Last night I felt old. I felt anonymous and inconspicuous and completely underwhelming. I was in the company of some 150 of Sydney's most driven and accomplished Muslim youth representing all of the major local universities. 'Dare to Dream' it was called. A night of celebration and inspiration.
Strive for excellence was the organisers' team line. And it didn't come from a venerated religious elder, or a wise middle-aged mover and shaker. It came from a modest young man barely into his 20's but with the wisdom and foresight to be making a difference not just in his own life but in the lives of many in his community. He conveyed a passionate message, and his sincerity rendered it contagious.
He was not alone. Many people had the opportunity to speak (including me, and I was a babbling idiot. But I digress). In their words I saw wisdom, hope and unparalleled humility.
These were young people from all walks of life who were daring not just to dream but to turn those dreams into their realities. What left me with the greatest sense of elation and hope though was that these were the people that would be the mentors for our children. Young and similar enough to be accessible to them and old and accomplished enough to inspire them into believing that the world is truly their oyster, if they so wish it to be. That being Muslim did not have to be an impediment to their success: that its okay to be proud of who they are and that their contribution matters.
The future is indeed bright... alhamdulilah.
