Kehkashan Basu and I are tackling the topic of global sustainability and how empathy and following your path plays a huge part.

At only 20, Kehkashan has already made an impact on a global level. By day a third-year student at the University of Toronto, Kehkashan spends her “free time” running Green Hope Foundation. Green Hope is a global foundation empowering children, youth, and marginalized communities in sustainable development. As if that weren’t enough, she is also a recipient of the 2016 Children’s Peace Prize, one of Canada’s top 20 women of influence, and on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list.

As young standouts, it is imperative that empathy and passion act as the compass as we identify our path. While our passion and enthusiasm may be inherent, they must also be cultivated and nurtured, and fostered by the choices we make. You want to make a difference. The first step is understanding that you can’t leave it up to chance or other people. Be the change in the world you want to see.

Don’t be discouraged if the problem or challenge in front of you seems daunting. Find the simple solution and work on scaling it over time. Start small. Ask yourself “what can I do today?” Then step up to do it and take your small part in moving the world forward. When your love for your work is greater than your fear, you can accomplish anything. As human beings, we are all global citizens, and cultivating empathy and awareness, stepping outside of our comfort zones will open doors for change. 

You don’t have to have all of the answers now. You don’t have to decide on one specific path. Follow the compass of your passion in the direction that most aligns with what fuels you and you will find your path.

If you can take anything away from Kehkashan and apply it immediately, it is this: Start local, start small. Whatever is most applicable to your local environment, no matter how small – find it and start doing it. 

Rise. Shine. Impact. Make your difference in the world today.