Change is the key to personal growth. Through change, individuals are exposed to new realities that challenge them to take action. Despite the impact that it can have on human life, few individuals embrace change. The fear that the change will force them abandon familiar ways or confront uncomfortable realities is the main issue that discourages the adoption of change. Through her work in rescuing and caring for orphaned elephants, Dr. Daphne Sheldrick challenges individuals to take action. On the other hand, Richard is evidence that regret and guilt are the main outcomes of failure to embrace change.
The responses of Sheldrick and Richard to change are more different than they are similar. Recognizing that they needed to take action is one of the similarities. In fact, this is where the similarities begin and end. When he saw his friend hit by the car, Richard understood that the situation called for his intervention. He could have contacted emergency services or offered first aid. Instead of helping, Richard chose to look away cowardly. On the other hand, Sheldrick’s response extended beyond merely recognizing that she needed to do something. Leveraging her deep understanding of wild animals, Sheldrick has dedicated her life to protecting orphaned elephants (“Dr. Dame Daphne”, n.d). While Kenya remains her base of operations, she is involved in conservation efforts worldwide. It is clear that Sheldrick responded to the call to change with wisdom and courage. This is as opposed to Richard’s response which was cowardly.
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The outcomes of their decisions are another area where the responses of Richard and Sheldrick differ. On the one hand, Richard felt regret after failing to take action. He was haunted by the memory of his friend lying helplessly after being hit. On the other hand, shielding hundreds of elephants against such hazards as poaching is the main outcome of Sheldrick’s courageous action. Through her trust, Sheldrick has managed to take care of hundreds of orphaned elephants who would otherwise die had she left them in the wild. The main take-away from Sheldrick’s life is that in order to cause change, individuals must be willing to place their own wellbeing at risk. Change is uncomfortable and carries serious risks. However, when embraced, change can have a profoundly transformative impact.
References
Dr. Dame Daphne Marjorie Sheldrick D.B.E. M.B.S. 1992 UNEP global 500 laureate. (n.d).
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Retrieved September 19, 2018 from
https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/html/about_daphne_sheldrick.html
