Sunday, June 24 – I felt free, flying over the ocean, through the clouds, above and below, surrounding us. I felt small and large all at once. I have always been told that being a person, being human, automatically makes me the most powerful, but when I peered through the glass of the airplane window, I realized where my power truly lies.
In that plane, I realized the power of the Earth – it’s strength, its control and its influence. The plane was controlled by it, and so were we. Earth is large, wide, open and demanding, and we simply follow its rules. I felt small because I recognized this power in a larger light for the first time ever. I can now begin to fully understand why people say we are tiny, insignificant specks speeding through time, because we, small little things, small little humans, come and go in a snap, while the Earth continues to spin.
But I felt large too. Flying gave me power, power I only realized I had while soaring through the puffy, white clouds. I knew that anything I imagined or dreamed was just as close to me as the clouds outside the airplane window. I felt large and questioned the statement “proving” our insignificance and knew that statement was truly wrong. Every single action makes an impact and effects the course of the world’s prosperity. As humans, we hold an abundance of power in our hands. We are in control of what happens around us, which ultimately makes us important, impactful, meaningful, the complete opposite of insignificant.
The plane made me recognize how much I can do, how much I can change, and how much I can achieve if I just set my mind to it. I am powerful and I can make change, but only when I believe in change itself. Believing in this change inspires me to be present in all situations, most of which are unknown. I am encouraged to stay open-minded and have courageous conversations with people of different communities as well. Remaining open-minded and present will allow me to get to know local students and others in Paraguay, ultimately helping us to create relevant change together.
Camilla R., Rockville High School