The following is an award winning essay written by MaryJane Klunder of Georgian Bluffs, a Rotary Exchange student sponsored by Southampton Rotary Club.
Klunder won first place out of more than 450 entries from 41 countries for her essay on international peace.
—————————————————–
Peace in an Interconnected World
In Old English, the word for peace and happiness was the same: “Sibb”. However, in today’s world, the word “peace” can apply to many things, it can simply mean the absence of war, or refer to a state of tranquility, free from distraction, or maybe you make peace with something; you reconcile it.
Whatever the definition may be, I feel it is something personal to each individual. Each person’s life experiences and values will dictate how they view it.
To me, world peace means an end to suffering: no more children starving, no more bombs being dropped, no more worrying for the future of the planet. But I think to approach world peace is to think beyond those invisible lines drawn on a map, and realize we are all human, and we all suffer.
The fight for peace is fought together, not against each other. This is not a revolutionary concept, yet it is constantly forgotten. I see threats of peace, like climate change, and I see how borders don’t stop the flooding, how not only one nation is losing habitats. No single nation emits carbon or pollutes the ocean; it is a shared crisis. And I think when people realize this, how vital harmony is to peace, that is when the most change happens.
To create harmony, you have to be aware. And how you become aware is something that we, as single humans, have the ability to control. We live in an age where it has never been easier to raise awareness and create connections. However, it depends on whether we seize the opportunities presented to us.
I choose to go about the world with open eyes: To travel, to read, to talk, to listen, to watch because I know if I do that, I will be less ignorant of the suffering of others, and in turn, contribute to peace.
Something to leave you with is hope. Becoming aware of all the corruption in the world, all the suffering, can leave you hopeless. You may become cynical, but you must not succumb to despair. Hope fuels movements; it is the belief that change is possible and humanity is capable of compassion.
No matter what is going on in the world, it will never be too late, and with compassion in our hearts, and hope in our minds, world peace is possible.
———————————————————
by award winning Rotary Exchange Student
MaryJane Klunder
