Legacy: What We Leave Behind
Legacy isn’t just about what we do, it’s about the lives we touch, the impact we make, and how we make people feel along the way. It’s not limited to wealth, titles, or achievements. At its core, legacy is about contribution. It’s what remains of us in the lives of others after we’re gone.
As both an engineer and an activist, I’ve come to understand legacy from two perspectives. On one hand, I’ve been involved in building systems, solving problems, and shaping ideas that can outlast me. On the other, I’ve seen the quiet power of showing up for people, especially those whose voices often go unheard. It’s easy to overlook, but the way we treat people every day forms the most honest part of our legacy.
When we talk about legacy, it’s tempting to think of larger-than-life figures, people like Nelson Mandela or Malala Yousafzai. Their legacies are profound because they stood for something bigger than themselves. Mandela’s wasn’t just a political legacy, it was a human one. He believed in forgiveness, unity, and dignity. Malala’s courage sparked a global conversation about education and human rights. They remind us that legacy can shape generations.
But legacy doesn’t always require global impact. Sometimes it’s the teacher who saw potential in you when no one else did. The colleague who mentored you quietly. The friend who showed up when you felt alone. These moments, though small on the surface, carry deep weight. Often, it’s those acts of kindness and support that define us the most.
To me, helping people is the best legacy anyone can leave. And it doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just listening. Other times, it’s using your skills, whether in engineering, organizing, or community work, to build something that serves others. That kind of contribution creates lasting change. It shapes people’s lives. And it sticks.
In my work, I often ask myself: “What am I building, and who benefits from it?” If it only serves me, then it’s limited. But if it opens doors, removes obstacles, or gives someone a better shot, that’s meaningful. That’s legacy.
We don’t get to control how long we have, but we do control how we live. We can live with intention, compassion, and purpose. Every conversation, every action, every choice contributes to the story we leave behind.
Legacy isn’t only what survives us, it’s what we offer while we’re here. It’s found in the people we lift, the values we live by, and the paths we help others find.
In the end, I don’t want to be remembered just for what I built. I want to be remembered for who I lifted up along the way.