“All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you. The only lasting truth is change.” Words from one of my favourite authors, Octavia E. Butler, and from one of my favourite books, Parable of the Sower. Ever since I read these words, they have been coursing through my bloodstream.
The tides of change have been a constant in my life, as for many other people. My time on this earth has shown me that my experiences are interconnected with those around me. Not only those I have direct relationships with, but those I don’t even know or have met. As we witness the suffering of people within our own cities and in the world beyond, it’s more important to me than ever to dedicate my life to building positive relationships.
It’s so easy to sink into immeasurable grief. To feel helpless. To believe your small actions don’t make any difference, only big ones that feel out of reach. What I’ve learned is that the small actions ripple out. How you treat those around you, the choices we make on a daily basis. These are the things that water and nurture the seeds for change. Through my art, through my community work, and through my profession - I will always try to be the change.
-Erin Kang