Five facts about Anna: 1. I've graduated high school! (June 2011) 2. I've been to Brazil, New York, and Ukraine. I love travelling. 3. I love the movies Big Fish, Forest Gump, and Day after Tomorrow. 4. I LOVE Harry Potter. 5. I love Canada: projectmaple.org

Review of The Drowsy Chaperone

Last weekend, I had the lucky fortune to attend a performance of The Drowsy Chaperone. Presented by Theatre Calgary, it was a family-friendly “Musical within a Comedy.” How is this possible? The show begins with a lone actor, known as “Man in Chair,” who reminisces as he plays an old record of a (fictional) musical…

Video of the day: Tropicana “Arctic Sun”

Although I live in Canada and am proud of it, I rarely think about our Arctic North, which is actually a large part of our Canadian identity. I really like this video because of the beautiful footage of the people and lifestyle in the north, as well as its beautiful “Sun.” It features a song…

Internet Metering

The internet has had a huge role in creating society and culture today. While it can be used for negative means, there are infinite ways in which it can and does transform the world for the better. For instance, here at Youth are Awesome, we bloggers are empowered and connected: this website is a a…

Awesome youth in profile: Josh Favel

This coming Valentine’s Day, most people will be thinking of chocolates and flowers. For Josh Favel, however, Valentine’s Day will represent something much bigger. On Feb. 14, he will be turning 18. “I’m excited to vote,” says Josh. Exercising his democratic right will be a big highlight of turning 18 for this Student Council President.…

Crossroads

Being in Grade 12, I am constantly pondering my future. I’m at a crossroads in my life, with so much freedom but with so many consequent choices. I look to my family and friends for guidance, but ultimately it’s up to me. What do I know for sure? I want to do something I love. My career…

Video of the Day: Overcoming Obstacles

This woman has no arms, but rather than complain about it, she learned to do everything with her feet. She’s truly inspiring. My New Years Resolution was to stop complaining, and it’s people like Barb that remind you why it’s so much more powerful to do something to overcome your limitations that it is to…

Website of the Day: FreeRice

How would you like to study for your SATs, or just improve your vocabulary while also fighting world hunger? Well that’s exactly what FreeRice.com does. I’m passionate about social justice, and I love this website for its mission and clever idea… It works like this: You’re given a vocabulary question, such as: watchman means: guard…

Keeping those Resolutions

Happy New Year! Like many of you, I have made some new years resolutions this year. Of course, I’ve started thinking about all my past new years resolutions, particularly the failed ones. This year, I’d like to keep at least one of my resolutions. We make them because they’re usually goals we would really like…

Top ten quotes to get you through exams

As the Christmas holidays grow closer, I find myself daydreaming about presents and plans and decorations, but sadly, the reality is I won’t be able to really get into the Christmas spirit until school is out. My school work to-do list is impossibly long, sending me into near hysterics every time I think about it.…

My first time giving blood

A few weeks ago, I turned 17. This might not be a huge deal to some, but I was ecstatic. Turning 17 meant coming of age… to give blood! According to the Canadian Blood Services, one in every two people will either need blood or know someone who will. As they put it, “Wouldn’t you…

Restaurant Spotlight: Il Giardino

Il Giardino: “The Ultimate in Italian Food and Fun,” 344 – 17 Ave S.W. I was fortunate enough to receive a gift certificate to write a restaurant spotlight. I took my parents, who were very excited. I’m glad I took them, since my dad is quite the cuisine connoisseur and his enthusiasm for the restaurant…

Light a Candle

Holodomor Awareness Week November 22-28 This weekend, I’m going to be remembering. Remembering millions who died of starvation. I was raised in the Ukrainian-Canadian Community, and I’ve always known of the Ukrainian genocide by famine of 1932-33, but as I grew older, I was saddened to see how few people also knew of it. It…

Whyte Ave Vs. Seventeenth

This long weekend, I went up to Edmonton to stay with my sister. She lives about a block off of Whyte Ave, a wonderful avenue bursting with arts and culture. It’s the hub of vibrance in Edmonton, a wonderful spot to shop and go out on the town. I’ve always felt the equivalent in Calgary…