World Changer
Justin Kistan • November 6, 2020
What makes a child a world changer
“If you want to change the world, start with yourself.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Don’t you just love classic martial arts movies? Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan with badly dubbed lip syncs, chopping their way through fearsome foes and breaking boards with impunity. They both built their mastery as disciples of Kung Fu, which traces its origins to monks tucked away in monasteries in ancient and esoteric parts of the world. These monks attribute their martial mindset to a simple but effective maxim: Chop Wood, Carry Water.
Monasteries in the East had no running water or electricity. If you wanted heat or water you had to go to the forest to chop wood for fire and head down to the river to carry water. Day in and day out. Monks chopped wood or carried water. You always need wood and water and so it becomes your default activity. Bored? Chop wood and carry water. Wanted some exercise? Chop wood and carry water. Restless or filled with ennui and angst? Chop wood and carry water. The practice built not just muscle but grit and purpose as well. Chopping wood and carrying water was the basic process monks engaged in on the path to Mastery.
Chopping Wood and Carrying Water today manifests itself in the form of tasks that you are committed to doing and that matter to you. We do these tasks because we want to improve ourselves and the world around us. They usually involve some type of self-mastery. Trying to be kinder, more compassionate, healthier, practicing additional reading or being a more dedicated student are all worthy goals on the path to self-mastery. Know what you want to do and then do it. Everyday. Even if it’s boring. Even if you don’t feel like it. Especially if you don’t feel like it. Do what you can. Focus on the process. Trust the process. Chop Wood and Carry Water, whatever that means to you, and the result of the outcome will take care of itself.
To paraphrase author Jordan Peterson, ‘Before you go out and change the world, start first by cleaning your room.’ We need to start small. You need to start with yourself. Change yourself before you try and change the world. Improve yourself and the world improves. When you level up all the people you are networked to, level up as well through your efforts. Then all the people they are networked to level up and so on. Ad infinitum. World changed.
You, focused, working hard on a task that matters, with your mind in flow with the practice and engaged in the process, are Humanity at its best.
Remember, it's what I do every day that will determine where I want to end up one day.
Justin Kistan
College Teacher
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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