The People We Are Becoming

Much like the great depression, life today can be a daily struggle. At the peak of the great depression 25% of the nation’s workers were unemployed, leaving families with no money, no job and 250,000 young people homeless. CNN Money reported that in 2009, at the peak of the recession, the U.S unemployment rate rose 7.2%; its highest since the end of World War II, with homeless families climbing because of it.

Although the recession contributes greatly to mental stress and anxiety on our youths, it isn’t the only issue that elicits distress. With continued fighting in Libya, constant protests in Morocco, and an epidemic of bullying in the U.S., youths are bombarded with taxing and traumatic events every single day. And, let’s not forget about politics, terrorism, education, and plenty in between, such as extracurricular activities, exams, and the abundant amount of expectations that may be placed on them.

In his modest video, Mahmoud Jabari talks about the challenging issues that he feels are facing his generation. This video is straightforward but for this youth and others it encompasses an enormous message; that our young people take notice to the defiant events around them.

With the amount of pandemic dealings taking place every moment, it is important that parents, teachers, faith organizations, and community advocates stop and consider unanswered questions and unhealthy thoughts that may be sulking in the minds of our youths.

Bullying and teen suicide have become synonymous, which strengthens the need to encourage our youths to speak up and speak out

Is there any way to stop this epidemic?

Absolutely! Lying is a learned behavior which means it can be unlearned.

1. Whatever is done in the dark, will soon come to light. Think about all of your favorite celebrities that have lied over the years…eventually someone, then everyone found out.

2. Mistakes happen, that’s what life is all about. It’s very rare that we walk the straight and narrow. No matter what mistake you’ve made – damaging your mother’s favorite table cloth, or getting a water stain on wood furniture, always tell the truth. Parents will appreciate the truth, rather than a lie. You may still be punished, but the consequences are lessened when the truth is told.

Lying grows exponentially.              

Don’t walk a mile to tell a lie when it’s very easy to take a step to tell the truth.

We live in an environment where we expect instant success, a microwavable life, in which we position our thoughts, dreams, and expectation onto a dish, close the door and within four minutes, it’s prepared, cooked and ready for our enjoyment. However , there is some bad news, this life doesn’t exist. It’s a figment of our imagination that stems from watching and observing successful individuals at the prime time of their lives. Interview any successful figure, and they will tell you that it did not happen over night, it was a constant grind, but with small steps, and passion, they fought it out. It takes many years to become the person we are destined to become, but it starts with small steps.

1) Be tenacious. Without tenacity the dream we have today will be gone tomorrow. We must be willing to plow through the difficult times, sticking firmly to our passion.

2) Have obedience. Respect yourself and others around you. Never do something out of desperation, and always maintain a positive image. After all, our repetition proceeds us.

3) Never stop dreaming. All we have is our dreams. Dream big, dream long, but most importantly never stop.

4) Just do it – The 1988 NIKE Big Idea Campaign “Just do it”, can be correctly applied to our desires and wants. Picture yourself in the place you want to be and just do it. Study, work hard, learn the in ends and outs of the business and just do it. Whenever someone or something throws you off your path, go around it, under it, or over it, and just do it.

The road may not be an easy one, but by taking small steps and following your passion the destination will be great!