Resilient youths use creativity and vision to carve out new possibilities

NEVER before has a young generation’s future been so uncertain. As a result, we are seeing a rise in anxiety and depression, and an infrastructure hard pushed to alleviate it. 

Yet internationally, the age group that is too often labelled as ‘snowflakes’, is rising out of the pandemic with an incredible resilience. 

Just listen to the young people involved in The World Bank’s #YouthOnCOVID19, or to Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old poet performing at US President Joe Biden’s inauguration. 

We are witnessing immense creativity from ‘Generation Z’, as they drive forward with fresh ideas and actions. And here, on our own shores, Malaysian youth are displaying depths of resourcefulness and ingenuity that can give hope and encouragement to us all.

Focus on what you can do

For 20-year-old Vickram Gurusamy, the pandemic had seriously derailed his well-planned education path.

“Last year, I was meant to transfer my degree course to the US, but Covid-19 stopped that. After one month of the 2020 MCO I was bored to death with being at home. I spent a lot of time lamenting on what I couldn’t do. This year I have decided to be positive and focus on what I can do.”  

What Vickram evidently can do is make mouth-watering, mood-lifting cookies and muffins, which he sells @nuttyspicery. Without even telling his family, Vickram laid all the groundwork for starting his own baking business, launching it in January. The response proved that his enterprise was just what many needed.

Vickram’s new educational path will see him transfer to an Australian university in July. He intends to keep baking till then, and hopes to revive the business once he returns. We hope he will too.

Music has opened possibilities of a new path

Like many students, 17-year-old Kavinraj Baskaran found the first MCO to be very different from the ‘school break’ he imagined it would be.

“In reality, the lockdown meant spending 7 hours a day online, staring at the screen, and no opportunities to let loose with my friends. My world became very quiet and depressing. 

“Most importantly, I was meant to sit my Form 5 major exams, so I was very stressed. My mental health took a hit. Sometimes I would sit in the online class thinking, ‘Why am I even doing this?’ I had very little motivation.

“It was music that kept my sanity, kept me whole. I went in-depth with it, discovered my passion. From there I branched out, experimenting with making my own music. 

“My music comes from my emotions. I use my deepest feelings to inspire a song.”

Kavin’s heartfelt Winter Mood can be heard here and will soon be out on Spotify.

“With my Form 5 exams being delayed, I’ve discovered this other side of myself. I will still pursue science, but I don’t see an in-depth career in it. If the music becomes successful, I will definitely pursue it full time.”

Would his family approve?  

“Originally, my parents said, ‘You can’t make a living out of music’, and encouraged me to become a doctor. Now they are more lenient and encouraging about my music, even though they still are concerned.

“Some friends had their dreams crushed; they didn’t pursue them as they were told to be a doctor or lawyer. If you truly want to do something, you should at least try. Only then will you stand out from others, and be able to contribute something unique to our economy.” 

Baking together has helped us communicate

17-year-old Elijah Mokhtar Philips started his IT certificate course in August, between the MCOs.  He was in class for two months, before it all shut down.

“At first it was harder to study online. Sometimes I’d just lie on my bed, feeling bored and drained, and worrying about the future.”  

However, Eli rose up to discover things about himself, and form a deeper bond with his mother.

“I learnt that I am easily distracted. Rather than do nothing at those moments, I decided to bake with my mother. 

“Baking together has helped us to communicate better. I have learnt that my mum’s ‘striving to perfect things’ is simply her personality. She is all about efficiency and attention to detail, and I’m starting to see similarities in myself. 

“Now I am baking, I don’t procrastinate so much. I’ve got myself into a routine." 

Eli sells his madeleines via @justdesserts_kl. Have these shell-like delicacies altered the shape of Eli’s vocational path?

“I enjoy creating them, and it’s a good, independent side income. Perhaps I could expand it after my degree, but software development will still be my career.”

Try to do something that makes you happy

Kaitlyn Elizabeth is an impressively composed and articulate 9-year-old, who seems to be adapting well to her ‘new normal’. 

“I don’t mind online classes, as I can work in my own time. In lockdown, I have learnt that it is best to stay calm, and try to do something that makes you happy.”

For Kaitlyn, it was the well-aimed Christmas present of an iPad and Apple Pencil that propelled her into her own business.

