Prologue

It is the young trees that make up the forest. ~A wise African Man

Living on the fast lane made me feel I was playing catch up with my own life.

Being a student can sometimes feel like a heavy burden on some days and on others, it is rewarding. It is rewarding to me through philosophical conversations on life and self.

Also in the thought process of promoting sustainable development in Kenya.

I have real-time interaction with social problems that envelop my immediate community.

Makes me think of my place in the larger society and what I can do with that realization.

I've had enough existential crises to the point they became a habit.

There are moments I wonder if it really is a crisis or if it is a loud wake-up call to do better.

My thoughts tend to derail to a different place more often than not.

A place that makes me ask harder and deeper self-reflective questions about life.

"What am I doing about the implementation of policies? The drought in Turkana? The corruption in my country's government? How am I uplifting the youth, representing them in all I do? What am I really championing? How am I contributing to the larger picture of protecting Africa from neo-colonialism and exploitation? How am I addressing the issue of youth unemployment? Girls lacking a chance to safely menstruate in a society full of predators? WHAT AM I DOING ABOUT IT?"

There is not one moment in time I step out of my house and not feel the corruption.

A simple natural act such as breathing has proved to be expensive in the midst of an economic crisis. It makes you feel like you are also paying for what should be free and a basic need. Corruption has taken root in all we do.

We have lost our moral compass, our laws seem to be just for those who can pay for 'justice'. Democracy is now a façade and capitalism is on the side of the monetarily powerful. Kenya feels like a hub of materialistic bastards.

Living as a youth today feels like you have to assume a bigger role than you should.

True to the letter, "A society that does not protect its youth shall be protected from its youth." Society is continuously denying itself the beauty and creativity of youthful energy.

Statistically, Africa has the biggest youthful population.

Think about what that translates to in the bigger picture.

It is the 21st century and there are more social issues swallowing us whole.

If it is not an economic crisis, it is poverty.

If not, lack of education, human rights, world hunger, drought, and climate change.

The youth today are tasked with something above and beyond us but have strength in numbers. I have so much hope in the human race and wish I could share this.

I believe everyone truly has something that can will them to do good.

I believe we can turn things around and look at the bigger picture and this all starts with the self. Learn how to treat yourself better, love yourself more fiercely, and be intimate and personal with yourself. Only then can you give what you have.

Imagine a youth that can selflessly love society and the human race for the greater good.

I am not trying to romanticize life in an unrealistic way because I believe we can all build something good together. I do not think it is foolish to dwell on the good that could be.

I do not blame my vision which was born out of sincerity and a clean heart.

I do not blame my clean eyes for always seeing the good in people and the world.

Neither do I blame anyone who has chosen to take a different path that is selfish.

I came to bitterly realize that at the end of the day, it is human nature that you should blame.

So, excuse me as I do what I can to excavate all the good there is in the world.

To be and embody the good there is in the world.

~Becoming

Nothing but cocoa love,

Sam 🌻