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How do you fix a world that has been tuned upside down?
I've always wanted to change the world whether that's by inventing something that will help the world or by finding a career that lets me help people and give hope and second chances in life witch is why I wanna study law and order so I can fight and protect what I believe is right and important and to help others.
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4 answers
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
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Woodstock, New York
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Alan’s Answer
Ashagre, I love this question. As someone who was part of the original, 1960's student movement for peace, civil rights and social justice, I am so gratified when I see that there are young people who want to pick up and carry the torch forward. Of course we found that changing the world wasn't as quick and easy as our adolescent impatience and narcissism expected it to be. But we did make a lot of progress, and I'm very proud of our generation. We turned the country against and stopped a war, we advanced civil rights and desegregation, and we altered the national consciousness in regard to government, war, guns, gender, culture and freedom. Unfortunately, much of that progress was turned back in the 1980's, and though there were some attempts to muster another youth movement, except for the areas of environmentalism and gender, we have never been able to recapture the spirit or principles we fought for. And, as I'm guessing you know, things are arguably worse now than they've been in sixty years. Young people must get involved and do what they can, to save the planet, to combat racial, gender and economic injustice, and, truly, to hold back the growing tide toward fascism. I hope we're on the same page still.
Having gotten that out of my system, yes, the law is one of the most important places in which to make that contribution. My son will be graduating this year and becoming a civil rights attorney. But just understand going in that it will be frustrating. Our system of justice is capricious, corrupted and biased, and is more a game of winning and losing than of justice. So one has to be strong, smart, focused and patient. I believe you have or can have those qualities. There are branches of the law, civil rights, environmental, criminal, consumer, constitutional and others, that really can help fix some of the things in our society that are in desperate need of it. Of course, it could also lead into a career in politics, and we certainly need some politicians who have integrity, vision and a sense of social responsibility. Whatever you choose to do, do it to help people. Sure, "change yourself" in the process, but turning inward doesn't do much for the people in desperate need of rescue and support. I hope to read about your journey one day.
Having gotten that out of my system, yes, the law is one of the most important places in which to make that contribution. My son will be graduating this year and becoming a civil rights attorney. But just understand going in that it will be frustrating. Our system of justice is capricious, corrupted and biased, and is more a game of winning and losing than of justice. So one has to be strong, smart, focused and patient. I believe you have or can have those qualities. There are branches of the law, civil rights, environmental, criminal, consumer, constitutional and others, that really can help fix some of the things in our society that are in desperate need of it. Of course, it could also lead into a career in politics, and we certainly need some politicians who have integrity, vision and a sense of social responsibility. Whatever you choose to do, do it to help people. Sure, "change yourself" in the process, but turning inward doesn't do much for the people in desperate need of rescue and support. I hope to read about your journey one day.
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Hi Ashagre. My name is Jill. I live in the same world as you. In my life experiences, you cannot "change" the world. But you can change you and improve the world. Find what it is you love to do and devote your life to learning about it then experience it. Set goals....and achieve them. I have a degree in criminal justice. I love law. But what I love more is medical healthcare. I've worked in the healthcare industry from 1975 until I became disabled in 2018. It's an amazing field, like law, where you can help others and improve a community. Get your education and use those lessons in your experience to help people in your community. But you cannot "change" the world..there is an "I" in "improve". I wish you the best of luck!
Get with a local college and tell the counselor what your career looks like to you. If it is in law...what position do you want to take? The counselor will help you make a plan.
Think about whether you want to be online or in the school/university.
Devote your time to chieving your goals and studies.
Graduate with honors and get the position you can to learn your career.
Remember where you come from and how far you have travelled in this journey we call life. Share.
Jill recommends the following next steps:
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Julia’s Answer
There's an old quote by Gandhi that goes something like, "If you want to change the world, first change yourself". It is very easy to focus on the negatives of the world such as pollution, corruption, poverty, disease, etc. The quote tells us that there are power in numbers. If everyone were to focus on bettering themselves and doing what they could to make the world a better place, the world would then become a better place. There are ways to help people and cases in all areas in life. I would find something you are very passionate about and start there.
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Hwal’s Answer
Ashagre,
It looks like you're interested in both medicine and law to help others, and I think you're halfway there already. I'd be interested to hear what you meant by "turned upside down," because although I have some educated guesses, I prefer not to guess and would love to hear your thoughts. I think both medicine and law are noble professions and I've considered both myself. Other posters have shared helpful insights, and I would add that I'm glad you're thinking of using your education to make the world a better place.
Good luck on whatever path you choose.
Hwal
It looks like you're interested in both medicine and law to help others, and I think you're halfway there already. I'd be interested to hear what you meant by "turned upside down," because although I have some educated guesses, I prefer not to guess and would love to hear your thoughts. I think both medicine and law are noble professions and I've considered both myself. Other posters have shared helpful insights, and I would add that I'm glad you're thinking of using your education to make the world a better place.
Good luck on whatever path you choose.
Hwal