“2012: The year the human race made a gallant leap?”

Going forward into 2012, we must try to learn from the mistakes and successes of the past year and attempt to make 2012 the best year that humanity has ever experienced, writes Samantha Khan, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad & Tobago.

The Earth spins on its axis like a sparkling blue and green Christmas ornament. It is dotted with millions of human beings lighting their homes and hearts in celebration.

More than two thousand years ago, the first Christmas celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of not only that, but of humanity itself.

It is a celebration of life, love and the very essence of what it means to be human.

As we enter the final weeks of 2011 and take a look back at the defining moments of the year, we see terrible natural disasters, severe political unrest, tension between nations, protests, slaughters and the loss of heroes both global and personal.

Clearing away the rubble of these tragedies, we also get a glimpse of the resilience of the human spirit, the strength and endurance that compels us to move on in the hardest of times.

Like the star of Bethlehem shone in the midst of an inky black sky on the first Christmas night, providing guidance and hope for all, such is the light that shines from the heart of man. We, as a race, have lived through two world wars, several pandemics and numerous spirit-shattering earthquakes, both literal and metaphorical. Still we endure.

Going forward into 2012, we must try to learn from the mistakes and successes of 2011 and attempt to make 2012 the best year that humanity has ever experienced. If, as so many believe, it is truly our last, why shouldn’t we go out with the biggest, brightest bang possible?

And if it is not the end, then we can make it a beginning. 2012 can go down in history as the year that the human race made a gallant leap into the finest era of its existence.

Perhaps we, as the youth, should join together and launch an initiative that works on this prospect? Think about it: a group, however large or small, of passionate young adults from all over the world planning around one project a month that endeavours to inspire humanity to be the best it can be.

We can turn the world around, holding conferences to motivate our peers, lobbying for eco-friendly energy sources, feeding the hungry, and uplifting society. Anything is possible. Maybe a project like this is just what the world needs. And with enough support from the right people, it can send shockwaves across the planet.

In closing, I leave you with this crucial scene from Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Hundreds of fish are caught in the oppressive grasp of a fisherman’s net, struggling for survival. Upon the suggestion of Nemo, the youngest fish in the net, they eventually save themselves from Death’s doorstep by swimming in the same direction, both in action and spirit, and together breaking the net.

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About me:

“Hello! I’m a student from Trincity, Trinidad, and I love to write, read and sometimes draw. I would live in the cinema if I had the choice. I enjoy learning about as many different cultures as I possibly can.

“My dream is to become a novelist and through that, to challenge the stereotypes and constraints of society, as well as to provide thought-provoking material to shed new light on life itself. I believe that if we all shine a little light into the world, it will inevitably become a brighter place.”

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?

To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/

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