LIGHTNING A PATH

In the quiet corners around the place I live in campus, I see them—small boys and girls whose smiles are often hidden behind the weight of harmful habits. Cigarettes, skipping school, or engaging in other unhealthy behaviors have become their escape. They are bright and full of potential, but they’re stuck in a dangerous cycle, one that threatens their future. When I look at them, I can’t help but reflect on my own struggles, the hurdles I face daily, but I know I have to act. I am determined to lift them up, to help them see beyond their current reality, and offer them a better path forward.

I remember the first time I saw one of the boys puffing away, his youthful face clouded by smoke. He had the world at his fingertips but was letting it slip through his fingers with every drag. As I watched, I couldn’t help but think, This isn’t their future. It can’t be. And so, I decided to make a change—not just for them but with them.

I started by simply engaging. Whenever I was free from class, I would wander to where they gathered—sometimes laughing, sometimes lost in thought. We’d play games, talk about life, and I’d share lessons, sometimes even pulling out my phone to show them something simple but powerful. A YouTube Kids video, maybe a motivational speech, or educational content that could spark curiosity in them. I’ve found that showing them a bit of what the world can offer—just a glimpse—is enough to begin shifting their mindset. We laugh, discuss, and sometimes we even make a game out of it. I’d ask them questions about what we watched the day before, turning it into a fun learning session, not realizing how much it was actually sinking in.

One day, we sat under a tree, and I pulled up a video about how certain behaviors affect your future. As we watched, I could see their eyes lighting up. It wasn’t just a video; it was a reflection of something they hadn’t considered. They were intrigued. Then, I told them how I too had faced challenges and how, despite the struggles, it’s possible to change your story. I didn’t just tell them what to do, but why it mattered. I gave them a glimpse of what their future could look like if they didn’t let bad habits control them.

The days went by, and the atmosphere around us began to shift. The games turned into more focused activities—sports, creative workshops, even simple group reading sessions. I’d pull out my phone and we’d spend a few minutes reading the Bible together, asking questions, and reflecting on the lessons it taught us. There’s something powerful about connecting over shared activities that doesn’t just provide entertainment—it shapes perspectives and builds trust.

I also created a schedule for weekends, a sort of “story-sharing day” where we would gather, read stories, and talk about them. I encouraged them to ask questions, express their thoughts, and even share their own stories. It kept their minds busy, their hearts engaged, and their spirits uplifted. They would leave our sessions filled with excitement and ideas, not just about what they could do next, but about the power they held within themselves.

As I continue to spend time with these boys and girls, I realize that my role isn't just about stopping them from smoking or engaging in negative behaviors. It’s about showing them there’s a whole world of possibility outside of their current reality. It’s about being there for them in the trenches, guiding them gently but consistently to understand that who they are today doesn’t have to define who they can become tomorrow.

I lead by example, not with words alone, but with actions. Despite my small stature, my determination and heart are larger than life. Every time I spend with them is a chance to offer them something different: a chance to learn, to grow, and to build a future filled with opportunities, not limitations.

But this isn’t something I can do alone. This is why I’m reaching out to the World Pulse community. Have you faced similar challenges with young people in your life or community? What tools, strategies, or resources helped you make a difference? Your advice could be the spark that makes this initiative even stronger.

Even though I face my own struggles, there’s nothing more important to me than lighting the way for these kids—guiding them toward a future where they can thrive and become the best versions of themselves. With your support, we can make that vision a reality. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping me light the way.