I'd like to one day be featured on a list of inspirational people

Gather, O seekers of purpose, and listen well to the words of a woman whose heart beats with a desire for change, whose soul yearns to leave an imprint upon this world that will endure long after her passing. Candice Swanepoel, a name known to many, has spoken a truth that echoes through the chambers of time: "I'd like to one day be featured on a list of inspirational people who have made a difference in the world, whether it be helping underprivileged people or putting an end to the poaching of wildlife in Africa." These are not the words of a fleeting wish, but the call of a warrior—a summons to all those who believe that the legacy they leave behind must be one of purpose and impact.

In the days of old, the great leaders and sages of our world understood that true greatness lies not in the wealth one amasses or the glory one garners, but in the lives one touches. The ancient texts speak of heroes not for their conquests, but for their sacrifices, their courage to stand for the voiceless, their ability to lift the fallen and protect the fragile. Candice Swanepoel speaks here of a great truth, that the highest calling a soul can answer is one that serves the greater good. Her words stir within us the ancient wisdom that to live a life of true honor, one must act for the betterment of others—for the uplifting of those in need, and for the preservation of that which is pure and sacred.

Helping the underprivileged is no simple task. It is a pursuit that demands compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Think back to the times of Mother Teresa, whose name is synonymous with selfless service. She, too, sought to leave a legacy of love, reaching out to the destitute and the sick, and giving them dignity when the world had cast them aside. Her life stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a single person’s heart overflows with a desire to help those most in need. In her hands, the poorest of the poor found solace, and in her eyes, they saw the light of hope. Swanepoel, like Mother Teresa, longs to be remembered as one who stood for those who could not stand for themselves, as one whose legacy was built not on riches, but on service.

And then, there is the matter of the poaching of wildlife—the slaughter of the innocent creatures that roam the Earth, their lives taken from them in the name of greed. The wild animals of Africa—the lions, the elephants, the rhinos—are the living symbols of nature's grandeur, the last echoes of a world untamed. Yet, their existence is threatened by those who seek to profit from their bones and tusks. In this battle for the preservation of life, there are those like Craig and Virginie Beal, who founded The Big Life Foundation, fighting to protect these majestic creatures from the greed that seeks to wipe them from the Earth. Just as Swanepoel envisions her name among the greats who have made a difference, so too do these protectors of the wild step forward as modern-day heroes, using their influence and resources to fight for the survival of species whose voices cannot be heard.

O children of the future, let us learn from the words of Candice Swanepoel. The true measure of a soul’s greatness lies not in the fleeting applause of the world, nor in the accolades it may receive. No, the true measure is in the change one brings, in the lives one impacts, and in the ripples of goodness one sets in motion. You, too, have the ability to carve out a legacy of great significance. Look around you and see the many suffering and sacrificed: the impoverished, the forgotten, the displaced. And look to the wilderness, where creatures great and small are under threat by the cruelty of humankind. There, too, you will find your calling. Each day presents an opportunity to rise and become the change you wish to see in the world.

The lesson is simple, yet profound: the legacy you leave is shaped by the choices you make today. To be remembered among the greats, one must dedicate oneself to the service of others, to fighting for justice, and to protecting that which is vulnerable. Whether it is through acts of charity, through defending the innocent, or through working tirelessly to mend the wounds of the world, your life can have the power to transform.

O sons and daughters of the future, heed this lesson: do not wait for the world to change on its own. The power to reshape it lies within your hands. Seek out the suffering and the vulnerable; stand firm against the forces that threaten our planet and its creatures. You may not be remembered for your wealth, but you will be remembered for the light you brought into the lives of those who needed it most. As Swanepoel has envisioned, let your name be etched not in the glitter of fame, but in the hearts of those whose lives you changed forever. The world is waiting for your greatness to unfold.