the power to control everyone in the world. To be a forever leader―either politically or otherwise, so that I can continue to
rule till the day when there will be no tomorrow. I wouldn’t care if anything can happen as far as I will maintain my position because it is my number one priority. Yet, my palms were never
ready to give, but rather, were always open to receive.

I can see my pride intensifying because I never concede I was wrong in any respect. I believe my thoughts were the most correct. Because I am an African, I believe that I am better than anyone. Even though my skin looks darker, but I look more original and no any European, American or
Asian can be equal to me. Why would there be equality when I am superior to others?

I am full of pride thinking I was born from the best ethnic. I have forgotten that no one ever chooses the ethnic group or religion they found themselves. Considering religious beliefs, which other
religion surpass mine? I would love it if everyone will embrace my religion. Even more, I can strive to kill and shed blood in other to force everyone into my religion. According to me, it’s a matter of―I am superior and everyone is inferior.

Above all, justice, love and honesty were the words that were never found in my dictionary. I have positioned myself in every angle of corruption and always faked in all I do. I spread false witnesses and tell lies especially on social media.

All through my academic career, i cheat in all examinations, even now, I go to work late. Yet, I never admit that I am corrupt. I am proficient in hate speech, I am always the first to complain on the minor wrong things I see in others, but I never look closely to what I do. Even though I was a bit successful, I never love to see anyones Successful.

Lately, I realized that I am the problem to the world and our elders were wrong in this case. Where should i go looking for change while the change is right within me? The one thing that I can change to make this world a better place is to change myself.

Today, I have taken a step to change; I am changing myself from the greedy and selfish to a generous, humble and kind soul. I believe in sharing, equality for all and the right of choices for everyone. And, I have dedicated my live to humanitarian aids to help does in need.

Only if I change myself, then you will change, and when we all change, then the world will change. I am the change agent, and the change begins with me.

Essay written in 2018 for the UNESCO/Gio Peace Foundation Essay 2018.