5 ways to make a difference while juggling a busy schedule
When I woke up this morning, the first thing I did was reach for my phone. I snoozed my alarm, then went to my calendar and looked through today’s schedule: study, hit the gym, eat breakfast, attend classes all day.
As I brushed my teeth, I caught up on the latest headlines. Today, like any other given day, there seems to be another natural disaster, another tragedy. My heart breaks for a second. And then it’s back to the grind.
But as I go about my day, it follows me. As I work out, I wonder if I should go to Starbucks after or grab a smoothie. Meanwhile the podcast in my earbuds talks about how 13.1 percent of Americans live below the poverty line, struggling to put food in their bellies.
In my sociology class, we talk about economic inequality, and as I drive home, I see the homeless settling down on the street for the night.
It’s surreal sometimes to think about how the things that seem so urgent to me are nothing compared to the life-or-death issues that people in my community face. At the same time, I have my own responsibilities and obligations.
If you’re like me, you’ve most likely thought:
“How can I start to make a difference in the world when I still have all of these things to take care of?”
Here are five ways you can make a difference while juggling a busy schedule:
1. Get informed
Often, we find ourselves interested in advocating for a particular issue, but don’t know where to start. A professor once told me that all good things start with research. If the issue on your heart is human trafficking, start learning more about these issues through Dressember’s blog, social media, and ethical fashion directory. Here is a good place to read more about our mission. In addition, pick up a book! A Long Way Gone, by Ismael Beah is a moving memoir by a survivor of human trafficking.
2. Speak up
The more you learn about the injustice that goes on in the rest of the world, the more you will find it difficult to stay silent. So speak up! Whether that’s in class during discussion, in conversation when it comes up, or even on social media, speaking out about an issue will raise awareness and spark in others the same desire to help.
3. Join a movement
Speaking of others with the same desire to help, you can find a host of other like-minded people when you join a movement or campaign of people who band together to speak out about injustice. If you’re participating in Dressember, you’re doing this by wearing a dress or a tie every day. It’s an efficient (and stylish) way to start dialogue wherever you go!
4. Donate your downtime
I hear about many organizations that work to make a difference, and I want to help them, but as a student, I usually can’t afford to support financially. But what I do have is downtime. If you have downtime, volunteer at an after-school club or for a back-to-school drive, and take the time to really connect with each individual there. Making a difference doesn’t always have to be on a large scale, and helping individuals change the trajectory of their lives can be just as impactful in the long run.
5. Integrate your passion and your purpose
Sometimes the idea of “making a difference” can be daunting. When I think about world changers, my mind often goes to those who dropped everything and dedicated their whole lives to helping others. I admire them, but at the same time, I have family responsibilities and work obligations. Over time, I’ve come to realize that I can start changing the world by making differences in my own world first.
For example, I love writing, and most of my work revolves around it. So, in addition to my main job, I can use my passion and skills to bring awareness to injustice around the world. If you’re a skilled fix-it person, you can help out with repairs at halfway homes in your city. If you throw amazing parties, volunteer to throw a fundraiser for a nonprofit you care about. Whatever your skill, you can always find a way to fill the need—and that makes all the difference in the world.
About the Author
Micaela Ricaforte is a senior journalism major at Azusa Pacific University. In addition to writing, she is passionate about storytelling through photography and design.