Inspire to Make a Difference
By Maria Anna van Driel
As both the owner and founder of The Next Truth magazine and as a…um, well a passionate science freak, I want to make an important call to you; Inspire our children to explore the wonderland of science!
When we think about making a difference we seem to fall for the myth that what we need to start out doing something what has to be enormous to have any effect at all. I have learned that it does not have to be the case as well as the step some of us do not see when trying to make a difference in this world is the action part.
Sure, we have all had that spark of inspiration where we have wanted to do something that will outlast our physical form. But we get stuck in overthinking, opinions from our network and keep dreaming about a perfect idea. Disconnect from the outcome and aim your energy into achieving something small first. And even the small actions will feel insignificant at the time; the results will come as you hone your craft and find your audience.
Then we share the idea with friends, family and work colleagues and get told to quit while we are ahead. I am telling you not to quit! Anyone can make a difference in the world. Start by believing in something bigger than yourself and inspire one person at the time.
The field in where I like to inspire people is the broad knowledge of the myriad corners contemporary and historical science has to offer and believe me…that is not an easy task. But over the years I have learned that people are extremely hungry for absorbing the knowledge and the mind boggling complexity within the research universities and institutes are conducting especially young people. But to be straightforward with you, I was missing something while visiting some of these institutes… the playful excitement in guided tours and exploding talks for the young people… our next generation of male and female scientists.
As we all know, young people possess a fiery curiosity some adults work with in a more reduced manner. This enthusiastic curiosity should be, in my opinion, kept charged by letting these young people explore the myriad opportunities the wonderland of science has to offer them. Because, who does not like the laser swords from Star Wars, the mysteries of Time Travel or space ships exploring the most remote corners of universe while using advanced plasma technologies. Well…I do, I do!
So, after working in the midst of brilliant minds from all over the world and having the opportunity to speak with the them in person as well as via email and social media, what I find highly interesting, I have learned that these open-minded scientists have really awesome theories of which I am positive of that the next generation of young scientists are eager to learn about. As well as I am convinced that these young people are eager to meet these open minded scientists in person who can let this enthusiasm explode with them while they are learning all about the incredible research conducted.
Come on, admit it, wouldn’t you like to meet for instance Astronomer Dr. Seth Shostak from SETI, CERN’s Higgs convener Prof. Bill Murray, Germany’s time researcher Dr. Marc Wittmann or Prof. Ronald Mallett and let your enthusiasm explode while listening and learning all about the jaw-dropping theories? Again…I do, I do!
I am of the opinion that it will be more than fantastic that you, as a parent and a teacher, keep alive the fiery curiosity of these young people, They need your support in being inspired what will unlock these brilliant young minds of the next generation of engineers, astronomers, psychologists, chemists, physicists, among others. Give them the change to stand up and free their enthusiasm. Let them explore the wonderland of science!