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Veena Singh Fiji Islands Island Paradise...the way the world should be. The perfect beaches, scenic views and the most friendliest people. Where else would you rather be? Somewhere far away if you asked me. I'm running. I'm still running away from this island home. It's everything I ever wanted and needed, yet it has left me with nothing. It took away my family, it took away my education, it took away my dream but most importantly it took away my life. My life is my past, my present and my future. As a child I grew up fighting for children's rights. At that point in time I saw how vulnerable children were. They were just seen and not heard. Times flew by very quickly and here I am, a young woman. Nothing much had changed about me except for the fact that as a child I became a young woman, and I became more aware of the world around me. Surprising thing was that a lot had changed in my country. Poverty increase, unemployment of youths on the rise, school drop-outs and the list just goes on. A lot of people who were hungry for power, most of them already had very high posts. Why not be the change? Be the change for the good and not for all the wrong reasons. I come from a small island in the Pacific...my island home...Fiji. Compared to other big countries in the world, I believe we have one of the highest number of people holding seats in parliament. We vote every five years and can you believe that we have had four coups so far. The war of power and authority. Who is more superior? The reason for such actions would mainly go to the people. The reason behind most of the coups that happen are always directed at the people, but wouldn't you agree that   if the people are the ones complaining and pleading for help. If they are the ones that are struggling day to day. Then I would say very influential   people who are in power are responsible for this. The very ones that got elected to help us.   What is democracy? Democracy is all about people voting for representatives to govern the state on their behalf. Unfortunately this not the case in our country. Those who are at a voting age vote. People get elected and after that if one has a problem or issues with the government of the day. They overthrow the government. People do amazing things to be famous. My country is well known for 'if you don't like the government- take over'. Isn't democracy all about freedom to choose? It's all about equality. Giving a chance. Democracy is all about living in a place that is stable even though things don't go your way. It's funny on how our leaders say so much about different races not getting along, or how there is not enough resources to make our country a better place. I have the most perfect solution. Stop Listening to the Leaders. Come down to the grassroots and ask us - LISTEN TO US. We will tell you that we get along fine; as a matter of   fact we have lots of intermarriages. It's these corrupt leaders who stir up a lot of problems. Moving onto not having much resources or money. Cut down the number of people in parliament. The number is just outrageous. Their salary is more compared to the work that they do. It would be better if they did something for the betterment of our country but all they are doing is filling in their back accounts. What is democracy? Is that even a word? I'm serious. I'm scared that the word 'democracy' might mean something else to my children in the years to come. It might mean the total opposite. There aren't many of us who are fighting for the 'RIGHT'. It may not seem like a lot but we're trying. Everything big starts with something small. And even those who can do something, they don't. A lot of people who have tried to do something have been threatened one way or another. They have tried and are still trying. I live in a place where I'm not sure anymore if my opinions and concerns would be taken into consideration. It's less of democracy and more so DICTATORSHIP. Even when writing this, I'm already thinking of the consequences of my essay. Would it cause more problems? Or would it try to make the world see things from my perspective. If I don't say anything now or do anything then everything would remain the same. I don't want my children to grow up or have that mentality set in their hearts and minds that you can correct a wrong with another wrong. Why do I do the things that I do? I don't want to be living in a country that communication is done with the presence of a gun. Or if I want to meet up with my friends, we have to plan a safe route to an underground where we could at least just catch up with the latest in our lives. It saddens me so much to see what my beautiful island home is coming to. I read this short poem in a book few years ago which explains the reason why I'm trying to make my country a better place to live in. I'm not sure if this would make a difference. Me writing this essay that is. If things would change for the good or even worsen things. But I'm going to try any way.             Ten Cents             I am only one             But still I am one             I cannot do everything             But still I can do something             And because I cannot do everything             I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. Wouldn't you agree that our world would be a better place to live in if there was no violence, if people thought of others before themselves, for people to care for their environment more. If we all tried to help each other more rather than pursing our own happiness. I mean life would be more pleasant to live with when you know your neighbour is happy and they are well. No wars or fights. A place where you have rights and can use it with respect for others. If only our leaders listened to our pleas and for the youths to take more active role in developing our nation/society. If only we could stop criticizing and started taking action. Instead of pointing out problems come up with solutions. A society that we all have the freedom to say what is right and wrong and everyone is given a fair chance to be heard. This is my vision for an ideal society. A place that is very safe for everyone.