Zoey
Difference Maker
What does it mean to be a difference maker?
For me, being a Difference Maker means that you are someone who cares and refuses to give up on a better future.
What characteristics would you say are required to be a difference maker?
I would say compassion and empathy are the most important traits needed.
To be able to think outside of your privilege and care about struggles that affect not only you but others as well.
You also need a certain level of confidence, to be able to give constructive criticism as well as receive it and reflect on your own behaviour. It is completely normal to make mistakes or hold beliefs that aren’t current to our time anymore, the important thing is to recognize that and welcome change.
If you had the potential to change one thing right now, what would it be?
The Climate crisis is the one thing that scares me the most. Because it is so multileveled and also bleeds into other issues. For example: The people and countries who are and will be most affected by climate change are the ones that made the least impact.
The countries, who in many cases are already struggling, face the most intense change in weather, flooding, pollution etc.
I hope that the more western society is affected, the changes initiated will also be initiated in countries who need the most help.
What advice would you give to anyone unsure of their education or career journey?
Of course it is important to think about your financial security, but be sure that when it comes down to it, you will let your heart lead. Life is too short to be stuck in a position that you don’t like!
Especially considering that we often spend way more time at our job and with our colleagues than we do with those closest to us. Also in many cases security is a fantasy anyway. A lot of jobs that promise it still require you to think outside the box, work yourself up, struggle and adapt. So why not do that in a field you dream about?
Always put your mental health before anything.
If you are happy outside of college or school, it will make it much easier to concentrate and in turn be good in exams or at your jobs. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who want the best for you and help each other out.
If you have issues, in your family, with your mental health or in your friend circle, prioritise finding a solution to these issues or seek out help, after that your concentration and motivation will return naturally and in a much more productive way.
What are your dreams for the future?
A society that is supportive to those that struggle, where people don’t have to fear that they won’t be able to pay their Gas Bills! A government that cares about its people. On a personal note, financial freedom for my music and art projects and that train tickets become more affordable than plane tickets so that I don’t have to fly within Europe anymore!