A Popsicle, A Pavement, and the Irony of Life: A Reflection We All Need

Today, sitting in the comfort of my car, waiting at a traffic signal, I witnessed a moment that shook me to my core. Two young children, dressed in worn clothes, sat on the dusty pavement, sharing a single orange popsicle. No complaints, no demands — missing joy on their faces.

In that instant, I felt the deep irony of life. Here we are, living with countless privileges — comfortable homes, steady incomes, education, and access to opportunities — and yet, how often do we find ourselves complaining about minor inconveniences? A late coffee order, a delayed flight, an unsatisfactory meeting — the list is endless. And there they were, with almost nothing to their name, finding happiness in simply sharing a melting orange bar.

It made me realize how much we take for granted. Gratitude should not just be a concept we discuss in motivational talks — it should be lived every day, especially when life is generous to us.

But my reflection didn’t stop there. It also made me question — what future awaits these children? Why is it that in a country so rich in culture, talent, and innovation, children are still living on the streets, surviving instead of thriving?

Our education system needs radical change. We need an ecosystem that empowers every child — regardless of their background — to dream big, to have access to opportunities, and to believe that their future is not limited to their circumstances. Begging should not be an option for any child. Not because we criminalize poverty, but because we create a society where poverty no longer forces a child to give up their childhood.

In a world obsessed with success and milestones, let us not forget the true markers of a thriving society — equality, opportunity, dignity, and hope.

As professionals, as human beings, we have a responsibility. To contribute, to mentor, to uplift, and to advocate for systems that allow innocence to be preserved a little longer, and dreams to grow a little bigger.

Because every child deserves more than just survival — they deserve a life where happiness is not a rare popsicle moment, but a daily experience.