As long as I can remember, I had been told that I was way too young to make decisions. To try to change things. All except my mum. She always told me that size and age did not matter; and I grew up, being taught, that I could do anything, if I put my mind to it and worked towards it. She always told me nothing was unachievable.

I did believe her belief in me and tried to implement it. But sometimes people surrounding me influenced me into believing otherwise, and I always found a reason not to do something because I was fearful, or discouraged by others. And my morale went down hill. I became good at finding excuses and avoid doing something I was good at or wanted to do. But my mom still believed in me and I wondered how and why. Both her belief and support did not waver, ever.

When I wanted to change, my mum supported me, after giving an earful for avoiding it in the first place. I wanted to change myself and change the world.

Doing engineering I wondered how? I didn't not want to wait. It was now or never.

I wanted to contribute to society, wanted to write… to blog, wanted to make myself heard. Be a voice for those who wanted to be heard.

All this came beautifully together in way of my associating with a NGO called Securing Smiles, formed by a couple of friends from Deccan College. Fresh of the pan, not yet registered. So I thought to myself, well what can be better. So, with the much  enthusiasm, I dove into it. Stanley was the first college collaborating with them, so both sides were very excited for this event.

A friend and I joined and helped find funding from our college students. We talked about the NGO, how our principal had made the decision that the NGO is the official NGO for the college, and what we want to do for this event.

The enthusiasm that I had dwindled away on the second day when people outright ignored our voices. But, I was in this for the win. After a week we had a substantial amount of money with which we bought food and medicines for the slum affected areas.

And can I say how good it felt? Well, I felt amazing that I was a part of helping someone.

There were few people who thought I was naïve. That I too young to wield any kind of power to change the world. But, this time I didn't listen. This was my decision and I would stick by it.

I know changing the world is hard. But, I will not back down.

So, instead of feeling discouraged, like I would have before, I felt determined and empowered. This was no longer about making a change, this was about growing to a person that would be able to make that change.

So when it was announced that we were having posts from the Council body for the NGO in college, I applied. And I got it. I am now the Head of Content and Creative department for our college branch.

I along with the team of Stanley and Securing Smiles have big plans that begin with small steps that will grow in leaps and bounds...

and you will definitely hear from us again...

You can also find my articles on my blog at WordPress : http://www.themavericksview.wordpress.com

Or connect at The.Mavericks.View@gmail.com

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