INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE "My Role as a Citizen of Earth"

1. Youth Category 2. A Trigger of Hope 3. Andrea Melisa R. Camba 4. Block 3 Lot 2 Banahaw crnr. Arayat Streets, Mt. View Subdivision, Filinvest

2, Quezon City 5. 09178401140 6. melisacamba@yahoo.com 7. Filipino 8. 21 9. Female 10. University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music 11. Word count: 693

A TRIGGER OF HOPE by Melisa Camba

Every single human being today is journeying to a world of uncertainty. All of us seem to

be traveling in a tunnel without a light at the end of it. Why?

We all envision a perfect world; a world free from war and injustice; a world with a system that benefits mankind and its resources; a world that is ideal. But don’t you think it’s unfair for us to ask of these ideals if, in truth, we are the ones who triggered these present issues? Our lack of critical awareness had molded a society that is functioning against us. We keep on forgetting that our existence is not just a blessing but a responsibility as well. We ignore the fact that there are unwritten duties that we must perform in order for the “system” to work.

We forget. We ignore. Stimulate

Why do we forget? Why do we choose to ignore? The way I see it, it’s because we fail to remember that we ARE human beings. We fail to realize that we were made differently from the other living elements that reside Earth. But what makes us different from them? What makes us human?

Feelings. Our pallet of emotions allows us to experience and feel; thus setting us apart from the other living beings on Earth. This distinct trait, greatly affects how we see and understand the world. Emotion when fueled may cause drastic shifts of sense; ignorance can easily turn to concern; unawareness to understanding; pessimism to hope. But here’s another question, how do we stimulate these emotions? What triggers these feelings?

The answer is very simple—art. You may wonder how all of these relate to the “how do we change the world” issue. I think, ridiculous as it seem, that art is a solution to our problems. Art has the power to open minds and change perspectives. In a world where attitudes are very difficult to alter, we need a tool that goes through our personal barriers. Art holds a great deal of influence, thus creating an impact. It touches our ways of thinking and feeling.

I’ve read in an article before that the world revolves around people’s emotions; and upon remembering that statement, I’ve realized that it is very true. As I mentioned earlier, emotions can be stimulated by art and can be changed by art as well. A masterpiece can bring strength and influence that may trigger a transformation of mindset and world view. Then eventually, the inevitable will occur: a chain reaction. Art stimulates emotions; emotions inspire man; man changes world.

So how do I become part of this change? I was very much exposed in the arts ever since I can remember. Music in particular inspired me to strengthen my passion for the arts and this led me to various opportunities that I never thought possible—well for me, at least. I was lucky

enough to graduate in an art high school and further my studies in a music conservatory. As I continue to know more about music and the arts, I started to understand more about its significance to man and society. I saw that it has the potential to open closed eyes and heal angry hearts. Art opened my eyes; art healed my heart.

As a youth artist, I think that I can also be an instrument to be of inspiration to the world. I know that this is too much to say for someone who has not experienced much but I think that this is the advantage of being part of the younger generation. Since I am still, somehow, in the cradle of innocence, I am not afraid to be idealistic; I am not afraid to aim for the impossible. What the world needs right now are inspiration and belief that there is still hope.

In order for one to achieve something, one must believe it’s possible; one must believe

there’s hope. This awareness will eventually become ideas that will push society to take action and fulfill that change that our world needs. And my role, as part of society is to be the trigger that inspires people through my art field.