A vast forest contains millions of trees, and on each tree are hundreds of leaves. A tiny single spark ignites and grows from a feeble spark, to a flickering flame to a mighty blaze. A magnificent towering inferno inhabits the entire forest, which minutes ago seemed impossible to change. A single minuscule spark can kindle an entire forest fire. Honourable judges, teachers and fellow students, my name is Talha Shaikh, and today I’m going to talk to you about how a single person, just like the spark, is capable of influencing the entire world. I am going to discuss how someone can make a difference, people who have influenced our world for the better, and evidence that proves it’s possible.

Firstly, how can someone influence the whole world? The change has to start with you, then your community and then eventually the entire Earth. Paul McCartney said “Think Globally. Act Locally.” This phrase urges people to consider the wellbeing of the entire planet and to take action in their own communities and cities. Think globally reminds us to think about the bigger picture, and act locally tells us to do something in our own neigbourhood to create positive change.

There are many ways that we can adapt to have a positive influence in the world. We can work towards being more eco-friendly and overcoming global warming by planting trees, recycling, conserving water and electricity. As well, we can raise awareness of social issues such as child labour, poverty etc. Raising funds and awareness for people suffering from various diseases, is also a great way to start making a difference. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” To make a positive change you have to be informed about what is occurring around our planet.

Many great people in the past have contributed in shaping the world. My role model, Mahatma Gandhi is one of these people. Gandhi advocated for the rights of Indians and was a leader of the independence movement, organizing boycotts against British institutions in peaceful forms of civil disobedience. Another historic figure who changed the world is Martin Luther King who brought us to the high degree of multiculturalism that we have today. Mother Teresa is another example of a person who who had a massive positive influence through her kind actions, and wise advice. These people and many more have one main thing in common which is their love for the people, and their perseverance to make our Earth a better place for the people to live in.

It is extremely unrealistic and pessimistic to not believe that a single person can change the world. Due to all the evidence provided, one can safely say that it is possible. Many historic figures that I have mentioned contributed in this change through their actions. We can aspire to be like them and bring positive change. Our intentions should not be that we want to change the whole world, we have to start small and build our way up. Every little action makes a difference. Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

In conclusion, we are able to see that indeed, a single person can make a change. We can do many things in our own home to start making the world a better place. Many great figures in history have made a difference, and they will be remembered forever for their contributions. To conclude I would like to quote John Lennon from his inspirational song Imagine, "Now you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you will join us, and the world will live as one". Thank you for listening to my speech and I hope that you take some time to ponder about how you can change the world.