Magdalena – Prijedor
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27
I recently completed my degree in Sociology at the University of Banja Luka. My intent is to continue my studies at an international university, pursuing social work with a specialization in mediation. Considering that I am one of ten children, it is not surprising that I am attracted to this field. In some ways, my upbringing was an education in and of itself. Learning to share and work with nine siblings may have presented challenges as a child, but as we have grown older, I now find I am surrounded by those I can rely on to help accomplish goals as well as offer mutual support.
My desire to work within the local community has been instilled in me through my parents’ own dedication to social service through the Evangelical Church. Their mission to address socio-economic inequity through outreach has become my own. I am not seeking to change the world, but maybe I can impact the world of the individuals with whom I work, especially children. If the youth of BiH are provided access to greater opportunity, especially through education and experience, I believe they could impact the country in substantive ways in the future.
If any potential for change exists in BiH, I believe it rests within the younger generations. Many young people are attracted to international opportunities, including myself. I recognize, however, that some young adults are actively choosing to stay in BiH. Increasingly, young adults are empowered to address social issues through their own actions. Although approaches to improve the country’s conditions might be varied, I believe that these small actions can initiate a ripple effect in society, thereby leading to significant, long-term changes to which I know I am contributing through my own dedication to community service.
Other stories
Hannah - Sarajevo
“BiH must define herself by the diversity of all her citizens and be unshakably proud of it.”
Živan Ugljevik
“It’s time to accept the truth, unite behind it, and leave future generations an opportunity to succeed.”
Ivana – Banja Luka
“We can all be community organizers…we all just need a little push. I want to be that push.”
Magdalena – Prijedor
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
Mirna – Stolac
“WWI ended. WWII ended. Yugoslavia ended and the most recent war ended. This period of time will also come to an end.”
Stela – Banja Luka
“My friends tell me not to fight the wind, you cannot win. But I can try.”
Velida – Podlugovi
“It begins with individual action. Through it, I believe we can initiate change in our home communities.”
Nikolina – Banja Luka
“Sometimes we are given two options to choose from, and we are told that this choice is democracy, but what we really need is to demand new options.”
Aleksandar – BL
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only this that ever has.”
Vesna – Vitez
“Having different points of view makes for much more interesting conversation.”
Božo – Trebinje
“Bosnia and Herzegovina’s reliance upon the international community needs to end.”
