Being the Change by Owen

Being the Change by Owen - February 2020 Scholarship Essay

Early in my life, I was able to identify the difference between being privileged, or having all that one needs, and a required desire to survive. Survival implies need, and in this case, there are many people with the most basic of needs. Ever since recognizing my own privileges, I've wanted to give back to those less fortunate. Fortunate in this case; could be circumstantial, or environmental, even tied to historic or technological advancements. Unfortunately in this case, being fortunate is, more likely tied to luck. Because, as we all know, we don’t get to choose our parents, when we are born, where we are born, what century it is, the color of our skin, or even our sex. So because needs vary, I wanted to impact people as a whole, at the ground level. Literally the ground level, through shoes. I'm very enthusiastic about shoes, so I’ve committed to develop a shoe revolution. Much like the words of our constitution, “By the people, and for the people”.

I see creating a non profit for shoes most fitting for me because shoes have brought me joy and continue to do so. I want to share that same feeling with other people. Furthermore, not everyone is able to get shoes when they need them most. There is a large population of homeless people roaming the streets, worrying about how long their own shoes will last and wondering where their next pair will come from. Whether homeless or low income, I would want to get shoes to people who need them most. I would make sure that the shoes I provide for others are something I'd be comfortable wearing. As I see it, “The sneaker non profit”, would be a reasonable and readily obtainable task.

In order to make a significant impact I deem it necessary to create a partnership with large sneaker corporations, host shoe drives, and get funding from private businesses. It would be helpful to partner with a big footwear company because unsold shoes are usually discarded or sold for an extreme discount in price, making them more accessible. I know that the non profit is not measurable to anything life changing or extremely essential, but it would be one less thing people would need stress over.

Differences are made with small steps. Steps in shoes that benefit the daily life of those who need this basic material to succeed. I will make a step towards reducing the burden of obtaining one less essential item.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express my desire to impact many people who may not otherwise have had the chance to have what I have, and to positively encourage the people who are not as fortunate as I.