“My dad helped me create my website in order to show my digital art drawings. I then branched out into making crumpets, and I’m also selling my art and some apparel. I might include hoodies next.”

Some might be concerned that her business would take Kaitlyn away from her books, but the opposite is the case.

“I love writing my own stories. I may publish a collection of short stories this year, or choose the best one and turn it into a long book.”

In Kaitlyn, we may well be seeing a future youth-leader. In the meantime, you can order her crumpets and other products at https://artymiss.net

Baking is a great stress-reliever

When Misha Paul, a 21-year-old student, realised her favourite animal rescue organisations would be struggling under Covid-19, she decided to launch @pawlbakes.

“It occurred to me that animal shelters would be having a hard time raising money for their work. So, I began by baking and selling cheesecake, later expanding to brownies, carrot cake and cookies.”

Last year, Misha’s baking raised RM6000 for Allergic Rescuers and the Lost Animal Souls Shelter (LASS). 

“I’m back in uni now but, even so, I’ve raised another RM500. I’m now aiming to support Chippy, a cat with FIP (feline infectious peritonitis).”

Misha’s altruistic endeavours have lifted her up through these trying times.

“Studying alone in a room every day, uncertain about how my course will progress, I feel very anxious at times. Baking is a great stress-reliever. It takes the pressure off, and lets me relax my mind.

“I wouldn’t give up my degree, but I hope @pawlbakes becomes more successful so I can help more animals.”

Do good – eat chocolate

Armand bin Idrizam, like most 11 year olds, loves chocolate. But impressively, he has translated this love into a viable business, helping farmers in Sabah to survive the pandemic.

“A year ago, we were on a road trip and visited some cocoa farms, but they weren’t selling much. We decided to start making chocolate to help the farmers earn money.” 

Shortly afterwards the MCOs hit, and Armand found online learning a bit boring. However, Armand is never bored with making chocolate, sharing the work 50/50 with his parents.

Kokolokokids produces cookies, granola, peanut butter and ‘70% cocoa’ chocolate bricks, direct from the cocoa plant.  

“Even though I make it all the time, I still like to eat it! Our home always smells of chocolate!”

Armand’s business success doesn’t keep him from his studies, but there are other obstacles.

“When the internet line is bad it makes it hard to keep up with my homework. I don’t want to miss any of it, I want to get smart.”

And for good reason, as Armand has some Willy Wonka ambitions that he is soon to realise.

“I created a crowdfunding site and raised RM20,000 to start my own mini chocolate factory.”  

The ‘Do Good, Eat Chocolate’ factory will start production in March, and will further help locals who have lost their jobs during the MCOs. A portion of the profits will also go to Sabah green initiatives.  

Will chocolate now flavour Armand’s plans for his own future?

“When I grow up, I’d still like to do chocolate, because I love it!” 

Check out @kokolokokids if you love it too! 

I have a brand – a new me

While some are meeting Malaysian’s increased demand for comfort food, other young entrepreneurs are producing more permanent artistry.

For Lakshmi Rengasamy, losing her father in 2020 was the greatest blow to her and her family. Determined to move forward, the 18-year-old began a Diploma in January.

“I was feeling very stressed with college work. Taking up art again brought me relief. I posted some photos of it, then started to get requests. I have a brand – a new me, and a chance to explore how I want to express myself.

“I’ve had such positive feedback. If it takes off, I wouldn’t give up my studies; I’d balance my time.  Education is the only way.” 

Lakshmi’s creations can be viewed @starlightsvisualart_.

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While it doesn’t seem that young people are totally abandoning their parents’ career advice just yet, many of Generation Zs are re-plotting their route. 

The pandemic has seen today’s students developing skills that perhaps were not necessary for previous generations, but may prove essential in the years soon to come. 

Perhaps it is time to accept and encourage their passions, as maybe, in this uncertain future, a new way is called for. 

As Amanda Gorman put it,

“We did not feel prepared to be the heirs
of such a terrifying hour
but within it we found the power
to author a new chapter.”

To support other young entrepreneurs, you can also visit: 

Pawlab.co for Marsha Thomas’ delightful animal-themed products, and help raise money for rescued animals.

Poppy & Mia to sample Samanta Soon’s scrumptious mango and delicious dark chocolate ice cream. – The Vibes, February 14, 2021