I am a Student - What Can I Do?

The Context

I am studying at an educational institution and am still dependent on my parents and family, economically, socially etc. I am just a student; what can I do?

What You Can Do

You have youth; the most energetic, enthusiastic and creative resource of any society; you have maximum strength: physical and mental; isn’t that something?
You belong to the educated class in one of the least educated societies in the world; wow, what a privilege!
Education is the most important investment of your life; the most valuable asset; don’t waste this opportunity; tap it to the best of your abilities;
Don’t be a parrot, or a chimp by being a rote learner; be a thinking student; analyze what you read and try to relate it to the problems you observe and face in life;
Your bag contains loads and loads of knowledge (books); and knowledge is power; knowledge is the key to problems; your problems and my problems; your books contain solutions to problems related to science, engineering, technology, religion and ethics, society and culture; think and see how you could apply this knowledge to your advantage and to the advantage of your people; you don’t need a degree before you practice what you learn;
Unite and collaborate; but not to boycott, destroy and disrupt the education system; or to obtain unfair concessions; or to escape responsibility; instead, unite against unfair practices; resolve that you would no longer be satisfied with mediocre quality of instruction or educational experience; exert your peaceful and constructive influence on your educational institution to make it recognize your legitimate rights and make them value the voice of the most important stakeholder of the education system - the students;
Develop bonds with good students, teachers and administrators and help them develop and maintain a healthy educational environment; they too need support, motivation and encouragement;
Form student societies around constructive purpose and play an active role; fighting and preventing disease, traffic awareness, civil rights, environment, hygiene, educational excellence, social issues etc.;
Become a young philanthropist; an activist; speak, write, act and raise funds; spend at least a few hours a day/week in community service to make a difference; Many of the world’s greatest social movements were powered by students;
And use social media to spread your cause, inspiration, to enhance the impact of your work and multiply the effect;
Share your knowledge with your fellow students and help those who lag behind in studies; raise funds for those who are struggling to pay their dues;
Be the light for those in the dark; help a poor child become literate or facilitate in obtaining further education;
Rally your strength and support around the weak, the elderly; look around and see how many need a youthful hand… plenty;
Better be a coach than a critic; If you can’t help people, don’t bring them down;
Don’t be passive; rather be a pathetic actor than being a great spectator; seek challenges and be open to experience;
Read great books; appreciate great thought and ideas; visit great places; meet good people; maintain good company; that’s nourishment of the mind and soul; and part of your education;
Act responsibly and become a role model; demonstrate, that education does make a big difference; in speech, thought, attitude and conduct;
Support rightful causes and condemn injustice to the extent possible; raise your voice; there is nothing more vocal than a young voice;
Act mindfully and consciously; use your head; don’t be a fool like the stupid teens promoted by media and corporations to meet their own ends; being youthful does not mean stupid; so stop acting like one;
Don’t waste your youth in mere “enjoyment”, acting childishly and immaturely; youth is the most resourceful period of one’s life; be wise and capitalize on this powerful resource; after all, some of the world’s greatest contributors were teens;
You are fresh and creative; you have dreams backed by energy and conviction; tap these qualities and take initiatives; generate ideas; create new ways, new avenues, new things and services; you don’t need to be the prisoner of the past; you are the commodity of the future; so innovate!
Being young means being fresh and evergreen; spring, not autumn; hope, not gloom; light, not dark; so be positive and hopeful; and spread hope; spread light;
Run, jump, roll, sing, swing, hop, cheer etc.; rock this environment with your enthusiasm and positive energy;
Being young means being strong and resilient; so fight, and triumph; never give up;
Respect your elders, but ignore their comment: “you are too young”; you are not; you are never too young to do good; and never too old;

You don’t need to be 40 to contribute to society; you can do that anytime, anywhere.

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