Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, once said, «Yπάρχει μονάχα ένας τρόπος για να αποφύγεις την κριτική, να μη λες τίποτα, να μην κάνεις τίποτα, να μην είσαι τίποτα.» This translates to: There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. When I think of the word “criticism,” I imagine someone trying to pick between two unknown cards: An ace or a joker, because criticism is either positive or negative. I realized the power of negative criticism, once I encountered it numerous times. It pulled me into a cycle of self-doubt which caused me to restrict my dreams.
People would ask me, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”. I would respond with, “An engineer, I want to discover and find solutions that reduce the effects of climate change.” Many react with a puzzled look and recommend other jobs or say one of the following: “Engineering jobs aren’t good for women,” “you will not find jobs,” or “most of everything has been discovered.” Living in Cyprus, an island where many people are not aware of climate change, I am determined to change that. I am vice-president of a student-run eco-club where we plan to reduce waste and increase biodiversity, aiming to turn our school into the first accredited Eco-School in Cyprus. Through social media and campaigns, we are encouraging other schools and local communities to take climate action. This has inspired the work that I want to do as an engineer. I would like to find a sustainable way to generate electricity and to use my skills to combat other factors of climate change. Initially, I had created an imaginary wall between myself and my dreams, but now I have turned the wall into a bridge to connect my vision with reality. I have realized that I was the only one who knew what was best for me, I must follow my dream.
If someone plants a seed of vision, inspiration, and hope will grow. Through action we create change. If I was the one choosing blindly between an ace or a joker, I would pick fearlessly because I know either way, good or bad, I will still follow my dreams.
Cyprus 