"Inspiration Drives the World Forward”

What is inspiration? Well, the answer to this can’t be given in one simple statement. Although it is difficult to describe, it is not difficult to understand the impact it can have on society. Inspiration has revolutionized and powered our world ahead throughout history. Whether it has advanced culture, society, or technology, it has made a major impact on the globe. So where does inspiration come from? It can come in many ways, but mostly from the desire to make the world and ourselves the best we are capable of being. This is what inspires me.

One of the most impactful and memorable examples of inspiration comes from our own country and one of our most influential people in our country’s history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Of course, many other Americans were striving to achieve the same goal, but Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the main leaders in the civil rights movement and gave his nation-changing ‘I have a Dream’ speech. Because of him, our country learned to equally treat everyone regardless of color and race. This was his goal and dream that he had for our nation and world. He was inspired to lead the non-violent charge for change because he and others knew that racism wasn’t acceptable and was holding our nation back. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired to correct the deficiencies and unfairness in society so that every American could have an equal opportunity to succeed in the pursuit of happiness. His powerful civil rights movement work and his iconic speech helped inspire others to join him in his pursuit of his goals. Dr. King’s inspiration for a better country helped transform our nation into the fair and equal one we all know today.

Even in today’s world, everything is not equal. Malala Yousafzai knows this all too well. She knows that every person, male or female, deserves the right to education. So when the Taliban started destroying girl’s schools, Malala was inspired to speak out against it. Because of the support she received, the Taliban made an effort to assassinate her. Fortunately, she survived and is stronger than ever. Her love for her and others’ education and equality inspired her to speak out against the very violent and dangerous Taliban. She knows that changes need to be made in order for the rest of the world to get the equality and education they deserve without the fear of violence from terrorist groups. Her powerful and passionate efforts for women’s equality is driving others to join her efforts. Malala’s courage and inspiration for women’s’ education is helping develop our world into a better place to live.

The reason Malala and Martin Luther King Jr. were able to make such a positive impact was because they were very passionate about what they were doing. This made others want to assist in creating a better world. Although we may not notice it, if we are also passionate about reaching our goals, our very own peers may aid us in our journey or strive for similar interests. I experienced this two years ago when choosing my school courses for my freshman year in high school. I became very lost and anxious when trying to figure out how rigorous to make my schedule. Naturally, I turned to my friends for guidance. When discussing the topic with them, I discovered their fire and desire for achieving the highest level of education. In order to achieve this, they loaded up on the most rigorous courses there were to offer. After seeing their sacrifice and determination, I was confident in going down the same road they planned on going. My friends’ passion for their education ultimately inspired me to join them and feel the same way about my academic curriculum.

Throughout our world’s and our country’s history, technology and culture have been slowly changing and adapting to fit an ever transforming society. It almost seems like a natural occurrence. In reality, it is people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai who refine society for the common good.   If people like Malala and Dr. King didn’t exist, the morals and beliefs of the world would never be revolutionized in order to create better lives for all living people. Leaders who possess great passion and heart for the common good ultimately encourage others to help lead the non-violent charge for change. The opportunity to stand strong with our peers and make a positive impact is what inspires me and others. If we all join together and love one another, nothing can break us. Together we all can make small contributions that will slowly transform our world into a perfect place to live. But in order to accomplish this, we must be inspired.