William Nokrek: August 20, 2024:
As I sit by the window of my small apartment in La Roche Sur Foron, the evening sun casting a golden glow over the mountains, I am reminded of the winding path that brought me here. From Bangladesh's vibrant, bustling streets to the tranquil, picturesque corners of this medieval French town, my journey has been nothing short of transformative.
La Roche Sur Foron, with its ancient charm and serene landscapes, feels worlds away from Mymensingh’s familiar sights and sounds. Here, life moves at a different pace—quieter, slower, more introspective. It’s a place that invites you to pause, breathe, and reflect. I also reflect on the cultural contrasts that shape my daily existence. As an Indigenous Garo and a Bangladeshi, I constantly straddle two worlds—my deep-rooted heritage and the global perspectives that my role as the international president of IMCS-MIEC Pax Romana demands.
There are moments when this duality feels overwhelming, like standing at the edge of a vast ocean, unsure whether to dive in or retreat to the safety of the shore. But it’s in these moments that I find strength. The wisdom of my ancestors, who taught me the value of resilience, community, and a deep respect for nature, guides me. These lessons have become my anchor as I navigate the complexities of leadership on a global stage.
My work with IMCS-MIEC Pax Romana is significant, but it has challenges. Leading a diverse group of young leaders from across the globe, each bringing their cultural lenses, can sometimes feel like trying to weave a tapestry from threads that don’t quite match. Yet, this diversity enriches our dialogue, pushing us to think more critically and compassionately about the world we want to shape.
Being here, far from home, often makes me acutely aware of the responsibility I carry. I am not just representing myself; I am a voice for the youth of Bangladesh, for my Indigenous community, and for all those who are often marginalised and unheard. This responsibility can be heavy but also a source of immense motivation. Every decision I make every conversation I engage in, is driven by a commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of those who have been left on the margins.
Life in this quiet French town has also given me the gift of time—time to think, to dream, to envision the kind of leader I want to be. The quiet mornings the gentle rhythm of life here, have allowed me to delve deep into my own heart, to confront my fears, my hopes, and my aspirations. I think about the people back home, about the struggles they face, and I am reminded that my work here is not just about fulfilling a role; it’s about making a real, tangible difference in the lives of others.
There are challenges, of course—loneliness, the pressure to prove myself, the emotional toll of being far from everything familiar. But these challenges have also been my greatest teachers. They have taught me the power of resilience, the importance of staying true to my roots, and the incredible strength that comes from embracing both vulnerability and determination.
As I move forward, I do so with a heart full of hope and a spirit unshaken by the difficulties ahead. My time in La Roche Sur Foron is a chapter in a much larger story—a story of struggle, of growth, and of an unwavering belief in the power of youth to change the world. It is a story I am proud to be writing, one day at a time, in this beautiful, faraway town that has become a second home.
The journey is far from over, but I am ready—ready to continue bridging the gap between my Indigenous heritage and the global stage, ready to ensure that the voices of the marginalised are not just heard but amplified, and ready to walk alongside those I serve with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
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