World Changer
Justin Kistan • November 6, 2020
What makes a child a world changer
“If you want to change the world, start with yourself.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Don’t you just love classic martial arts movies? Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan with badly dubbed lip syncs, chopping their way through fearsome foes and breaking boards with impunity. They both built their mastery as disciples of Kung Fu, which traces its origins to monks tucked away in monasteries in ancient and esoteric parts of the world. These monks attribute their martial mindset to a simple but effective maxim: Chop Wood, Carry Water.
Monasteries in the East had no running water or electricity. If you wanted heat or water you had to go to the forest to chop wood for fire and head down to the river to carry water. Day in and day out. Monks chopped wood or carried water. You always need wood and water and so it becomes your default activity. Bored? Chop wood and carry water. Wanted some exercise? Chop wood and carry water. Restless or filled with ennui and angst? Chop wood and carry water. The practice built not just muscle but grit and purpose as well. Chopping wood and carrying water was the basic process monks engaged in on the path to Mastery.
Chopping Wood and Carrying Water today manifests itself in the form of tasks that you are committed to doing and that matter to you. We do these tasks because we want to improve ourselves and the world around us. They usually involve some type of self-mastery. Trying to be kinder, more compassionate, healthier, practicing additional reading or being a more dedicated student are all worthy goals on the path to self-mastery. Know what you want to do and then do it. Everyday. Even if it’s boring. Even if you don’t feel like it. Especially if you don’t feel like it. Do what you can. Focus on the process. Trust the process. Chop Wood and Carry Water, whatever that means to you, and the result of the outcome will take care of itself.
To paraphrase author Jordan Peterson, ‘Before you go out and change the world, start first by cleaning your room.’ We need to start small. You need to start with yourself. Change yourself before you try and change the world. Improve yourself and the world improves. When you level up all the people you are networked to, level up as well through your efforts. Then all the people they are networked to level up and so on. Ad infinitum. World changed.
You, focused, working hard on a task that matters, with your mind in flow with the practice and engaged in the process, are Humanity at its best.
Remember, it's what I do every day that will determine where I want to end up one day.
Justin Kistan
College Teacher
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
