The following story was written by a Watts Community Youth Journalist as a part of the EveryDay Heroes Leadership Camp project that focused on community media.

I had always been passionate about the environment, believing that I could contribute to making the world a better place.

It was the summer before my junior year in high school, a time filled with aspirations but also uncertainty about the future. I was struggling with the feeling that my efforts were merely a drop in the ocean of issues facing our planet.

One evening, while volunteering at a local community garden, I met an elderly woman, Clara.

She was vibrant and full of stories. Her hands were weathered yet gentle as she tended to the plants.

As we worked side by side, I shared my frustrations about feeling small in a world filled withoverwhelming problems. Clara listened intently, and when I finished, she smiled knowingly.

“Do you see that small seed I just planted,” she asked, pointing to a tiny speck buried in the soil. “It may seem insignificant now, but with time, care, and the right conditions, it will grow into something magnificent”

Her words struck a chord deep within me.

Clara explained how every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger change. She reminded me that movements often start with individuals who dare to plant seeds of hope and change.

“Every great tree starts as a small seed,” Clara said. 

Her words struck a chord within me and our conversation became a turning point in my life.

Inspired by Clara’s wisdom, I began to approach my studies and volunteer work with renewed vigor. I organized clean-up drives in our local parks, initiated recycling programs on campus, and engaged my peers in discussions about sustainability. 

Each small action felt like a seed being planted, and slowly, I began to see the fruits of my labor. 

People started joining my efforts, and a community grew around our shared vision for a greener future.

Looking back, I realize that Clara’s simple metaphor about the seed taught me an invaluable lesson, the power of persistence and the importance of believing in the impact of our actions. 

Today, as I pursue a career in environmental policy, I carry that lesson with me. 

The journey is ongoing, and while the challenges remain vast, I have learned that every small effort counts. 

Just like that tiny seed, we all have the potential to grow into something magnificent, influencing those around us and creating a ripple effect of change. 

Just like how Clara inspired me.