Change Tomorrow's World Educating and Inspiring Youth

Fariya Walji

About the Founder

Fariya Walji a third-year university student at the University of Toronto, studying Criminology, Dramatic Arts, Political Science and English.

She is also the founder and CEO of “Change Tomorrow’s World”.

Ask her what she career she wants pursue, and she’ll tell you UN Ambassador, Actress, Human Rights Activist, Singer, Lawyer (international/criminal law) and Philanthropist before you finish your question.

Oh, and Prime Minister!

She cites the inspiration of this project from Michelle Obama’s speech at University of California commencement ceremony in May 2009.

“Somehow, thousands of kilometers away, through a TV screen, Michelle Obama changed me from someone who was looking for inspiration to someone who wanted to be inspirational” says Fariya.

“She talked about graduates paving the way so that young students have the tools and skills to succeed. She talked about students having the ability to change the world – to put together their resourcefulness, and inventiveness. But most importantly, she told me to think of the millions of kids around the world who will never have the chance to stand in my shoes – the people who just can’t get a break, when no one tells them that they are good enough, or smart enough to do whatever they like – kids who stopped being dreamers. Those words, they shook me. And they made me want to help kids be dreamers again.”

The idea for “Change Tomorrow’s World” spanned within a month. Still in developmental phases, Fariya is putting together this blog not only showcase the current talents of students, but to inspire and encourage students to make a difference in their communities. “I hope students will see the challenges we need to overcome to improve our world, and examples of students who are making a difference and from this, become inspired to help change their own communities. The combined effort of students around the world creates a revolution.”

(The success of this blog could not have been possible without the support of Fariya’s family: Dr. Hafiz Walji, Mrs. Azmina Walji and her brothers, Ali and Husayn.)

Sponser / Contact Us

Please email us for any questions/comments at changetomorrowsworld@gmail.com!

About the Writers

Jessie Ampofo is a third year student at the University of Toronto currently studying Political Science, English and Philosophy. Her goal is to one day be a part of the United Nations or an organization that focuses on international development. Issues like human rights have always been a passion of hers especially pertaining to children in poverty. She has been involved in many organizations that advocate for those in poverty and is always looking to do more. In her spare time she enjoys playing the flute and piano, watching shows like The Office and 30 Rock and participating in charity events. She is excited to be a part of Change Tomorrow’s World and encourages everyone to make a positive impact. “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. “ -Mother Teresa

Marisa Baratta is a writer and a student. Having finished her Specialization in English and having received her University degree and bilingual certificate, she is now happily continuing her education for another year studying Book & Magazine Publishing. Marisa loves writing, especially about topics pertaining to environmental change, animal issues and human rights. A very happy and friendly girl, she is serious about helping others and making a positive difference in the world. She chose to become vegetarian two years ago and does not plan to go back – and yes, she is used to the questions about it! Marisa loves writing novels and poetry and hopes that along the way to publishing her books, these inspirational blogs will serve to bring people closer together.

Stephan Popescu is a third year university student at the University of Toronto, studying Commerce at the Rotman School of Management, specializing in finance and economics.  Stephan plans on pursuing a career in marketing and finance once he graduates from the University of Toronto, although a career in Law has never been out of the question.  No matter what career Stephan plans on pursuing in the future, you can be sure that he’ll choose a career where he will be able to make a positive difference, whether it be internationally or at home in Toronto and Canada. A devoted traveller, having been everywhere from the great provinces of Canada to all over Europe and even into Asia, Stephan has experienced different cultures from all around the world.  Having seen the differences between first world countries and third world countries, Stephan has seen what it takes to help change the world and it is in his many travels that he has been filled with the desire to do whatever he can to help change the world in a positive way. A huge sports fan as well as music junkie, you can always find Stephan with his Ipod on, listening to the latest tracks from Canada’s influential artists.  An avid tennis player as well as member of the University of Toronto ski and snowboard club, Stephan has always loved sports, especially his two favourite sports, hockey and soccer. Stephan hopes to bring all his worldly experiences to Change Tomorrow’s World.

Aleks Sagan is a recent graduate from York University with two Bachelor’s degrees, one in each English and Education. These sum up a lot of her passions including reading, writing, and working with youth. Her favourite authors are Wally Lamb and Ann-Marie MacDonald. Her favourite poet is Leonard Cohen. She enjoys writing fiction (currently working on two novels) and non-fiction. She believes that young people are the future and that teaching them to care for, love, and respect the world that they live in will ensure a peaceful future. Outside of academia, Aleks loves to spend time in the Canadian outdoors. She is an avid canoer, kayaker, and tripper. She spent eight summers at camp, as both a camper and staff, practicing and honing these skills. To stay fit, Aleks loves running and working out. She is currently training to hopefully complete a marathon, which is a new goal after completing a half-marathon last September. Playing sports is important to her, but so is cheering for her home hockey team: the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite criticism, Aleks is an avid Leafs fan and will continue to support them through another season. Travelling is another passion and Aleks has spent time in Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. Next summer, Aleks hopes to take a trip across Canada from the East to the West coast. In the future, Aleks wants to complete a Master’s degree in an English related field and pursue a career in journalism, creative writing, or outdoor education.

Fydez Tan is a third year student at the University of Toronto, studying Philosophy and Political Science. She is a free-spirited girl with dreams of studying and pursuing law someday and of travelling the world. She loves fashion and looks up to Francoise Hardy and Coco Chanel, to name a few, as icons. Her calm and collected personality is coupled with a “happy-go-lucky” vibe, in which she appears to be timid at a first glance, but when passionate about a cause, her voice speaks up with opinion.  Her optimistic attitude indeed affects her opinions and the views she stands for. Thus, she shares the same positive dream with everybody at Change Tomorrow’s World – a better change for the world is possible. “There are many problems in the world but it does not follow that there is no visible solution. The world may not attain it in one click, but it will surely be achieved in small and patient steps when we are driven by passion and inspiration to put ideas and creativity into action.” – Fydez Tan